Maple Ridge unveils $393 million recreation expansion plan, voters to decide borrowing in October

Maple Ridge residents are getting their first look at plans for three major recreation projects that would represent the largest recreation investment in the city’s history.

The City of Maple Ridge released schematic designs and a proposed funding strategy June 19 for its Recreation Ready program, a package of projects with a preliminary price tag of $393 million aimed at replacing aging facilities and expanding recreation opportunities for a rapidly growing population.

“When Council began our term, we heard clearly from residents that Maple Ridge needs more recreation amenities to keep pace with our growing community,” Mayor Dan Ruimy said. “After two years of public engagement, technical and design work, Recreation Ready gives us a clear path to provide more swimming, fitness and ice time, and park spaces that will serve everyone for years to come.”

Council reviewed the plans on June 23 and will consider approval of the designs and funding strategy on June 30. If approved, voters would decide in an assent referendum during the Oct. 17 municipal election whether the city can borrow funds needed to move the projects forward.

The Recreation Ready program includes a new Hammond Aquatics and Recreation Centre, a 40-acre multi-use community park on the former Maple Ridge Golf Course site, and a major expansion of the Albion arena complex.

Three major projects planned

The largest project is the proposed Hammond Aquatics and Recreation Centre, estimated at $227 million. Planned for the current Hammond Pool and Larry Walker Field area, the facility would feature a 37.5-metre, eight-lane pool, a leisure pool with a lazy river, fitness facilities, a gymnasium, arts and culture space, a café and parking.

Construction is currently targeted to begin in 2029.

A second project would transform the former Maple Ridge Golf Course into a 40-acre multi-use community park. The first phase, estimated at $23 million, would include two baseball diamonds, seating, batting cages, a fieldhouse, meeting space, trails and accessible green space. Construction could begin in 2027.

The third component is a $143-million expansion of the Albion arena complex at the fairgrounds. Plans call for a new recreation rink, a spectator rink with seating for 2,000 people, viewing suites, fitness facilities, a walking track and expanded tournament and event space. Construction is targeted for 2028.

Growing demand driving expansion

City officials say the projects are needed as Maple Ridge continues to grow.

The community’s population currently sits at about 106,000 and is projected to increase by nearly 40 per cent over the next 25 years.
According to the city, existing recreation infrastructure is already under strain. The 45-year-old Maple Ridge Leisure Centre and the 28-year-old Planet Ice complex are operating beyond capacity, with waitlists for programs such as swimming lessons and ice rentals. Meanwhile, the 63-year-old Hammond Pool requires significant annual repairs and is nearing the end of its service life.

The projects stem from the city’s Move, Meet and Play recreation facility feasibility study and priorities identified in the 2023 Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.

The city said public engagement helped shape the plans, with 2,700 survey responses generating more than 8,300 individual comments and sentiments from residents, organizations and user groups.

Tax impact outlined

To fund the projects, the city is proposing a combination of long-term borrowing, Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs), senior government grants and potential sponsorship opportunities.

Under the proposed model, about 60 percent of borrowing costs would be repaid through property taxes and 40 percent through ACCs collected from new development.

The city estimates homeowners would see property taxes increase by about three per cent annually for four years, from 2027 to 2030.
For a home assessed at $650,000, that would amount to an additional $55 in 2027, rising to about $238 annually by 2030. A home assessed at $1 million would pay about $90 more in 2027, increasing to roughly $385 annually by 2030.

Commercial properties would face similar annual increases over the four-year period.

The city said ACCs would be phased in gradually, with existing development applications given a one-year transition period before new charges apply.

Call for senior government support

The city is also pursuing outside funding to reduce the amount that would need to be borrowed.

Maple Ridge has applied to the federal Build Communities Strong Fund and plans to continue seeking grants, sponsorships and partnerships.

“Maple Ridge has taken significant action in response to the mandate from senior levels of government to support new housing, including exceeding provincial housing targets,” Ruimy said. “We’re now calling on the provincial and federal governments to do their part to support this new housing by helping fund the necessary critical infrastructure and recreation amenities.”

If council approves the plan on June 30, the city will begin public information and engagement activities ahead of the October assent vote. Should voters approve borrowing, council would then adopt a loan authorization bylaw allowing the projects to proceed.