HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 Citizens ReportCorporation of the District of Maple Ridge
1998Annual Report
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
Mayor’s Message ............................................................2
Chief Administrative Officer’s Report ..........................3
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position ............4
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities ..........5
Average Home Comparison of Taxes .......................6 - 7
1998 GRF Revenues & Expenditures ............................8
Debt Graphs......................................................................9
1998 in Review.........................................................10 - 11
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, 1997. 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 second consecutive year 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.
Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services .....12
Financial & Corporate Services ...............................................13
Public Works & Development Services ..........................14 - 15
Fire Services ...............................................................................16
Police Services ...........................................................................17
Demographics ............................................................................18
Telephone List............................................................................19
Legend of the Beast ..................................................................20
Table of Contents
1
Mayor’s Message
Carl Durksen
Carl E. Durksen,Mayor
2
On behalf of my colleagues on Council, I am pleased to present our third annual report. The report is
produced in the first quarter of each year – it highlights the accomplishments in our community in 1998
and provides a financial overview of each municipal department. I would just like to share some of our
thoughts on the many exciting activities that occurred in 1998.
The highest profile event in our community in 1998 was certainly the BC Summer Games. Thousands of young
people from all over the province visited our community and competed under the hot July sun. More than four
thousand volunteers contributed their time to make the games a real success – indeed, we have a lot of very
generous people in our community. The BC Summer Games are referenced many times throughout this report
– you will certainly appreciate the amount of work it takes to host an event like this once you realize that almost
every municipal department had a role to play in the success of the Games.
The District completed the transfer of the Pitt Meadows Airport from Transport Canada in 1998. A new airport
board of directors is in place and they are looking for ways to increase the economic viability of the airport. The
possible business spin-offs from acquiring this airport are tremendous – and we’ve got the right people in place
on the Board to make positive things happen.
The District hosted a four-person staff delegation from the Dongcheng District of Beijing in the spring – it was
a very successful trip and the delegation took many ideas about local government in Canada back to China. In
the fall, it was our turn to send a four-person staff delegation to visit the Dongcheng District; two Council
members also attended and all were treated very well and gained a considerable amount of knowledge on the
trip. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities Canada Open Cities Agreement has financially supported these
initiatives.
One of the direct economic spin-offs to our sister-city relationship with the Dongcheng District is a public/private
partnership with P3 International Trade and Investments Ltd. In part, this partnership is aimed at encouraging
investment in Maple Ridge, specifically the downtown core project. The downtown core project is on target for
public discussion and a decision by Council in 1999. Maple Ridge is a growing community and we must update
our facilities to ensure they can meet the future needs of our citizens.
Maple Ridge received three heritage awards, two heritage plaques,
and received four “blooms” in the Communities in Bloom provincial
competition. The Rural Plan, the Heritage Management Plan, the
Downtown Action Plan, Phase I of the Social Planning Advisory
Committee Picket Fence Project, Hillside Policies, the District Master
Transportation Plan and a review of commercial zoning were all
undertaken last year. We are also actively participating in the on-
going development of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Au-
thority. The District continues to place a high priority on preserving
and enhancing our community.
As you can appreciate, we had a very busy year in 1998; and, 1999 promises to be just as busy. We will continue
serving the interests of all of the citizens of our community to ensure Maple Ridge is a safe and livable community.
Chief Administrative Officer’s Report
R.W. (Bob) Robertson
7 Budgeted Positions
Budget $805,286
3
This is the third year for the publication of our annual report. It has proven to be a valuable and frequently
requested document. In addition to receiving numerous awards, it is gaining recognition as a benchmark
for other municipalities to use when creating their own reports. We are proud of the popularity surrounding
this document and look forward to distributing it to the citizens and customers of the District of Maple Ridge.
In general, 1998 was a particularly challenging year for municipal governments in British Columbia – we are
continually being asked to do more with less. The Council of the District of Maple Ridge has directed that staff
use a business planning framework for program and resource allocation decision-making. The 1999-2000 business
plans contain a commitment to identify and publish quarterly
performance indicators. These indicators will provide solid
information on how the District of Maple Ridge is performing
on a regular basis. Watch for these reports on our website!
At the organizational level, we welcomed Mr. Jake Rudolph to
the District of Maple Ridge in 1998 as the General Manager of
Public Works and Development Services – a new department
formed from the consolidation of two previously separate
divisions. We are committed to improving service delivery for
our customers and citizens in this department. In 1999, the
department will work on a one counter concept; and, a more
efficient computer tracking system for permits. Another important initiative was establishing an environmental
manager position responsible for coordinating and promoting a more environmentally aware and sustainable
community – Ms. Kim Grout is our new Manager of Environmental Affairs.
Taking the District of Maple Ridge into the 21st century is an opportunity that requires vision, leadership, and
planning. The District is currently working with BC Tel to ensure Maple Ridge is technology-ready and prepared
for the future demands of our citizens and businesses. BC Tel invested more than $2 million in our community
last year updating wiring and adding an additional exchange. The District also made significant progress on plans
for the redevelopment of our downtown core. This project is a unique public-private partnership where all
parties are excited by the potential to bring economic growth and new facilities to our growing community.
Finally, 1998 afforded Maple Ridge the opportunity to host the B.C. Summer Games, which was an excellent
community showcase supported by many competent volunteers including a large number of District staff. Our
sincere thanks go out to all of the volunteers that made this event so successful.
In summary, the District of Maple Ridge continues to work towards our vision of being a safe and livable
community for all citizens. We welcome feedback from customers and citizens on how you think we are doing
– our website continues to be an excellent medium for comments not only from Maple Ridge but from around the
world. Our promise is to keep the public informed about the status of our community through this and other
publications.
4
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at December 31, 1998
1998 1997
Financial Assets
Cash and Temporary Investments $48,665,808 $ 47,929,367
Accounts Receivable 11,294,878 11,297,235
Mortgage Receivable 1,450,000 1,450,000
Deferred Charges and Other 793,470 705,183
Properties for Resale 417,160 —
62,621,316 61,381,785
Liabilities
Accounts Payable 6,912,746 7,320,422
Deferred Revenues 3,569,350 3,564,377
Restricted Revenues 15,325,663 13,581,361
Refundable Performance Deposits and Other 1,449,759 1,315,601
Long Term Debt 13,446,788 15,210,158
40,704,306 40,991,919
Net Financial Assets 21,917,010 20,389,866
Capital Assets 292,305,511 267,187,832
$314,222,521 $287,577,698
Equity
Fund Balances 35,363,798 35,600,024
Equity in Capital Assets 278,858,723 251,977,674
$314,222,521 $287,577,698
Copies of the District’s award-winning Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report are available at the Municipal
Hall and the Public Library.
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities
For the Year Ended December 31, 1998
5
Budget Actual Actual
1998 1998 1997
Revenue
Taxes
Real property, special assessments, grants in lieu $49,254,713 $49,565,541 $47,464,925
Less: Collections for other governments 24,065,038 24,074,245 23,180,201
Total taxes for municipal purposes 25,189,675 25,491,296 24,284,724
Sale of services 3,586,745 3,590,564 3,533,682
Other revenue from own sources 2,907,654 3,472,282 3,173,939
Senior government grants – Utilities 1,643,863 1,709,115 1,588,036
Senior government grants – Capital 113,900 275,877 553,899
Development revenue 5,539,123 3,835,876 7,684,421
Provincial transfers 1,890,209 1,780,106 1,792,974
Investment income 1,830,000 2,145,271 1,698,042
Utility user fees 5,748,385 5,967,346 5,557,005
Proceeds of disposal and other 8,550 573,364 1,912,484
Contributed subdivision infrastructure 12,923,171 12,923,171 5,419,640
61,381,275 61,764,268 57,198,846
Expenditures
Protective services 11,591,109 10,476,122 9,581,170
Transportation services 11,397,148 7,573,933 10,355,779
Recreation and cultural 9,993,417 12,962,228 7,890,278
Sewer and water facilities 11,171,722 9,573,265 8,710,011
General government 7,092,244 6,328,970 6,818,004
Planning, public health and other 2,375,270 1,550,153 1,635,876
Reallocation of internal equipment usage (1,204,285)(1,150,718)(1,072,523)
Subdivision infrastructure 12,923,171 12,923,171 5,419,640
65,339,796 60,237,124 49,338,235
Excess Revenue Over Expenditures
(Change in Net Financial Assets)
(3,958,521)1,527,144 7,860,611
Principal Repaid (1,729,135)(1,763,370)(1,727,093)
Debt Issued — — —
Increase (Decrease) in Consolidated Fund Balances (5,687,656)( 236,226)6,133,518
Consolidated Fund Balances – Beginning of Year —35,600,024 29,466,506
Consolidated Fund Balances – End of Year ($5,687,656)$35,363,798 $35,600,024
(Unaudited)
6
Average Maple Ridge Home Comparison
Municipal Property Taxes for Services (1998)
and Other Standard Household Services
Cost Per Month
Household Expenditures
Property Taxes
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)
General Taxes for Municipal Services
1998 Average Home
7 - 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 Kitimat
Oliver
Campbell River
Pitt Meadows
Merritt
Chilliwack
Penticton
Abbotsford (West)
Cranbrook
Maple Ridge
Abbotsford (East)
Langley City
Nth Vancouver Cty
Kamloops
Kelowna
Langley Township
Nanaimo
Surrey
Mission
Port Coquitlam
Saanich
White Rock
Coquitlam
Port Moody
Burnaby
New Westminster
Vancouver
Nth Vancouver Dist
West Vancouver
Financial Highlights
General Revenue Fund
8
Summary of 1998 Budget Revenues
(Council Controlled)
Summary of 1998 Budget Expenditures
(Council Controlled)
Taxation $ 23,190,875
Own Sources 2,907,654
Recreation/Leisure Services 2,208,806
Provincial Grants 1,890,209
Reserves/Transfers 1,837,279
Sale of Services 1,674,010
Internal Allocations 1,204,285
$34,913,118
Capital Program
6%
Fire Services
4%
Administration
2%
Fiscal Services/Transfers
10%
Financial & Corporate
Services
14%
Other Miscellaneous
2%
Public Works &
Development Services
22%
Police Services
22%
Community Dev,Parks &
Rec Services
18%
Public Works & Development Services $ 7,679,569
Police Services 7,534,758
Community Dev, Parks & Rec Services 6,427,676
Financial & Corporate Services 4,811,996
Fiscal Services/Transfers 3,657,562
Capital Program 2,006,866
Fire Services 1,266,577
Administration 805,286
Other Miscellaneous 722,828
$ 34,913,118
Provincial Grants
5%
Reserves/Transfers
5%
Sale of Services
5%
Taxation
67%
Recreation/Leisure
Services
7%
Internal Allocations
3%
Own Sources
9%
Debt Graphs
9
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
1986198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998Debt Per Capita
Debt Retirement
$-
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$6,000,000 199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015General Revenue Waterworks Utility Sanitary Sewer Utility
1998 in Review
10
Capital Program & Other
Budget $2,729,694
January
¨Mayor Durksen named to GVRD Transportation
Committee.
¨Chamber of Commerce names Jim Barton
Businessperson of the Year.
¨Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Times wins six Suburban
Newspapers of America Awards.
February
¨S.P.C.A. raises over $1,100 for the local shelter and
“Bru” Webb becomes the No.1 Dog in Maple Ridge.
¨District of Maple Ridge wins prestigious Popular
Annual Financial Report Award.
¨10-Year old Drew Richards nominated for award from
the B.C.-Yukon chapter of the Life-saving Society.
¨Bonnie Telep receives Citizen of the Year award from
the Maple Ridge Community Foundation.
March
¨School District 42’s Bob Schnider named an Apple
Distinguished Educator by Apple Canada.
¨Maple Ridge poet Gregory Scofield wins the 1998
Confederation of Poets Prize.
¨“Poltergeist: The Legacy” filmed in Hammond.
¨Golden Ears United Raiders complete unbeaten
season with Soccer Cup Win.
April
¨Riverside Elementary School raises over $6,000 for the
B.C. Heart and Stroke Foundation.
¨Maple Ridge Secondary School Ramblers claim the
1998 Provincial Badminton Championships.
¨Ridge Meadows Flames win their second Provincial
Junior B Hockey Championship as well as the West-
ern Canadian Championship.
¨Albion Sports Complex opens at the Albion Fair-
grounds.
May
¨China Trade Office officially opens and staff exchange
group from Beijing spend three weeks observing
municipal functions.
¨3,828 line dancers combined to break the North
American record for the largest country line dance.
¨Ridge Meadows RCMP raise $3,000 for the Sunshine
Foundation by selling Subway sandwiches.
Maple Ridge Reached for the Stars
June
¨Maple Ridge Welcome Wagon honoured with 1997
Outstanding Canadian Community of the Year award
in the Population Category of 25,000 – 60,000 people.
¨Hunter Wallace and Sonni Pacheco named Western
Canadian Gymnastic Champions.
¨Local realtors raised more than $2,400 for needy
people by hosting the Real Garage Sale.
¨Maple Ridge cadet Tim Haveman earns a rare spot at
the nation’s top military college in Ontario.
11
Fiscal Services/Transfers
Budget $3,657,562
July
¨Ridge-Meadows Rockies baseball team finished the
season by winning all three Mosquito titles.
¨Maple Ridge riders score 16 medals at the B.C. Games
for Athletes with a Disability.
¨Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows hosted the B.C.
Summer Games and also came away with 137 medals,
including 41 gold.
¨Sabrina Mazepa chosen to play Kate in this summer’s
Theatre Under The Stars production of Oklahoma.
August
¨Maple Ridge referee, Grant Goodall, saves seriously
injured hockey player in Burnaby.
¨Ridge-Meadows AAA All-Stars midget baseball team
capture 1998 Provincial Championship.
¨Maple Ridge Jazz and Blues Festival draws more than
10,000 people to Centennial Park.
September
¨At the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malay-
sia Kim Grout plays Netball for Canada and Kim Eagles
captures a bronze medal in individual sport pistol
shooting .
¨Eli Wilson becomes the only undrafted free agent at
the Canucks’ training camp.
October
¨RCMP Inspector Gary House retires after more than 36
years of service.
¨Maple Ridge receives four blooms during the judging
of the nation-wide Communities in Bloom contest.
¨RCMP Corporal Randy Herman awarded Rotary
International’s highest honour, the Paul Harris Award.
¨Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Agricultural Association
earns its third “Fair of the Year” award in four years.
November
¨The Maple Ridge Boxing Club brings home 3 gold and
2 silver medals in the B.C. Amateur Boxing Provincial
Championships.
¨East Maple Ridge Pony Club members Chelsey Dale,
Natasha Pusch and Amanda Mayer take home top
honours at the Mission Horse Club Awards Banquet.
¨Near record winds pummelled the Lower Mainland in a
storm that leaves almost half the homes in Maple Ridge
without power.
December
¨Judy Dueck elected chair of the Maple Ridge-Pitt
Meadows School Board.
¨224th Street Royal Bank ranked best out of 248 Royal
Bank locations surveyed across Canada.
¨Larry Walker is the 1998 winner of the Lou Marsh
Award for Canada’s top athlete and the Lionel
Conacher Award for Canada’s top male athlete.
¨ “Last Skate” at the Cam Neely Arena.
1998 in Review
Maple Ridge Reached for the Stars
Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services
12
Mike Murray
General Manager
79 Budgeted Positions
Budget $6,427,676 Did You Know?
Over 5,000 volunteers were involved in hosting 114 special events
involving 83,699 participants in 1998.
BC Summer Games – A Community LegacyThe BC Summer Games were a highlight of 1998. Thousands of young people from all over the province
visited our community to compete in amateur athletic events. More than four thousand volunteers con-
tributed their time to make the Games a real success. The enhancement of the volunteer network and the
generous contributions of friends and neighbours to this outstanding event is the true legacy of the Games.
To prepare for the BC Summer Games, the District opened the Albion Sports Complex, the 45-acre Fields
for Kids sportfield site; completed a new all-weather track at Maple Ridge Sec-
ondary School; and constructed the Thomas Haney Tennis Courts.
Parks & FacilitiesMaple Ridge now boasts twenty-three grass soccer pitches; thirty-eight
ball diamonds; three lighted all-weather pitches; five batting cages; thirty-
four playgrounds; thirty tennis courts; eight sport courts; six picnic shel-
ters; eight major trail systems; and, sixty-five kilometres of equestrian trails.
More than 12,000 people used our sports fields in 1998. Nearly 2,700 children participated in minor soccer
alone! We completed construction on the new “Planet Ice” ice arena complex and we look forward to increased
levels of ice hockey, speed skating, figure skating, and other ice-related activities, including dry floor uses like
lacrosse.
In 1998 we dedicated Jim Hadgkiss Park on the museum grounds in Maple
Ridge, and constructed the Edith McDermott School and park site. We are
making plans to revitalize the downtown core including constructing a new
youth centre, an arts centre, a new library and an expanded leisure centre.
We are looking forward to the completion of the Elderly Citizen’s Rec-
reation Association (ECRA) senior’s centre in 1999. In 1998 we finalized
agreements with ECRA and construction is well underway. The new facility is
more than twice the size of the existing Centennial Senior Citizen’s Centre and will serve all of our community.
Emergency PreparednessThe Search and Rescue building underwent a significant upgrade to serve as the Emergency Operations
Centre – it also acquired a portable generator to provide emergency power. The Emergency Operations
group successfully organized two “tabletop” exercises designed to imitate disaster scenarios and test
emergency preparedness plans.
Community BuildingFrom Mountain Festival to youth dances, the District participated in 114 special events in 1998 held at
various venues including our eight community centres and forty-six parks. The “Picket Fence” Neigh
bourhood Planning consultation was also undertaken in 1998 involving 600 children and parents in Yennadon
identifying important places or issues in their neighbourhood.
Recreation Program Highlights
1998 Recreation Program Registrations 13,836
1998 Leisure Centre Admissions 265,158
1998 Youth Outreach Drop-In Hours 49,856
Financial & Corporate Services
Richard Wells
General Manager
13
45 Budgeted Positions
Budget $4,811,996
Did You Know?
Maple Ridge incorporated on September 12, 1874, is the
sixth oldest municipality in B.C.. Also, we are the elev-
enth largest in land size at 26,710 HA or 66,000 acres.
Community and Business RelationsThe Community and Business Relations department had a busy
year promoting economic development in Maple Ridge and
producing a variety of materials that profile business and invest-
ment opportunities in the community. We also published an Economic
Development magazine, completed a comprehensive Community Pro-
file document, and produced an outstanding corporate video. These
are available to the public and will be used to market our community
worldwide. To encourage international investment, we hosted a four-
person staff delegation from the Dongcheng District of Beijing in the
spring. In the fall, four of our staff and two Council members visited the Dongcheng District of Beijing and also
traveled to Taipei, Taiwan.
We continue to support the movie industry, assisting five productions filming in Maple Ridge. We
issued 2,873 business licenses and 1,028 home-based business licenses.
Technology and Y2K ReadinessIn January 1998, the District established a Year 2000 (Y2K) steering committee to ensure Y2K readiness in
all information, technology, business and operational systems. The committee inventoried more than 130
items – examining specific pieces of hardware, software, and equipment for Y2K compliance and correc-
tive actions. Contingency plans are in place complete with supplier lists and contacts. We will continue to be
diligent in reviewing and analyzing Y2K issues as the year 2000 approaches.
FinanceIn 1998 the Finance Department became the first and only municipality in Canada to receive three finance
awards in the same year from the Government Finance Officers Association; the Canadian Award for
Financial Reporting for our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the Distinguished Budget Presenta-
tion Award for our Annual Budget Document and the Award for Oustanding Achievement in Popular Annual
Financial Reporting for our 1997 Annual Report. The Public Sector Accounting and Auditing Board of the
Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants also recognized us as a leader in meeting the new standards for
financial reporting for public entities. We have implemented the first three modules of our new financial
software programs – all Y2K compliant – which are designed to handle business processing more efficiently
and improve response times.
PersonnelIn 1998 we presented 32 GEM awards to staff who “Go the Extra Mile” in
performing their job duties. We also presented three VIP awards to “Very
Innovative People.” The generosity of our staff is evident when we look
back and realize our staff raised $295.00 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation;
nearly $250.00 for Children’s Hospital; and, $11,604.00 for the United Way.
Jake Rudolph
General Manager
Public Works & Development Services
14
111 Budgeted Positions
Budget $7,679,569
“To promote the continued safety and livability of the community through effective planning and
development, and the responsible design, construction, and maintenance of roads and municipal
services” is the mission statement of the newly formed Public Works And Development Services
division.
Current and Long Range PlanningWe completed the Rural Plan, the Heritage Management Plan, the Downtown Action Plan, Phase I
of the Social Planning Advisory Committee Picket Fence Project, Hillside Policies, the District
Master Transportation Plan and began a review of commercial zoning in 1998. We developed a
secondary suites bylaw and sent an Expression of Interest to the Ministry of Forests to participate in one of
three community forest pilot projects.
Despite the downturn in the British Columbia economy, development activity was relatively strong in
Maple Ridge in 1998 as we continued to receive zoning applications and we issued $103 million worth of
building permits.
We remain committed to the Official Community Plan and to ensuring all growth and change that
occurs in the District is in the best interest of our community. The planning department initiated an
environmental portfolio and hired a Manager of Environmental Affairs to ensure the District takes a proactive
approach to environmental issues.
EngineeringEngineering staff began preparing a Design Criteria manual to establish
servicing criteria for the efficient and effective design and delivery
of municipal servicing infrastructure. The Engineering Department
continues to work closely with the Greater Vancouver Regional District on
numerous initiatives affecting the region and to address environmental issues
such as Watercourse Protection and Classification, Storm and Sanitary Liquid
Waste Management and Solid Waste Management.
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society introduced an orange bag for
cans; started collecting plastics at the depot; and, secured a large number
of commercial cardboard recycling contracts. In total, they recycled 6,969
tons of material and diverted 38% of Maple Ridge’s garbage.
OperationsThe Operations Department received 2,738 action requests in 1998
and was responsible for:
404 km of road 1744 ornamental street lights
206 km of sanitary sewer 1550 overhead street lights
312 km of watermain 6100 traffic signs
152 km of storm sewer 15 traffic signals
13 bridges 130 crosswalks
5 water pumping stations 3 water reservoirs
21 sewage pumping stations 1413 fire hydrants
Did You Know?
In 1998 we purchased 8,122,900 m3 of water from the Greater Vancouver
Water District (GVWD) and we installed:
•1,756 m2 of thermoplastic cross-walk paint
•168 new street signs
•1,200 reflective markers
•and marked 219 km of traffic lane
Jake Rudolph
General Manager
Public Works & Development Services
15
InspectionsInspection Services staff conducted 14,055 inspections and issued 3,413 building permits. New provincial
Building, Fire, Electrical and Plumbing Codes were adopted in 1998 resulting in enhanced ventilation
requirements for houses and new building envelope standards. Three staff members achieved the Regis-
tered Building Official Professional designation.
119,236,747
59,179,661
76,134,409
116,461,419
103,068,635
0
20,000,000
40,000,000
60,000,000
80,000,000
100,000,000
120,000,000
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Total Construction Values ($)
803
312
418
700
604
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Number of Residential Housing Starts
16
Fire Services
6 Budgeted Positions
Budget $1,266,577
Did You Know?
Once their 3 month training period is complete - which includes 150
training hours - each volunteer fire-fighter volunteers over 360 hours
per year on average.. Our volunteer fire-fighters have the highest level
of First Responder Medical Training available in the Province.
Peter Grootendorst
Deputy Chief,
Manager Operations
Dane Spence
Deputy Chief, Manager
Community Fire Safety
Maple Ridge Volunteer Fire DepartmentIn 1998 the Maple Ridge Fire Department restructured and
formed a team approach to management. We hired a
training officer; appointed a data management person; and,
welcomed a new front office person. The fire department
acquired a new tanker pump vehicle in 1998, and participated
in the TAPP-C program aimed at educating juveniles about
the dangers of fire-setting. Fire Hall #1 received seismic up-
grading and Fire Hall #2 is currently receiving an addition.
Plans are underway to build Fire Hall #4 in the Albion area.
Volunteer Recognition
In 1998, the department honoured 12 volunteer fire fighters with long-term service
awards – between them they had 170 years worth of service! The Maple Ridge
Volunteer Fire Department devoted 30,770 hours to protecting and educating the
community in 1998. This equals approximately 360 hours per volunteer per year.
Twelve new volunteers completed their training and were accepted as Volunteer
Fire Fighters in 1998. Seven other members are participating in the Company Officer’s
Program.
Beyond Our BordersThe provincial government declared a State of Emergency in Salmon
Arm, BC in the summer of 1998 when a brush and forest fire broke
out. Maple Ridge dispatched two trucks, a command vehicle and two
crews of fire fighters to assist fire crews already in Salmon Arm. Our crews
spent seven days in the region, patrolling 24-hours a day to extinguish spot
fires. Salmon Arm residents were deeply grateful for the swift response of
our Maple Ridge crews. Local crews also responded to a serious brush fire in
Pitt Meadows in September.
27%
25%18%
8%
7%
6%
9%
Alarms - 27%
Fires - 25%
Burning Complaints - 18%
Rescues - 8%
Medical Aid - 7%
Hazardous Materials - 6%
Other - 9%
17
Police Services Bill Dingwall
Officer in Charge
105 Budgeted Positions
Budget $7,534,758
Policing in Ridge-MeadowsThe 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 de-
partment encourages positive community relations, a professional police image, public
education, and the ability to respond to the needs of our community.
Community PartnershipsForming partnerships with the community was a major focus in 1998. We
formed new partnerships with ICBC, the School District, Maple Ridge
Chrysler, and Westgate Volkswagen for funding and vehicles to target specific
crimes in the community and support community policing. The Ridge-Meadows Protective Services Society was
also formed – it offers monetary rewards for assistance in the solution of crimes.
The local RCMP participated in the 1998 B.C. Summer Games
held in our community. We conducted security checks for all Games
officials and volunteers, provided a police liaison for Games security,
and donated many staff volunteer hours.
Volunteers contributed more than 8,000 hours to community polic-
ing efforts in 1998. Committed volunteers are involved in Speedwatch,
Citizens on Patrol, Blockwatch, Victim Services, and as Auxiliary offic-
ers. Local RCMP presented 759 talks to elementary and secondary
students and we have five school liaison officers working with youth.
Community Policing TeamThe Community Policing Team was formed in May of 1996, and given the mandate to take a leading role
in our Detachment’s Community Policing efforts. Since then, the Team has been successful in forming
effective partnerships and mobilizing community resources. During 1998, we formalized Community Po-
licing Committees (CPC) in Haney Central (for Port Haney and the downtown core), and West Maple Ridge
(for West Maple Ridge and Hammond). There is a functioning CPC in Pitt Meadows, and one is under develop-
ment for East Maple Ridge, with an expected start date of June 1999. These committees act in an advisory
capacity and also involve citizens in problem oriented policing projects.
More SuccessesDuring 1998 the local RCMP enjoyed several high profile operational successes, including charges being
laid in two historical homicides (one from 1978, the other from 1985); several charges laid related to an
auto theft ring; and, numerous marijuana grow operations were dismantled with charges laid. Also in
1998, we welcomed Inspector Bill Dingwall as our Officer In Charge.
Did You Know?
The local RCMP 1998 Charity Golf Tournament presented a cheque for
$10,280 to the Sunshine Foundation, bringing the three year total to
$13,886.
18
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
1991 1996
<$10,000 965 730
$10,000 - $19,999 2,095 1,050
$20,000 - $29,999 1,910 1,565
$30,000 - $39,999 2,020 1,630
$40,000 - $49,999 2,480 1,925
$50,000 - $59,999 2,095 1,995
$60,000 - $69,999 1,945 2,080
$70,000 +3,390
$70,000 - $79,999 1,415
$80,000 - $89,999 1,040
$90,000 - $99,999 690
$100,000 +1,260
Average $49,151 $56,338
Median $46,295 $53,606
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
<$10,000$10,000 - $19,999$20,000 - $29,999$30,000 - $39,999$40,000 - $49,999$50,000 - $59,999$60,000 - $69,999$70,000 +1991
1996
Source: Statistics Canada1996 Census
Source: Statistics Canada
1996 Census
19
Telephone List
General Information & Enquiries (11995 Haney Place)..........................................................................................................463-5221
General Fax Line .....................................................................................................................................................467-7329
Cemetery (21404 Dewdney Trunk).................................................................................................................................467-7307
Clerks Department..........................................................................................................................................................463-5221
Community & Business Relations (2-11996 Edge St.)
Business Enquiries and 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 Enquiries/Job Line ...........................................................................................................................................467-7350
Planning .......................................................................................................................................................................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 ...................................................................................................................................................467-7644
Firearms Registration ..............................................................................................................................................467-7682
Fax Line .........................................................................................................................................................467-7644
Crime Prevention Office (Pitt Meadows)................................................................................................................465-2402
SPCA Animal Shelter (10235 Industrial).........................................................................................................................463-9511
20
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
RCMP Bike Squad
Lends a Helping Hand
Eagle Release at River’s Day
Fire Department
Long-term Service Awards
Water Safety Lesson
Record Breaking
Line Dance
Canada Day Celebration
(Photo Courtesty of
“The News”)
“Planet Ice” Opens