‘Costly mistake’: Arts council slams Maple Ridge takeover of the ACT

Maple Ridge has closed the curtain on the local arts council running the ACT Arts Centre, announcing Monday that it will be taking over operating the facility effective Jan. 1, 2026 after the two sides failed to reach an agreement.

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council has responded by saying it will be a “costly mistake” for the city to end an agreement that’s been in place for 22 years.

The city says it spent a year negotiating with the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council, but now council has directed staff to prepare for the city to assume responsibility to “ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with community priorities. With this change, residents can expect continued high-quality programming, as well as greater alignment between The ACT, Albion Community Centre, and other City facilities.”

The arts council issued a statement, however, saying the city made an unfair offer that it couldn’t accept.

““The City presented the Arts Council with an untenable ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ agreement that would have greatly diminished the Arts Council’s capacity and future,” said Curtis Pendleton, the artistic and executive director. “It had been our hope that the City would engage in good-faith dialogue with us and with an expert third-party consultant to address the many real challenges arts centres are facing across Canada, and to work together on solutions. Instead, City Council made a unilateral decision, without any advance notice to us before sharing their decision publicly. We believe that this decision will ultimately be judged as a very hasty and costly mistake.”

The City said it will work with ACT staff, contractors, artists, and community groups to support a smooth transition to deliver programming and events. The city says it spends an estimated $1 million towards the performing arts centre – a figure the arts council said it “disputes.”

“The Arts Council notes that it operates the Centre as a not-for-profit organization, with a budget of approximately $2.5M annually, and that the City contributes less than a third to its current operation,” the arts council statement says.

A transition team has been established, with the city saying that it hopes to retain the ACT staff, volunteers and contractors wherever possible to maintain continuity. Existing bookings and ticketed events will be honoured, and community groups with upcoming productions will be supported throughout the transition, ensuring a seamless experience for patrons, artists and arts organizations.   

“We are concerned that the level of programs and services offered will be compromised and diminished, and will come at a much higher cost,” Pendleton said.

In the city’s statement, it tried to assure residents that the ACT will maintain its level of quality.

“The ACT is at the heart of Maple Ridge’s vibrant arts scene, and our priority is to ensure it remains a place where creativity and culture can flourish,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy, in a statement. “The city is grateful for the dedication and contributions of the Arts Council in stewarding The ACT for more than 20 years. With more than $1 million in annual investment by the City, this change allows us to manage taxpayer dollars responsibly and transparently while creating new opportunities to expand access to arts and culture for residents. We look forward to engaging the Arts Council and other partners in shaping future cultural initiatives.

“Residents, staff, and community and arts groups can be confident that The ACT will remain open and an inclusive and welcoming hub for everyone,” said Ruimy. “Our focus is on service continuity while enhancing and expanding the vital role arts and culture play in creating a vibrant, connected, and creative community.”