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Home My WebLink About1997 Citizens ReportCorporation of the District of Maple Ridge 1997 Annual Report Home of the 1998 B.C. Summer Games Members of Council Mayor Carl Durksen Councillor Linda King Councillor Jim Clements Councillor Candace Gordon Councillor Betty Levens Councillor Tom Baker Councillor Ken Stewart Vision A safe and livable community for our present and future citizens Value Statements Leadership To encourage innovation, creativity, and initiative Service To be fair, friendly, and helpful Reputation To stress excellence, integrity, accountability, and honesty Human Resources To recognize that our people are our most valuable resource Community To respect and promote our community Cover Photography by Oliver Reusz http:\\www.mapleridge.org Table of Contents Chief Administrative Officer’s Report ...........................1 Development Services ...........................................................11 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position .............2 Financial & Corporate Services ............................................12 Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities ...........3 Operational Services ..............................................................13 Average Home Comparison of Taxes .............................4 Fire Services ............................................................................14 1997 GRF Revenues & Expenditures .............................6 Police Services ........................................................................15 Debt Graphs.......................................................................7 Demographics .........................................................................16 1997 in Review...................................................................8 Telephone List ........................................................................17 Community Development & Recreation Services ........10 Legend of the Beast ...............................................................18 The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has given an Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting to the District of Maple Ridge for its Popular Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. The Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting is a prestigious international award recognizing conformance with the highest standards for preparation of state/provincial and local government popular reports. In order to receive an Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting, a government unit must publish a Popular Annual Financial Report, whose contents conform to program standards of creativity, presentation, understandability, and reader appeal. An Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting is valid for a period of one year only. The District of Maple Ridge has received a Popular Award for the first time and are in very elite company being one of only two awarded in Canada. We believe our current report continues to confirm to the Popular Annual Financial Reporting requirements, and we are submitting it to GFOA. On behalf of my colleagues on Council, I am pleased to once again present our annual report. The report is produced in the first quarter of each year and highlights the significant activities of each municipal department for the preceding year. It also provides an overview of our financial performance. There were many exciting opportunities and challenges in 1997. Municipal plans are under way to provide a venue for the 1998 BC Summer Games. Our beautiful community will host 4000 athletes from across the province. The Games’ office is open and 4000 volunteers are needed for this event. We entered into an agreement with RG Properties Ltd. in 1997, to build a new arena due to open in the Fall of 1998 at the Maple Ridge Fairgrounds. Negotiations are under way to redevelop the old arena site and revitalize the downtown core. We have a vision for a vibrant, exciting downtown for Maple Ridge. After months of work by volunteers, staff, and council members a Downtown Action Plan Committee submitted a series of recom- mendations for the downtown. Council also adopted a Rural Plan that addresses the diverse needs of our precious rural community. The new plan will help guide our decisions and ensure we are sensitive to the mix of urban and rural needs in Maple Ridge. An Economic Development Strategy was also undertaken to create a positive climate and focus for our com- mercial and industrial sectors. We want to attract new business, and ensure existing business is solidly supported by municipal initiatives. In 1997, the District developed comprehensive business plans. The plans guide all departments in managing municipal resources. Among the awards we received were the prestigious Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, the Popular Annual Financial Report Award, and the Quality Council of B.C. Bronze Award for our efforts toward total quality management. Internationally, Maple Ridge continues to forge new friendships across the Pacific. We exchanged visits with our sister city of Yingko in Taiwan, and signed a Friendship Agreement with the Dongcheng District of Beijing, China. As a result of our Chinese friendship, a private sector Trade Office will open in Maple Ridge in the spring of 1998. These relationships bring economic and investment opportunities and also encourage mutual understanding and global fellowship. Due to provincial transfer payment cuts in 1997, Council approved a slight increase in municipal tax rates. Maple Ridge continues to have one of the lowest tax rates in the region. I am especially pleased with our continued initiatives to protect and enhance the environment as we cope with the ever-increasing pressures of continued growth. Council is committed to continuing to enhance the quality of life in our community. We look forward to working with municipal staff in the upcoming year for the benefit of all our citizens. Mayor’s Message Carl Durksen Carl E. Durksen Mayor Chief Administrative Officer’s Report R.W. (Bob) Robertson This is our second annual report, which is produced to provide an overview of District and community activities during the 1997 calendar. Last year’s inaugural annual report received a “Popular Annual Financial Report” Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for creativity, presentation, comprehension, and reader-appeal. In addition, the report received many positive comments from Maple Ridge citizens, businesses, and other organizations. We will continue to improve on the information contained in this report to ensure that it will be a valuable source of information about our community and the operations of the District of Maple Ridge. In 1997 the District continued the work plan outlined in the Corporate Strategic Plan of Council initiated in 1996. Some of the highlights are as follows: Business Plans – As Council directed, staff have prepared detailed business plans for each service area that provides a framework for decision-making. These business plans will be further refined to include specific performance measures this year under the direction of a Business Planning Steering Committee that includes representatives from different departments at all levels of the organization. The business plans reflect the priorities that Council identified in the 1997 Corporate Strategic Plan and they will continue to assist in the allocation of increasingly limited dollars on a multi-year basis. Quality and Customer Service – The District of Maple Ridge received the pres- tigious Bronze Award from the Quality Council of British Columbia. Council is very supportive of continuous quality improvement in all aspects of the organization. A significant change that will be occurring in 1998 is the establishment of a new divi- sion, Public Works and Development Services headed by Mr. Jake Rudolph our new General Manager. In part, this structural change to combine two divisions is aimed at providing better service to our customers and citizens as these areas work closely together on land use management and development related issues. Technology – The District is continually seeking ways to increase the use of technology to help us be more efficient and effective in our daily business. The newly developed Internet site is now linked with numerous other community and other sites. The District has initiated discussions on a “Smart City” project with BC Telecom and hopes to work with them more cooperatively in the future on this and other issues. All of these projects are aimed at making the District more accessible to the customers and citizens we serve. Environment – Council has identified the environment as an important issue in our community. This area will be a focus of continued efforts in 1998. During the past year, the recycling program was expanded to include plastic pop bottles and milk jugs. Also, the District won an award for its leadership efforts in recycling from the Ridge-Meadows Recycling Society. In summary, the District of Maple Ridge continues to change in response to the demands from citizens and customers; the burdens of downloading by the provincial government; and, the pressures faced by competing in a global economy. Staff are excited by the new challenges and remain committed to the principles of providing fair, friendly, and helpful service.3 Budgeted Positions Budget $ 794,667 Actual 1,378,146 * Jake Rudolph 1 * Actual figures include a special grant of $500,000 to our Senior Citizens’ Recreation Facility and $104,000 for the Courthouse Sharing Agreement which were not part of the Adopted Budget. 2 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position As at December 31, 1997 1997 1996 Financial Assets Cash and Temporary Investments $ 47,929,367 $ 45,612,393 Accounts Receivable 11,297,235 7,191,336 Mortgage Receivable 1,450,000 1,450,000 Prepaid Expenses and Other 705,183 811,995 61,381,785 55,065,724 Liabilities Demand Loan Payable —620,000 Accounts Payable 7,320,422 10,457,949 Deferred Revenues 3,564,377 3,065,251 Restricted Revenues 13,581,361 9,926,993 Refundable Performance Deposits and Other 1,315,601 1,529,025 Long Term Debt 15,210,158 16,937,251 40,991,919 42,536,469 Net Financial Assets 20,389,866 12,529,255 Capital Assets 267,187,832 253,539,711 $287,577,698 $266,068,966 Equity Fund Balances 35,600,024 29,466,506 Equity in Capital Assets 251,977,674 236,602,460 $287,577,698 $266,068,966 Copies of the District’s award-winning Comprehensive Annual Financial Report are available at the Municipal Hall and the Public Library. (Audited) Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities For the Year Ended December 31, 1997 3 Budget Actual Actual 1997 1997 1996 Revenue Taxes Real property, special assessments, grants in lieu $47,029,073 $47,464,925 $45,866,014 Less: Collections for other governments 22,732,266 23,180,201 22,740,969 Total taxes for municipal purposes 24,296,807 24,284,724 23,125,045 Sale of services 3,663,845 3,533,682 3,446,942 Other revenue from own sources 2,673,310 3,173,939 2,466,465 Senior government grants – Utilities 2,129,533 1,588,036 2,208,714 Senior government grants – Capital 1,570,900 553,899 207,350 Development revenue 6,944,832 7,684,421 5,291,277 Provincial transfers 2,002,315 1,792,974 2,821,164 Investment income 1,605,000 1,698,042 1,819,592 Utility user fees 5,419,950 5,557,005 5,200,966 Proceeds of disposal and other 6,439,094 1,912,484 1,194,584 Contributed subdivision infrastructure — 5,419,640 7,532,921 56,745,586 57,198,846 55,315,020 Expenditures Protective services 10,268,235 9,581,170 10,726,050 Transportation services 15,531,262 10,355,779 10,661,500 Recreation and cultural 16,009,387 7,890,278 8,369,639 Sewer and water facilities 10,539,829 8,710,011 10,105,710 General government 7,090,523 6,818,004 6,498,548 Planning, public health and other 2,314,928 1,635,876 1,649,623 Reallocation of internal equipment usage (1,120,358)(1,072,523)(1,085,204) Subdivision infrastructure — 5,419,640 7,532,921 60,633,806 49,338,235 54,458,787 Excess Revenue Over Expenditures (Change in Net Financial Assets) (3,888,220)7,860,611 856,233 Principal Repaid (1,530,424)(1,727,093)(1,548,740) Debt Issued 1,518,500 — — Increase (Decrease) in Consolidated Fund Balances (3,900,144)6,133,518 (692,507) Consolidated Fund Balances – Beginning of Year — 29,466,506 30,159,013 Consolidated Fund Balances – End of Year $ — $35,600,024 $29,466,506 (Audited) 4 Average Maple Ridge Home Comparison Municipal Property Taxes for Services (1997) and Other Standard Household Services Cost Per Month $0.00 $20.00 $40.00 $60.00 $80.00 $100.00 $120.00 $140.00 Library Recycling Fire Department Capital Works Parks & Recreation (excl. Cap) Public Works (excl. Cap) Waterworks Sanitary Sewer Police Services Home Security System Cable - Basic Telephone - Basic Home Insurance Cable - Full (incl. Converter) B.C. Hydro (Heat & Light) Household Expenditures Property Taxes General Taxes for Municipal Services 1997 Average Home 5$0$500$1,000$1,500$2,000$2,500$3,000$3,500$4,000$4,500Kitimat Campbell River Pitt Meadows Chilliwack Penticton Cranbrook Langley City Maple Ridge Kelowna Nth Vancouver Cty Nanaimo Langley Township Surrey Kamloops Mission Saanich New Westminster White Rock Coquitlam Port Coquitlam Burnaby Port Moody Vancouver Nth Vancouver Dist West Vancouver Financial Highlights General Revenue Fund 6 Summary of 1997 Budget Revenues (Council Controlled) Summary of 1997 Budget Expenditures Provincial Grants 4% Licences/Permits 6% Internal Allocations 3% Taxation 70% Recreation/Leisure Services 7% Other Sources 3% Own Sources 7% Taxation $22,414,297 Recreation/Leisure Services 2,424,153 Own Sources 2,342,383 Licences/Permits 1,789,875 Provincial Grants 1,349,191 Internal Allocations 1,120,358 Other Sources 913,738 $32,353,995 (Council Controlled) Fiscal Services/Transfers 6% Capital Program 5% Other Miscellaneous 4% Development Services 6% Financial & Corporate Services 13% Fire Services 4% Administration 2% Police Services 23% Community Development & Recreation Services` 19% Operational Services 18% Police Services $ 7,284,418 Community Dev & Rec Services 6,290,069 Operational Services 5,674,511 Financial & Corporate Services 4,084,389 Development Services 1,929,397 Fiscal Services/Transfers 1,813,908 Capital Program 1,713,810 Other Miscellaneous 1,454,142 Fire Services 1,314,684 Administration 794,667 $32,353,995 Debt Graphs 7 $- $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000 $5,000,000 $6,000,000 $7,000,000 1997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015General Revenue Waterworks Utility Sanitary Sewer Utility $0 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 198619871988198919901991199219931994199519961997Debt Per Capita Debt Retirement 1997 in Review 8 Capital Program & Other Budget $3,167,952 Actual 4,545,411 January ¨Ernie Daykin, owner of Windsor Plywood, recognized as Business Person of the Year by the Chamber. ¨Local actor, Gary Folka, on Arts Club stage. February ¨Reg Nelligan named Maple Ridge Foundation’s citizen of the year. ¨More than 1,000 learn CPR in record-setting session held by the St. John Ambulance Golden Ears Branch. ¨East Maple Ridge Pony Club excels at B.C. Lower Mainland Quiz. March ¨Trevor Franklin has been presented with the B.C. Youth Parliament’s Monica Fisi Award for service. ¨Successful protest rally held to save our Courthouse. ¨Thomas Haney Thunder celebrate second consecu- tive AAA Basketball championship. ¨Stave Falls Scottish Dancers show off their style at world dance festival in Spain. ¨McAuley Rock is now owned by the Municipality and will be enjoyed as open space by all. April ¨Bonnie Telep is named president of the 1998 B.C. Summer Games Host Society. ¨Community activist is honoured as Belle Morse Park is opened. May ¨Home Show draws an estimated 24,000 people. Mountain Festival bed race raises $6,500 for new beds for the Ridge Meadows Hospital. The Wine Zest event, co-sponsored by Meadow Ridge Rotary Club, drew 160 people and raised $5,000 for the RCMP bike patrol. ¨Local science scholar Aliyah Rahemtullah was honoured by the YWCA, and accepted into Harvard medical school. June ¨Alouette River saw its first Spring-Salmon release since the 1930’s. ¨Greg Moore savours his first Indy victory! Quickly followed by a second WIN! ¨Soccer Player, Russel Huggon is a Scottish Premier League Club’s only import. July ¨Jennifer Baillie and Lori Carter received Canada Day Youth Awards. ¨Ying Ko (Maple Ridge’s twin city) delegation pays a return visit to Maple Ridge. ¨Ridge-Meadows’ athletes claimed at least 16 gold medals at the B.C. Summer Games. Molly Parker Rising Movie Star Greg Moore Indy Winner Maple Ridge Talent 9 Fiscal Services/Transfers Budget $1,813,908 Actual 1,698,926 August ¨Travis Gillespie accepts $20,000 field lacrosse scholar- ship from the affluent New York State Prep School. ¨Maple Ridge Jazz and Blues Festival draws 15,000 people to the downtown core. ¨A kaleidoscope of cultures greeted the 3,000 people who attended the Midsummer Festival held at Maple Ridge Park. ¨Kanaka Creek Elementary School goes year round. ¨Local equestrians Erin Borrow and Cristina Rennie helped lead B.C. to first prize at the Canadian Masters Prince Philip Games in Toronto. September ¨Fields for Kids opens after 10 years of hard work on community project. ¨Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation Gala Ball raises about $30,000. ¨Hundreds attend local Rivers’ Day Celebration. ¨The District of Maple Ridge helps negotiate the Pitt Meadows Airport Society Agreement. ¨Deal signed to have Beijing open its first North American trade office in Maple Ridge. October ¨Crumbs Bakery and Café named Micro-Entrepreneur of the Year by Douglas College and Human Resources Canada. ¨Maple Ridge Fair wins two awards at the B.C. Agricul- tural Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions Convention. November ¨Larry Walker was named Major League Baseball’s Most Valuable Player after batting .366 with 49 home runs and 130 runs batted in. He also won his third consecutive Gold Glove. ¨Betty Levens, Karina LeBlanc, Marjorie Bates, and Ruth Olde honoured by The News as Women of Distinction. ¨Formal partnership agreement on core redevelopment with Dongcheng signed. China deal praised in Ottawa. December ¨Local Movie Star Molly Parker won both a Genie and Sicily’s Taormina Award for Best Actress in the critically acclaimed movie “Kissed.” ¨ICBC honours Const. Marc Alexander, Teacher Penny Griffin and Counsellor Kay Johnston for their impaired driving prevention efforts in the Lower Mainland. ¨The eighth annual First Night celebration experienced its first sellout crowd. ¨The District adds the prestigious GFOA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Finan- cial Reporting to its long list of awards for financial and budget reporting. 1997 in Review Major League Baseball’s Most Valuable Player Molly Parker Rising Movie Star Photos Courtesy of “The News” Larry Walker Maple Ridge Talent Community Development & Recreation Services 10 Mike Murray General Manager 79 Budgeted Positions Budget $6,290,069 Actual 6,196,740 Parks and Leisure ServicesIn 1997, joint parks and leisure services were offered for the third full year to residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows through the Ridge Meadows Parks and Leisure Services Commission. Parks and Leisure Services continues to strive toward its goal: “Creating opportunities for community pride, personal enjoyment, and healthy lifestyles!” Service Highlights General Program Registration - 12,470 - up by 3% over 1996 Leisure Centre Participant Hours - 289,655 Special Event Participant Hours - 242,150 Parks InitiativesNew facilities created more opportunities for residents to take advantage of leisure activities. The Harris Road Spraypool was opened in July and is completely accessible. New multi-purpose sports and tennis courts were dedicated as a memorial to Jay McBride. The late Belle Morse was also honoured with the opening of a park in her name. The District of Maple Ridge entered into a public-private partnership agreement with RG Properties Ltd. to construct a new arena at the Maple Ridge Fairgrounds. Planet Ice will open in September of 1998. The “Fields for Kids” project raised $4 million dollars in cash and services to construct new playing fields at the Albion Sports Complex. The District of Maple Ridge, Meadow Ridge Rotary, several minor sports groups, Maple Ridge Community Credit Union, Swan-E-Set Bay Resort, the Operating Engineers, the Construction and General Labourers, and the Interna- tional Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, among others, all contributed to making these fields of dreams come true. The opening will be April 18, 1998. Parkland acquisition continued in 1997 in response to population growth with 23.29 hectares added to the network in 1997. Community PartnershipsThe Leisure Centre entered into contracts with Westcoast Kinesiol- ogy, EnerQuest Fitness and Golden Ears Physiotherapy to pro- vide on-site services to patrons of the facility. Planning began in 1997 to redevelop the downtown core and negotiations are under way that include plans for a new cultural centre, a youth centre, library, and Leisure Centre expansion. In 1997, the District finalized an agreement with the Fraser Informa- tion Society, a local environmental group, who will provide education related to good environmental protection practices. The Society will open a community-based Urban Organic Demonstra- tion Garden in the Spring of 1998. Working with the Ridge Meadows Arts Council, and other key stakeholders, an Arts and Cultural Policy and Plan was adopted in 1997. As well, the District began preparation for hosting the 1998 BC Summer Games. This event will bring 4000 athletes to town, and more than 4000 volunteers will be involved in the project. Green Fact: Pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers are not used in local parks. Our gardeners use organic methods to maintain civic parks and gardens. For example, more than 70,000 ladybugs are used to control aphids. Our greenspaces are truly green! Acquisition of Parkland Five Year Total 41.43 Hectares (102.3 Acres) 11.41 1.64 4.35 0.74 23.29 0 5 10 15 20 25 19931994199519961997 11 Development Services Ron Boyes General Manager 29 Budgeted Positions Budget $1,929,397 Actual 1,855,221 Current PlanningDevelopment activity continued to increase in Maple Ridge in 1997. A total of 726 new lots were created located in Silver Valley, Albion and Cottonwood. They range in size and provide an interesting variety of housing options. Two large commercial projects, the Westgate Centre and Canadian Tire were completed in 1997. The opening of these two major commercial developments has increased services to residents on the western side of the community. Development in Maple Meadows Business Park continues. Long Range PlanningAs a follow up to the Official Community Plan review completed in 1996, a Rural Plan Advisory Committee developed a plan for the rural areas of Maple Ridge. Led by a team of dedicated volunteers and planning staff, more than 40 meetings were held to complete the plan. The Rural Plan reflects the diversity of values that can be found in the rural area and is a set of recommendations and directions that the municipality will consider in setting priorities for the future evolution of rural areas. In 1997, a Downtown Action Plan Advisory Committee submitted 57 recommendations to Council regarding the revitali- zation of the downtown core. The heart of the community, the downtown is designated as the area bordered by 228th Street on the east, and 223rd Street on the west. Brown Avenue is the northern bound- ary and North Street is the southern one. The downtown core combines commer- cial outlets, government services, public spaces, and recreational amenities. The committee analyzed ways that the downtown area can become more user friendly, both from a business as well as community perspective, and laid the foundation for negotiations on future development. A Heritage Management Plan and Heritage Inventory were completed to assist with preserving community history, and the Social Planning Advisory Committee contributed to the provincial social services review and initiated a neighbourliness project called “Picket Fence.” Inspection Services:1997 was a busy year. Permits, (including plumbing, gas and electrical) totalled 4,084. Building permits represented 980 of those. There was a substantial increase in commercial and industrial permits with 16 new commercial units valued at $14,628, 500 and 13 new industrial units valued at $5,190,476. Residential building also increased with 700 new units valued at $84,838,842. The total construction value for 1997 was $116,461,419. Green Fact: In 1997 the Bikeways Advisory Committee was struck. This committee will review the Bikeways Report, and develop strategies to encourage “bicycle-friendly” initiatives. Reducing reliance on the automobile, by encouraging people to utilize bicycles, can help reduce traffic congestion and emissions, and encourage healthy transportation alternatives. # of Units Created Construction Values 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 1991199219931994199519961997Single FamilyTownhouseApartment $0 $10,000,000 $20,000,000 $30,000,000 $40,000,000 $50,000,000 $60,000,000 1991199219931994199519961997Single Family Twn/Apt Financial & Corporate Services Richard Wells General Manager 12 47 Budgeted Positions Budget $4,084,389 Actual 3,911,693 Community and Business RelationsEconomic development is serious business in Maple Ridge, and the Commu- nity and Business Relations Department continued to provide quality serv- ices and information to local entrepreneurs. The Economic Development Strat- egy, finalized in 1997, will form the basis of a three to five year business plan designed to increase economic activity in the community. This includes the creation of new business, the expansion of existing business, and a wider commercial and industrial tax base. The District of Maple Ridge is also seeking international opportunities to in- crease economic diversity in the community. In 1997, the District went on trade mis- sions to China and Taiwan to become familiar with trade and investment opportunities in those countries, and to promote business opportunities in Maple Ridge to potential investors. Maple Ridge hosted reciprocal delegations from Yingko, Taiwan and the Dongcheng District of Beijing, China. The Community and Business Relations Office issued 2,682 business licences in 1997. Of those 874 are home based businesses and 701 are new businesses. Photo Courtesy of The News The Information HighwayThe District of Maple Ridge has a home page on the Internet that is full of community information, civic updates and a myriad of ways to contact the organization. We are located on the web at http://district.maple-ridge.bc.ca. In 1997 our website received approximately 2000 hits. FinanceIn 1997 the Finance Department continued an unprecedented six-year award winning tradition. We again received the prestigious Government Finance Officers Association Awards for our comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Annual Budget Report. Topping that off, we won, for the first time, the PAFR Award for Financial Reporting for our 1996 edition of this report. Our multi-year budget and Business Planning process was launched in 1997. The process ensures measurable performance objectives in all departments and means increased service and efficiency throughout the corporation. PersonnelOur dedicated staff used creativity and initiative to help raise funds for worthy causes in 1997. District staff donated $290.00 to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and $305.00 to Children’s Hospital. Our United Way Campaign raised a whopping $11,257.18! Green Fact: All our purchasing decisions are made embracing the Three Rs - reduce, reuse and recycle. For example, paper products contain recycled content, toner cartridges are refilled and reused, suppliers are encouraged to minimize or eliminate packaging, and no disposable plastic or Styrofoam cups are used in our coffee rooms. This is not only our practice; it’s our policy! Filming of “Deadmen’s Guns” Award-Winning Team Tom Gardner General Manager Operational Services 13 77 Budgeted Positions Budget $5,675,511 Actual 5,171,172 Operational ServicesThe Operational Services department is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of servicing infrastructure relating to roads, water distribution, sewage collection and waste management, and drainage. The management of these areas is critical to ensure delivery of services to our current customers in a safe and cost effective manner, recognizing the importance of controlling risk, as well as providing support for future development. Capital WorksIn 1997, 216th Street from Dewdney Trunk Road to 124th Avenue was improved for vehicles and pedestrians. River Road, from 207th Street to Laity Street, was reconstructed, including a formalized pe- destrian corridor and provision of pockets of on-street parking. In the Albion area, the trunk water distribution system was upgraded for sup- ply and fire protection purposes, and in West Maple Ridge a major drain- age system was installed. Sanitary sewer construction on 203rd Street and Lougheed Highway enabled the development of the Westgate Mall and provided services to other local businesses. Environmental ProtectionThe Province introduced the Fish Protection Act providing local governments, like ours, with new tools to improve environmental management activities in our communities. We will be playing an active and critical role in the protection of the natural environment through consultation and cooperation with senior levels of government and local community groups. New DirectionsIn 1997 we laid the groundwork to combine the departments of Operational Services and Development Services. This new department, called Public Works and Development Services, will begin providing services in 1998. Public Works and Development Services will provide a mechanism for areas of expertise to work together to streamline processes and move the community forward in terms of land use management and development related issues. Green Fact: Residents in Maple Ridge recycled 6,790 tonnes of paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic at the recycling depot and in the popular blue box program. This diverted 38% of waste from the landfills. A survey conducted by Ridge Meadows Recycling Society, our partner in recycling efforts, indicated that 93% of Maple Ridge residents recycle and 53% compost their yard and kitchen waste. 216th Street Widening Miles of Asphalt Length of Utilities 0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000 35000 40000 1987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999TONNE350 Km 360 Km 370 Km 380 Km 390 Km 400 Km 410 Km Placement of Asphalt Concrete Length of Road Estimate for 98 & 99 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 199119921993199419951996199719981999KILOMETERLENGTH OF ROAD LENGTH OF WATER MAIN LENGTH OF SANITARY SEWER LENGTH OF STORM SEWER Estimate for 98 & 99 14 Fire Services 6 Budgeted Positions Budget $1,314,684 Actual 1,301,175 Community ServiceThe Maple Ridge Volunteer Fire Department is proud of its commitment to working with the community. In 1997, the Maple Ridge Community Credit Union and the Maple Ridge Lions Club donated three Automatic Exter- nal Defribulators to the department. Sixty volunteers are now trained to provide resuscitation to victims of cardiac arrest. Department PartnershipsThe Maple Ridge Department and the Township of Langley jointly developed comprehensive Officers’ Training. In 1997 departments in Abbotsford, Mission, Port Moody and Pitt Meadows adopted this program. This program provides advanced training to firefighters for future officer positions. Working with the RCMP and the Ministry of Health, the fire department participated in the launching of a Juvenile Fire-Setters Program. This initiative identifies children who are prone to fire setting and works with the child and family in the areas of fire prevention, fire safety, and fire hardening of the home. VolunteersIn 1997 the department responded to 933 calls. More than 15,000 volunteer training hours were logged. Emergency call-outs totalled 10,263 hours. The fire department made 400 public education appearances at local schools and agencies. Nearly 350 hours were devoted to the de- velopment of the first-ever comprehensive business plan for the department. The Maple Ridge Volunteer Fire Depart- ment devoted 31,205 hours to protecting and educating the community in 1997. Green Fact: The Maple Ridge Fire Department will not wash any toxic substances into storm sewers or waterways. It is the policy of the depart- ment, when responding to a call to clean up a toxic spill such as diesel or gasoline, using absorbent pads, which are disposed of safely. In this way watercourses, and the habitat they support, are protected. 15 Police Services Gary House Officer in Charge 105 Budgeted Positions Budget $7,284,418 Actual 6,612,365 Policing PartnershipsThe Ridge Meadows detachment of the RCMP, in partnership with the community, is dedicated to the preservation of the quality of life and safety of the public they serve. They are dedicated to the principle of community policing and working with the public to provide long-term solutions to identified problems. To achieve this principle, the focus is on the prevention and detection of crime, the prosecution of criminals, community involved problem solving, and response to criminal activity and traffic safety. The department encourages positive community relations, a professional police image, public education, and the ability to respond to the needs of our community. Community InvolvementVolunteers contributed more than 5000 hours to community policing efforts in 1997. Committed volun- teers are involved in Speedwatch, Citizens on Patrol, Blockwatch, the Community Policing Commit- tee, Victim Services, and as Auxiliary officers. Local RCMP presented 288 talks to elementary and secondary students and have three full-time school liaison officers working with youth. The local RCMP can also be found on-line. In 1997, they launched a hot link to the Municipal Web Page. Go to http:// district.maple-ridge.bc.ca and click on Emergency Services. You can e-mail your comments or concerns directly to the local detachment. Crime ReductionIn 1997, Ridge Meadows experienced an overall reduction in crime back to 1993 levels, despite increased growth in the community. Residential break and enters were reduced by 26%, Commercial break and enters by 20%, thefts of vehicles by 30% and thefts from vehicles by 22%. Dog SquadEveryone’s favourite member of the police force, Jake, participated in 57 successful cases in 1997. Jake is a highly trained police dog involved in the tracking and searching of people, property, evidence and escapees. Green Fact: The local detachment proudly participates in the municipal recycling program. Departments carefully sort paper, cardboard, newspapers, magazines, phone books, bottles, and cans. These are all recycled weekly. 16 Demographics 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 0 - 4 years 5 - 9 years10 - 14 years15 - 19 years20 - 24 years25 - 34 years35 - 44 years45 - 54 years55 - 64 years65 - 74 years75 - 84 years85 + yearsMale Female Age Male Female Total 0 - 4 years 2,250 2,125 4,375 5 - 9 years 2,495 2,235 4,730 10 - 14 years 2,305 2,090 4,395 15 - 19 years 1,935 1,825 3,760 20 - 24 years 1,465 1,390 2,855 25 - 34 years 4,260 4,545 8,805 35 - 44 years 5,340 5,235 10,575 45 - 54 years 3,535 3,255 6,790 55 - 64 years 2,070 2,075 4,145 65 - 74 years 1,560 1,790 3,350 75 - 84 years 770 1,115 1,885 85 + years 165 355 520 Total 28,150 28,035 56,185 Population Composition Household Income 1986 1991 <$10,000 1,685 965 $10,000 - $19,999 2,205 2,095 $20,000 - $29,999 1,970 1,910 $30,000 - $39,999 2,095 2,020 $40,000+4,505 $40,000 - $49,999 2,480 $50,000 - $59,999 2,095 $60,000 - $69,999 1,945 $70,000 +3,390 Average $34,349 $49,151 Median $31,609 $46,295 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 5,000 <$10,000$10,000 - $19,999$20,000 - $29,999$30,000 - $39,999$40,000+$40,000 - $49,999$50,000 - $59,999$60,000 - $69,999$70,000 +1986 1991 Source: Statistics Canada1991 Census Source: Statistics Canada 1996 Census 17 Telephone List General Information & Enquiries (11995 Haney Place)..........................................................................................................463-5221 General Fax Line .....................................................................................................................................................467-7331 Cemetery (21404 Dewdney Trunk).................................................................................................................................467-7307 Clerks Department..........................................................................................................................................................463-5221 Community & Business Relations (2-11996 Edge St.) Business Enquiries ...................................................................................................................................................467-7305 Business Licences ....................................................................................................................................................467-7305 Bylaws ....................................................................................................................................................................467-7305 Economic Development .........................................................................................................................................467-7305 Parking Enforcement..............................................................................................................................................467-7305 Fax Line .................................................................................................................................................................467-7330 Engineering Department Engineering Enquiries..............................................................................................................................................467-7339 Administration ........................................................................................................................................................467-7340 Operations Centre (23925 Dewdney Trunk)...........................................................................................................467-7363 Emergency - Nights & Weekends ....................................................................................................................463-9581 Fax Line .........................................................................................................................................................467-7360 Recycling-Ridge Meadows Recycling Society (10092-236th St.)..............................................................................463-5545 Finance Department Purchasing ..............................................................................................................................................................467-7345 Property Taxation (Info Line)................................................................................................................................467-7336 Fire Dept. Emergency Calls Only ..................................................................................................................................................911 Administration Only - Non-Emergency Calls ..........................................................................................................463-5880 Fax Line .................................................................................................................................................................467-7332 Inspection Services .........................................................................................................................................................467-7311 Building...................................................................................................................................................................467-7312 Electrical ................................................................................................................................................................467-7313 Gas-Plumbing & On-Site Servicing ..........................................................................................................................467-7314 Plan Checker ..........................................................................................................................................................467-7348 After Hours Inspection Line ...................................................................................................................................467-7380 Library (22420 Dewdney Trunk)....................................................................................................................................466-2601 Mayor .......................................................................................................................................................................463-5221 Municipal Emergency Program .......................................................................................................................................463-5221 Nights & Weekends .................................................................................................................................................463-9581 Parks & Leisure Services Administration & General Information (1-11996 Edge St.).....................................................................................467-7346 Fax Line .........................................................................................................................................................467-7393 General Manager’s Office (11995 Haney Place)..............................................................................................467-7347 Elderly Citizens Recreation Association-Centennial Centre (11940-224th St.) Seniors Program & Information Office ...........................................................................................................467-4993 Seniors Lounge ................................................................................................................................................467-0072 Facility & Sportfield Reservations...........................................................................................................................467-7438 or ....................................................................................................................................................................465-2452 Sportfield Conditions & Closures .............................................................................................................................467-7321 Leisure Centre (11925 Haney Place) General Programs............................................................................................................................................467-7322 Touch Tone Info (Swimming, Skating, Aerobics, Community Events).............................................................467-7321 Fax Line .........................................................................................................................................................467-7373 Maple Ridge Campground Reservations...................................................................................................................467-7301 Ridge Meadows Community Arts Council Office (22520-116th Ave.).....................................................................467-3825 Fax Line .........................................................................................................................................................467-1498 Personnel .......................................................................................................................................................................467-7350 Planning General Enquiries ....................................................................................................................................................467-7341 Development Applications .....................................................................................................................................467-7342 Administration ........................................................................................................................................................467-7343 Police-RCMP (11990 Haney Place) Emergency Calls Only ..................................................................................................................................................911 Non-Emergency Calls .............................................................................................................................................463-6251 Crime Prevention ...................................................................................................................................................465-2402 Firearms Registration ..............................................................................................................................................467-7682 SPCA Animal Shelter (10235 Industrial).........................................................................................................................463-9511 18 In the valley of the Golden Ears Mountains in Maple Ridge, ‘The Beast’ ran, and frolicked from the beginning of time in perfect harmony with the environment. Mother Nature took many hours of pleasure just watching the beauty of the ‘Beast’s’ movement and the sheer joy of living the ‘Beast’ projected as it ran and jumped in play with the other animals in the valley, without a mean bone in its’ body. Mother Nature found perfect solitude in the mountains and a place to rest from her ever increasing workload throughout the world when time would allow. Sadly, it came to pass one day that man became extremely pro- ficient in the destruction of the earth. Man’s technology in the production of toxic chemicals, nuclear waste, sewage and larger machines to cut down the forests quicker had a devastating effect on the earth. The oceans were used as dumping grounds, drift nets, miles long, were set to kill anything living without regard, and oil was spilled as if to make sure everything else was destroyed. Mother Nature worked so hard trying to repair the damage that she was just about finished. Man in his greed was ready to put his final touch to the end of nature, but he had not reckoned on the appearance of ‘The Beast’ who came thundering out of the Valley of the Golden Ears to help Mother Nature. The battle was fierce, but ‘The Beast’ was not like Mother Nature who would not hurt anyone or anything. ‘The Beast’ ran over people that were causing this destruction and gave battle in any way that was possible, and in the battle, man used chemicals, nuclear waste, fire and pollution of every sort to try and stop this thing from the Valley of the Golden Ears. When the battle was over and Mother Nature had a chance to regain her strength, she found ‘The Beast’ was just about done in with man’s pollution of nuclear waste, chemicals, acid rain, smog, sewage and smoke from what was left of the forests. There was no way she could save ‘The Beast’ and restore it to what it was when it ran free in the valleys and mountains around Maple Ridge. The damage was too great. This was a sad day. A few tears fell from Mother Nature and anger started to swell up in her until she was mad. In her anger, this was what she decreed: “While ‘The Beast’ cannot be as before, I can make it in another form and I will make ‘The Beast’ into a statue for all the world to see. I will not let man or the sum of all mankind go without punishment. They who try to destroy by pollution and technology shall have their souls imprisoned and shall wake up with nightmares of ‘The Beast’ as he captures them and does what he will. Furthermore, I, Mother Nature, make this decree that I will give mankind another chance to change his ways and use his intelligence to help the environment. Because of past performance, I am starting the Clock of Time, and how much time is left to the world depends on what is done. For now, the clock is running with the souls and spirits of those who would not heed my warning. Trapped, their pain and anguish can be seen in their eyes. ‘The Beast’ would give no mercy if it could get at them and they would be destroyed, but their destruction would not be enough punishment. Instead, they will have to look over the world every hour and see what they have done for an eternity and every hour ‘The Beast’ shall have its’ vengeance as it tramples upon those inside the clock who have done damage to the earth.” D.R. Brayford (Copyright 1989) The Legend of the Beast Mountain Festival Bed Race B.C. Rivers’ Day CelebrationTeam Tug at Canada Day Canada Day Celebration GFOA Budget Award Jazz & Blues Festival