Maple Ridge voters face two closely connected decisions on Oct. 17: who should lead the city for the next four years, and whether to authorize up to $393 million in borrowing for three major recreation projects.

The election has become a debate over how much Maple Ridge should spend to accommodate its growing population, how quickly new infrastructure should be built and whether residents can afford the financial commitments being proposed.

Incumbent Mayor Dan Ruimy is seeking a second term with his A Better Maple Ridge slate, campaigning on the current council’s record of infrastructure investment, housing initiatives and public safety improvements.

Challenging him is Jerry Kok, a former Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce president who argues that the city needs a more affordable approach to recreation investment, stronger economic development and greater accountability.

Meanwhile, 16 candidates are competing for six council seats, including four running with Ruimy’s slate and 13 independents.

Notably, only three members from the previous council are running against as incumbents, including Ruimy and Korleen Carreras on the slate, and Judy Dueck as an independent.

The result will help determine whether Maple Ridge continues with the current administration’s plans or changes course on spending, development and community priorities.

The biggest issue: A $393-million recreation referendum

The Recreation Ready program is arguably the most contentious issue in this year’s municipal election.

Supporters argue that Maple Ridge has outgrown its existing recreational facilities, with shortages of swimming lessons, ice time and community spaces already affecting families.

Opponents question the cost, the proposed locations and the prospect of losing the historic Maple Ridge Golf Course, arguing that more affordable alternatives should be explored before committing taxpayers to decades of borrowing.

The referendum consists of three borrowing separate questions:

Project	Maximum borrowing
Hammond Aquatics and Recreation Centre	$227 million
Albion Twin-Rink Arena Expansion	$143 million
Hammond Multi-Use Community Park at Maple Ridge Golf Course	$23 million
Total	$393 million

The aquatic centre would replace aging facilities and provide year-round swimming, fitness and community space. The Albion expansion would increase ice and dry-floor capacity, while the proposed 40-acre park would provide new sports fields and other amenities.

The park proposal is particularly controversial because it would replace the existing golf course and accommodate baseball diamonds displaced by construction of the aquatic centre at Hammond Community Park.

Voters can approve or reject each borrowing question separately. A successful vote authorizes the city to proceed with the relevant borrowing process; it does not mean construction begins immediately.

What about property taxes?

The city proposes financing the projects through a combination of borrowing, amenity cost charges collected from development, potential grants and sponsorships.

Its financial projections have included additional property tax increases of approximately three percentage points annually between 2027 and 2030 to support the recreation investments, beyond increases required for regular municipal operations.

That has made affordability a central campaign issue, especially for residents on fixed incomes and homeowners already concerned about rising living costs.

The dispute is not simply whether Maple Ridge needs new recreation facilities. Many critics support additional pools and ice rinks but question whether the current designs, locations and financing represent the best value.

Other issues dividing candidates

The recreation referendum has dominated much of the campaign, but several other issues are shaping the election.

• Public safety and homelessness: Candidates broadly support safer streets, but differ in their emphasis on policing, prevention, mental health and addiction services, and the city’s role in responding to homelessness.
• Housing and development: With Maple Ridge continuing to grow, candidates are debating development approvals, neighbourhood character, housing affordability and whether infrastructure is keeping pace.
• Taxes and municipal spending: Critics of the current administration want tighter spending controls and greater scrutiny of major projects, while incumbents emphasize the need to invest in facilities and services for a growing population.
• Economic development: There is considerable agreement that Maple Ridge needs more local jobs and commercial and industrial investment to diversify its tax base.
• Transportation: Road congestion, improvements to Abernethy Way and Golden Ears Way, and better transit connections remain prominent concerns.
• Environmental protection: The future of the golf course, protection of green spaces and the effects of development on established neighbourhoods have become part of the broader debate over growth.

These divisions were on display at September candidate forums, where the recreation plan, municipal finances, public safety and the city’s direction featured prominently in discussions among mayoral and council hopefuls.

The Mayoral Race

Watch the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce’s Mayoral Debate here.

Dan Ruimy –– current mayor

Incumbent Mayor Dan Ruimy is seeking a second term, campaigning on the current council’s record of infrastructure investment, public safety improvements, housing initiatives and long-term planning.

Before being elected mayor in 2022, Ruimy served as the federal MP for Pitt Meadows–Maple Ridge, where he chaired the House of Commons Industry Committee. His business career included helping expand national restaurant franchises, opening more than 140 locations, and operating Bean Around Books in downtown Maple Ridge.

Ruimy argues that the city has made significant progress during his first term and needs continuity to complete major projects. His slate points to $16.6 million in federal housing funding, faster development approvals, more than 80 safer pedestrian crossings and additional emergency services staffing.

The campaign also highlights the city’s efforts to diversify its tax base, expand industrial opportunities and improve transportation infrastructure, including Abernethy Way.

Ruimy supports the current recreation investment program and has been one of its leading advocates. His administration advanced the three projects to the referendum, arguing that Maple Ridge needs additional swimming, skating and community recreation capacity to accommodate growth.

Official website for further reading

Jerry Kok –– the challenger

Jerry Kok is a longtime Maple Ridge resident, business leader and community advocate who is campaigning on fiscal responsibility, economic development and making city hall more responsive to residents.

Kok has more than 45 years of connections to Maple Ridge, having attended the original Yennadon Elementary School before raising his own family in the community.

He served four years as president of the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce, overseeing a rebranding, the opening of a new Maple Ridge office and membership growth averaging 11 per cent annually. He also received the chamber’s inaugural Legacy Award.

Kok has chaired Maple Ridge’s economic development and transportation advisory committees and served on public safety and other municipal advisory bodies.

He wants to attract more commercial and industrial investment, create local employment opportunities, improve public safety and reduce pressure on residential taxpayers.

His campaign also emphasizes transparency and accountability, including a proposed one-year wage freeze for mayor and council.

Kok opposes the current $393-million plan, arguing that Maple Ridge should pursue less expensive facilities and reconsider the proposed locations. He supports additional swimming and ice capacity but opposes replacing the historic golf course. Kok says he would respect the referendum results if elected.

Official website for further reading

The slate

Four candidates running under mayor’s team

Ruimy is running with four council candidates under the A Better Maple Ridge banner, presenting voters with a team committed to continuing the direction established during the current term: including Korleen Carreras, Bob D’Eith, Bhupinder Johar, and Leanne Koehn.

The slate argues that cooperation at city hall has helped advance projects that previously stalled and that the city needs experienced, collaborative leadership to maintain momentum.

Its candidates bring backgrounds in education, provincial politics, business, environmental advocacy and community service.

A Better Maple Ridge supports the current council’s direction of investing in additional recreation infrastructure.

Ruimy and Carreras have directly participated in advancing the Recreation Ready program, while D’Eith, Johar and Koehn are running on a shared platform that highlights the progress made under the current administration.

The slate presents recreation expansion as part of preparing Maple Ridge for population growth, rather than as an expense that should be indefinitely postponed.

However, the candidates’ shared support for recreation investment should not automatically be interpreted as five separately confirmed voting declarations on every borrowing question.

The distinction is especially relevant for D’Eith, Johar and Koehn, whose individual campaign statements focus more heavily on their broader policy priorities than on detailed positions concerning each project.

Official website for further reading

Korleen Carreras — Incumbent councillor

Carreras is seeking a second term on city council after more than a decade in elected public service.

She was first elected to the Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows School Board in 2014 and served as its chair from 2018 to 2022, before winning a council seat.

Carreras has worked for the BC General Employees’ Union since 2005 and previously owned a Port Moody dance studio serving approximately 450 students. She is also a former president of the local arts council.

Living in Albion with her husband and two children, Carreras has made recreation, family amenities and community spaces central to her political priorities.

Her campaign emphasizes expanding recreation opportunities, improving roads and infrastructure, modernizing city hall’s policies and diversifying the commercial tax base.

She argues that Maple Ridge needs to plan ahead for its growing population rather than waiting for infrastructure shortages to become more severe.

Carreras supports the current council’s recreation investment direction and has championed expanding aquatic, ice and community facilities.

Bob D’Eith — Former MLA

Bob D’Eith is seeking a council seat after seven years representing Maple Ridge–Mission in the B.C. legislature.

Elected provincially in 2017, D’Eith served until 2024, including as parliamentary secretary for arts and film.

He is a lawyer with more than 35 years of experience and was appointed King’s Counsel in 2021. He is also a two-time JUNO Award-nominated musician and previously led Music BC for 15 years, advocating for the province’s creative industries.

D’Eith remains involved in local community organizations, including Community Services Society, Cythera Anti-Violence Society and Alouette Addictions Services Society.

His campaign focuses on strengthening the local economy, improving transportation and infrastructure, supporting vulnerable residents and ensuring Maple Ridge can access provincial and federal partnerships.

D’Eith argues that his experience working across different levels of government could help the city secure support for major infrastructure projects.

Bhupinder Johar — Veterinarian and community volunteer

Bhupinder Johar has lived in Maple Ridge for nearly 25 years, building his veterinary career and raising his family in the community.

Through his work caring for thousands of local pets, Johar says he has developed a strong understanding of the pressures facing residents, including affordability, homelessness, public safety and access to services.

Originally from Punjab, Johar immigrated to Canada in 1999 and obtained his Canadian veterinary licence in 2003.

His community involvement includes serving on the Ridge Meadows South Asian Cultural Society board, chairing Maple Ridge’s Agriculture Advisory Committee and supporting local sporting and animal welfare organizations.

Johar is campaigning on safer neighbourhoods, better transportation, economic development and creating opportunities for families.

He supports improving regional transit connections, including Bus Rapid Transit, and strengthening the city’s commercial tax base to reduce reliance on residential property taxes.

Leanne Koehn — Environmental and community advocate

Leanne Koehn is a lifelong Maple Ridge community advocate who has spent much of her career working on environmental sustainability, neighbourhood engagement and cultural initiatives.

Born and raised in Maple Ridge, she returned to the city in 2007 after studying at UBC and living abroad.

Koehn has worked for approximately 16 years with Ridge Meadows Recycling Society, gaining experience in financial management, strategic planning, communications and community programs.

She co-founded Hammond Neighbours, helped organize Maple Ridge’s Earth Day celebrations and established local Repair Cafes, which encourage residents to repair rather than discard household items.

Her involvement also includes chairing the city’s Environmental Advisory Committee and supporting local arts, heritage and cultural projects.

Koehn is campaigning on environmental protection, reconciliation, social inclusion and meaningful public participation in municipal decisions.

She says the current council’s collaborative approach and the slate’s emphasis on kindness and diversity influenced her decision to run.

The independent candidates

Watch the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce’s All Candidates Forum here.

The 12 independent candidates offer a range of alternatives, from former elected officials and experienced business owners to first-time candidates focused on community safety, affordability and neighbourhood issues.

Although many have expressed concerns about Recreation Ready, they do not all share the same position on the three borrowing questions.

Judy Dueck — Incumbent councillor

Judy Dueck is seeking another term after 29 years in elected public service, including approximately two decades on Maple Ridge council and nine years as a school trustee.

A Maple Ridge resident since 1976 and retired health and safety professional, Dueck is campaigning on affordability, public safety, responsible growth and strengthening the local economy.

She argues that her experience provides institutional knowledge of the city’s development, finances and infrastructure needs.

Dueck has emphasized the importance of commercial and industrial development to create local employment and diversify municipal revenue.

Her campaign also focuses on transportation improvements, public accountability and ensuring residents are meaningfully involved in major decisions.

Recreation Ready: Dueck voted against advancing the golf course conversion proposal but previously supported further design and costing work on the broader recreation program. She has not established a definitive voting position on the aquatic centre or arena borrowing questions, but said she will follow the results of the referendum.

Official website for further reading

Mike Morden –– Former mayor

Mike Morden is seeking a return to city council after serving as Maple Ridge mayor from 2018 to 2022 and previously completing two terms as councillor.

A longtime resident and former local security business owner, Morden is campaigning on public safety, fiscal restraint and government accountability.

His previous administration emphasized neighbourhood safety and addressing disorder around the former Anita Place homeless encampment.

Morden argues that council should focus on essential services, careful budgeting and infrastructure investments that residents can afford.

He has also called for stronger financial oversight and practical solutions to community problems rather than costly projects that could constrain future municipal budgets.

Recreation Ready: Morden opposes the current $393-million recreation plan, arguing that the city should pursue more affordable alternatives. He wants to preserve Maple Ridge Golf Course, reconsider the proposed aquatic centre and explore less expensive options for additional ice capacity.

Official website for further reading

Chelsa Meadus — Former councillor and entrepreneur

Chelsa Meadus is seeking a return to council after serving from 2018 to 2022.

An entrepreneur and communications professional, Meadus has lived in Maple Ridge for approximately 25 years and is campaigning on financial accountability, public safety and economic development.

She describes herself as a fiscal watchdog who would question municipal spending and push for greater transparency around major projects.

Meadus argues that residents are facing an affordability crisis and that council needs to protect essential services without committing taxpayers to unnecessary costs.

Her campaign also emphasizes supporting local businesses, improving neighbourhood safety and ensuring development decisions reflect community needs.

Recreation Ready: Meadus opposes replacing the golf course and has raised concerns about the financial implications of the aquatic centre and arena projects.

Official website for further reading

Ryan Svendsen — Former councillor and fire captain

Ryan Svendsen is seeking a return to city council after serving from 2018 to 2022.

Svendsen has lived in Maple Ridge since 1993, when his family settled in Hammond. He and his wife are now raising their two daughters in the community.

He has worked as a firefighter since 2004 and currently serves as a fire captain.

Svendsen says his experience in emergency services and municipal government has shaped his approach to leadership: preparation, listening, asking questions and making principled decisions.

His campaign focuses on public safety, responsible development, infrastructure improvements, protecting natural spaces and ensuring taxpayers receive value from municipal investments.

He also emphasizes working constructively with other elected officials regardless of political differences.

Recreation Ready: Svendsen supports well-planned recreation investments and careful scrutiny of municipal borrowing, but has not established a definitive public position on each of the three questions in the available campaign material.

Official website for further reading

Kristina Brown — Real estate professional

Kristina Brown is a Silver Valley resident and real estate professional campaigning on affordability, responsible development and stronger financial oversight at city hall.

Brown grew up in Maple Ridge and has spent more than two decades working in real estate, giving her experience with housing markets, development and the challenges facing buyers and homeowners.

She holds a diploma from BCIT and operates Synergy Real Estate Services.

Brown argues that Maple Ridge needs practical leadership that understands how municipal spending, development decisions and infrastructure costs affect residents.

Her campaign emphasizes neighbourhood planning, sustainable growth and ensuring that new development does not outpace roads, services and community amenities.

Recreation Ready: Brown opposes the current plan, citing its financial implications, concerns about the Hammond aquatic centre location and the proposed loss of Maple Ridge Golf Course. She wants the city to reconsider the projects rather than proceed with the current package.

Official website for further reading

Leah Campbell — Business and sales professional

Leah Campbell is campaigning on fiscal restraint, economic development and creating a stronger commercial tax base.

Campbell has worked internationally in hotel and real estate sales, bringing experience in business development, customer relations and commercial operations.

Her family has longstanding connections to Maple Ridge, including opening a Bosley’s pet store in the community in 1980. Campbell returned to Maple Ridge in 2019.

She argues that the city should attract more businesses and employment opportunities while encouraging walkable, mixed-use neighbourhoods where residents can access services closer to home.

Campbell is particularly concerned about rising property taxes and the long-term cost of municipal borrowing.

Recreation Ready: Campbell opposes the current plan, particularly the golf course conversion. She argues that the total financial commitment, including interest, could be substantially higher than the initial borrowing amounts and wants more affordable alternatives explored.

Campaign Facebook page for further reading

Ken Holland — Home designer and business advocate

Ken Holland is campaigning on lower taxes, greater accountability and improving how city hall deals with residents and businesses.

Holland has operated a house design company in Maple Ridge for 25 years, giving him regular experience navigating municipal planning and development processes.

He served 13 years on the Chamber of Commerce board, including two terms as president, and has been involved with Rotary clubs for 13 years, including service as club president and assistant district governor.

Holland argues that city hall has become unnecessarily difficult to deal with and needs a more cooperative, service-oriented approach.

He wants council to scrutinize spending, reduce bureaucratic obstacles and make financially prudent decisions that protect taxpayers.

Recreation Ready: Holland opposes converting Maple Ridge Golf Course and has criticized the prospect of additional property tax increases to finance recreation facilities. His individual voting intentions on the aquatic centre and arena borrowing questions have not been confirmed.

Lou Jose — Business manager

Lou Jose is a longtime Maple Ridge resident with more than 30 years of corporate management experience.

Jose is campaigning on financial accountability, business development and strengthening the city’s commercial tax base.

He argues that council needs to examine municipal budgets line by line and focus on investments that provide clear value.

Jose is concerned that Maple Ridge’s growth has concentrated too heavily on residential development without creating enough commercial space and employment opportunities.

He wants to encourage business investment while protecting taxpayers from major spending commitments that could increase costs for years.

Recreation Ready: Jose opposes the proposed $227-million Hammond aquatic centre and $23-million golf course park conversion. He supports adding ice capacity but wants a more economical multi-use facility rather than the current Albion proposal. His exact voting intention on the Albion borrowing question remains unconfirmed.

Official website for further reading

Andrew Laity — Sixth-generation Maple Ridge resident

Andrew Laity is campaigning on lower property taxes, public safety, government transparency and restoring public confidence in Maple Ridge City Hall.

A sixth-generation Maple Ridge resident, Laity comes from a family with longstanding ties to the community. His great-great-great-grandfather, John Laity, served as mayor more than a century ago.

Laity’s background includes studies in business administration, marketing management, property valuation and carpentry, along with work experience in the oil sands, real estate and construction.

He argues that rising property taxes, downtown safety concerns and traffic congestion are among the most pressing issues facing Maple Ridge.

A central part of his campaign is improving accountability at city hall, including greater transparency around municipal spending, staffing decisions and the use of public resources.

Laity says residents deserve confidence that municipal decisions are made fairly and that public institutions are accountable to the people they serve.

He also wants to strengthen financial oversight, improve downtown conditions and ensure the city prioritizes essential services while controlling costs.

Recreation Ready: Laity opposes converting Maple Ridge Golf Course into a multi-use park and has raised concerns about the financial implications of the $393-million recreation plan. He supports expanding ice capacity, including a fourth sheet of ice, but has not established a definitive voting position on all three borrowing questions.

Inya Mitrovic — Negotiator and strategic adviser

Inya Mitrovic is campaigning on thoughtful growth, fiscal responsibility, community engagement and protecting Maple Ridge’s natural and recreational assets.

A Maple Ridge resident since 2019, Mitrovic has a master’s degree in conflict management and works as a professional negotiator in the natural resources sector.

She founded MRC Strategies, bringing experience in complex negotiations, stakeholder relationships and strategic planning.

Mitrovic argues that Maple Ridge needs leadership capable of balancing competing priorities rather than treating growth and preservation as mutually exclusive.

Her campaign emphasizes agriculture, agri-tourism, recreation opportunities and ensuring residents have meaningful input into development decisions.

Mitrovic opposes losing the golf course and existing baseball fields. She questions the proposed Hammond aquatic centre location and wants more affordable ice facilities that could accommodate additional sports.

Campaign Facebook page for further reading

Steven Muise — Retired firefighter

Steven Muise is campaigning on public safety, infrastructure, government accountability and protecting taxpayers from excessive spending.

A Maple Ridge resident for approximately 24 years, Muise is a retired Vancouver firefighter who has also worked in heavy-duty mechanics and engineering-related roles.

He has experience coaching youth lacrosse and says his professional background has reinforced the importance of safety standards, preparation and practical problem-solving.

One of his most specific campaign priorities is a proposed bridge crossing over the South Alouette River near 240th Street to provide another access route for Silver Valley residents and emergency responders.

Muise also supports expanding commercial and industrial activity to strengthen the city’s tax base.

Muise has raised concerns about the plan’s cost and the potential impact on seniors and other residents with fixed incomes. He also wants the city to examine alternatives that could preserve the golf course and reduce costs.

Official website for further reading

Cindy-Lea Stephenson — Downtown business owner

Cindy-Lea Stephenson, known to many residents as “Mumsy,” is campaigning on downtown safety, small-business support and community involvement.

Stephenson has lived in Maple Ridge for 48 years and opened Once Upon a Tea Leaf with her daughter in 2007.

Her business experience spans 24 years, including navigating economic downturns, the pandemic, rising costs, break-ins and vandalism.

She has spent 19 years volunteering and serving on the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association board, advocating for local businesses and a more welcoming downtown.

Stephenson says her experience operating a storefront has given her firsthand knowledge of how municipal decisions affect businesses, customers and vulnerable residents.

Her campaign emphasizes respectful leadership, thoughtful growth and ensuring seniors, families, newcomers and people experiencing homelessness are included in community discussions.

Stephenson has not established a clear public position on the three borrowing questions in the campaign statements provided.

Where the candidates stand, at a glance

The $393-million Recreation Ready referendum has become one of the defining issues of Maple Ridge’s municipal election, with candidates divided over the cost of the proposed facilities, the future of Maple Ridge Golf Course and whether the city should pursue less expensive alternatives.

Maple Ridge is facing a familiar challenge for fast-growing communities: demand for roads, recreation facilities, housing and public services is increasing, but so is concern about the cost of providing them.

The referendum has sharpened that tension.

For supporters, Recreation Ready represents an opportunity to address longstanding recreation shortages and avoid falling further behind population growth.

For critics, it represents a financial commitment that could constrain future budgets and increase pressure on taxpayers, while replacing an existing golf course that some residents want preserved.

The mayoral race reflects that broader disagreement. Ruimy argues that the city should continue building on the current council’s work, while Kok wants to reassess major spending commitments and pursue different approaches.

The council election is more complicated. Several independents share concerns about affordability or the golf course but differ in their preferred solutions. Others are emphasizing public safety, neighbourhood infrastructure or improving city hall’s relationship with residents and businesses.

And with six council seats available, the eventual balance between slate candidates and independents could be just as consequential as the mayoral result.

On Oct. 17, voters will not simply be choosing their next mayor and council. They will also be deciding how much borrowing authority to give the city for three major projects that could shape Maple Ridge’s finances and recreational landscape for decades.

The table distinguishes between candidates who oppose the overall plan, those who support the current direction and those whose positions on individual borrowing questions remain unconfirmed.

Candidate	Recreation Ready position
Dan Ruimy — Mayor	Supports the current recreation investment direction
Jerry Kok — Mayoral challenger	Opposes the current $393M plan; wants more affordable alternatives
Korleen Carreras	Supports the current recreation investment direction
Bob D’Eith	Supports the current recreation investment direction
Bhupinder Johar	Supports the current recreation investment direction
Leanne Koehn	Supports the current recreation investment direction
Kristina Brown	Opposes the current plan; will follow results of referendum
Leah Campbell	Opposes the current plan; will follow results of referendum
Judy Dueck	Opposes golf course conversion; will follow results of referendum
Lou Jose	Opposes proposed pool and golf course conversion; wants cheaper ice facilities
Chelsa Meadus	Opposes golf course conversion; questions other costs
Inya Mitrovic	Opposes losing golf course and baseball fields; wants alternatives
Mike Morden	Opposes the current plan; advocates lower-cost alternatives
Steven Muise	Raises tax concerns; specific votes unconfirmed
Cindy-Lea Stephenson	No confirmed position
Ken Holland	Opposes golf course conversion; raises tax concerns
Ryan Svendsen	Supports responsible recreation investment; specific votes unconfirmed
Andrew Laity	Opposes golf course conversion

For official voting information, candidate biographies and referendum details, visit the City of Maple Ridge’s election information page

Where and when to vote

Maple Ridge residents can cast their ballots in the municipal election and Recreation Ready referendum on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at any of eight voting locations across the city.

Voters will elect one mayor, six councillors and five school trustees, while also deciding on three separate borrowing questions for the city’s proposed recreation facilities.

Election Day voting locations are:

• Whonnock Elementary School: 27471 112 Ave.
• Garibaldi Secondary School: 24789 Dewdney Trunk Rd.
• Albion Community Centre: 24165 104 Ave.
• Yennadon Elementary School: 23347 128 Ave.
• Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre: 12150 224 St.
• Laity View Elementary School: 21023 123 Ave.
• Hammond Elementary School: 11520 203 St.
• Thomas Haney Secondary School: 23000 116 Ave.