Maple Ridge eyes new federal-provincial infrastructure fund to support housing growth

Maple Ridge says it is ready to work with senior levels of government to secure funding for major infrastructure projects following the announcement of a new federal-provincial agreement aimed at supporting growing communities across British Columbia.

In a June 18 news release, the city welcomed the agreement announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier David Eby under the federal Build Communities Strong Fund, which includes a $5-billion federal commitment alongside provincial funding over the next decade.

Mayor Dan Ruimy said the city wants to be among the first municipalities to partner with provincial and federal governments to determine how the new funding can be accessed and put toward shovel-ready projects.

He added developers are facing challenges delivering housing projects in the current economic climate, making it more difficult for municipalities to meet provincially mandated housing targets.

“Maple Ridge wants to be among the first communities to work with the provincial and federal governments to determine how to unlock these new funds and get projects built,” Ruimy said. “Relief on development costs will support the construction of more housing while the government funding will allow cities to deliver the infrastructure needed to build complete communities.”

The agreement is intended to help transform, connect and modernize communities throughout the province, with funding available for infrastructure needed to support population growth and housing development.

For Maple Ridge, one of Metro Vancouver’s fastest-growing municipalities, the announcement comes as the city plans a series of major infrastructure projects designed to accommodate future residents.

According to the city, work is underway on planning and designing upgrades to water, sewer and road networks, along with recreation facilities needed to serve a population that is expected to increase by nearly 40 per cent over the next 20 years.

The city noted that rapidly growing communities require more than municipal infrastructure. Maple Ridge has also been advocating for increased investment in provincial services, including healthcare facilities, hospital capacity and schools.

Ruimy said he was encouraged that the agreement includes support for healthcare infrastructure, which he described as essential to keeping pace with the city’s growth.

“I’m pleased to see that today’s agreement will also support expansion of healthcare facilities, which along with schools are necessary infrastructure to support the kind of rapid population growth we’ve seen here in Maple Ridge,” he said.

The mayor also used the announcement to renew calls for funding commitments toward rapid transit expansion in the northeast sector.

While the agreement references $2.5 billion for public transit, the city said that funding had already been announced and does not represent new money for projects such as the proposed Langley-Haney Place Bus Rapid Transit corridor.

Ruimy said Maple Ridge is still awaiting previously promised federal funding for TransLink projects.

“As a rapidly growing community, Maple Ridge needs to see a provincial and federal commitment so we can deliver BRT and connect our residents to the region’s rapid transit network,” he said.

The city has been a vocal supporter of the Langley-Haney Place BRT project, which would improve transit connections between Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley and the broader regional rapid transit system.

Maple Ridge council unanimously endorsed the project in May, citing the need for improved transportation options as the community continues to grow.