HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 Citizens ReportCorporation of the District of
Maple Ridge
1999
Annual Report
Members of Council
Mayor Al Hogarth
Councillor Linda King Councillor Jon Harris Councillor Candace Gordon
Councillor Kathy Morse Councillor Craig Speirs Councillor Faye Isaac
District of Maple Ridge
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
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
1999 GRF Revenues & Expenditures..........................7
Debt Graphs .....................................................................8
Coat of Arms ....................................................................9
1999 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, 1998. 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 third consecutive year
and is very fortunate to be the only municipality in
Canada awarded a PAFR for 1998. We believe our
current report continues to conform to the Popular
Annual Financial Reporting requirements, and we are
submitting it to GFOA.
Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services ...12
Corporate & Financial 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
Cover Photography by OliverReuszVisit us atwww.mapleridge.org
Mayor’s Message
Al Hogarth
Al Hogarth
Mayor
2
On behalf of my colleagues on Council, I am pleased to introduce our award-winning Annual Report
for the 1999 fiscal year. This report is designed to provide the citizens of Maple Ridge with an
overview of key issues, events and decisions during the year.
Of course, the proposed downtown core redevelopment project was the major event in the year – a fifty million
dollar project designed to revitalize downtown Maple Ridge. In the spring of 1999,
the District entered into partnership talks with Maple Ridge Town Centre Ltd. to com-
plete this project. By the summer Council had approved the project and we signed a
partnering and development agreement with Maple Ridge Town Centre Ltd. to help us
achieve the vision we have for a vibrant downtown Maple Ridge.
Phase I of this project includes a new, high technology public library and an office
complex. Phase II will see an expanded Leisure Centre; a Youth Centre; and, a state-
of-the-art Arts Centre. In Phase III a privately funded hotel will be built. At the end of this project, the District
will have an expanded downtown park, lots of underground parking, and a vibrant centre to our downtown that
will see significant economic spin-offs to our local businesses.
1999 started with the official opening of Planet Ice – our new ice arena on the Albion Fairgrounds. Planet Ice
has two sheets of ice and lots of seats for spectators – a significant upgrade on the Cam Neely Arena that it
replaced. The Cam Neely Arena was torn down in November 1999 to make room for the new downtown core
redevelopment project.
In August, the District competed in the 1999 National Communities in Bloom Competition. Maple Ridge was
awarded an impressive “Three Blooms” and received a special mention for “community involvement.”
In September, Maple Ridge celebrated its 125th Birthday with a number
of community activities and events over the Labour Day weekend.
To coincide with this birthday celebration and mark this milestone,
renowned international photographer Bob Herger – who lives in Ma-
ple Ridge – in partnership with the District published a book entitled
“Maple Ridge Moments in Time, Celebrating 125 Years.” Many lo-
cal writers, painters, and school children contributed to this beautiful
commemorative hard cover book.
You will notice as you read through this report that many of our citizens have been recognized for outstanding
service in this community – indeed, we have many talented people amongst us who are successful in sports,
community activities, and the arts. In 1999, one of our more famous citizens unfortunately passed away in a
very tragic accident – as a community we said our sad good byes to international race car driver Greg Moore last
November. He will long be remembered as a generous Maple Ridge citizen and a positive role model.
As we enter the new century, Council looks forward to many exciting and new challenges - helping to shape
change to meet the needs of the future.
Core Photo
Golden Ears
Photo
Chief Administrative Officer’s Report
R.W. (Bob) Robertson
4 FT
Staff Positions
Budget $851,028
3
Welcome to our fourth annual report – provided to the citizens and customers of Maple Ridge. The
Annual Report gives an overview of the important events during the past year. The 1998 version
of this document was the recipient of the Government Finance Officers Association’s Award for
Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for the third year in a row. In addition, it
continues to be recognized as a valuable communication tool between municipal hall and the citizens we serve.
Maple Ridge currently has an estimated 65,000 citizens and we expect the population to double over the next
twenty years. We are clearly a growing community and must upgrade our public facilities in anticipation of this
growth. As such, in 1999 we entered into a very progressive public private partnership that will result in a
number of new and expanded municipal facilities. Also, the project will include a significant private sector
investment in the form of a new hotel and office/retail commercial space. Phase I (includes the library and
office tower) is expected to be complete in early 2001. We are looking forward to the positive synergies this
project will create in our community.
The District of Maple Ridge continues to work in partnership with the District of Pitt Meadows to ensure the
economic viability of the Pitt Meadows Airport. There are future plans for industrial development on the airport
lands that will result in new jobs for both municipalities.
The feedback on the first year of operation of our environmental
affairs department has been very positive. We are committed to
working with environmentally concerned citizens and other lev-
els of government to preserve and enhance the natural assets of
Maple Ridge. The District continues to work in cooperation with
the development community to achieve the best quality of projects
for Maple Ridge now and in the future.
Finally, the District of Maple Ridge remains dedicated to using a
business plan framework for decision-making. Currently we are
in our fourth year of using business plans during a time when
many other governments, both local and provincial, are just starting to look at using a similar process. As such,
we receive many requests for advice and we enjoy being able to share our model which helps put Maple Ridge
on the map as a progressive, innovative organization. An overview of the financial status of the District is
outlined in the following section of this report.
In summary, District staff look forward to the year 2000 and the opportunity to continue to serve our citizens and
customers.
Bob Robertson, CAO
4
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at December 31, 1999
Copies of the District’s award-winning
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
are available at the Municipal Hall and the
Public Library.
(Unaudited)
Restated
1999 1998
Financial Assets
Cash and Temporary Investments $ 27,187,872 $ 48,665,808
Long Term Investments 26,857,206 —
Accounts Receivable 8,097,045 11,294,878
Mortgage Receivable 1,450,000 1,450,000
Deferred Charges and Other 2,267,116 793,470
Properties for Resale 2,857,012 417,160
68,716,251 62,621,316
Liabilities
Accounts Payable $ 10,378,349 $ 6,482,151
Deferred Revenues 3,065,581 3,569,350
Restricted Revenues 16,084,175 15,640,663
Refundable Performance Deposits and Other 1,859,388 1,449,759
Long Term Debt 11,776,508 13,446,788
43,164,001 40,588,711
Net Financial Assets 25,552,250 22,032,605
Capital Assets 316,706,515 291,990,511
$342,258,765 $314,023,116
Equity
Fund Balances 37,328,758 35,479,393
Equity in Capital Assets 304,930,007 278,543,723
$342,258,765 $314,023,116
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities
For the Year Ended December 31, 1999
5
(Unaudited)
Actual Budget Restated
1999 1999 1998
Revenue
Taxes
Real property, special assessments, grants in lieu $52,152,557
Less: Collections for other governments 24,632,077
Total taxes for municipal purposes 27,520,480 27,484,613 25,491,296
Sale of services 4,146,427 3,736,677 3,590,564
Other revenue from own sources 3,115,737 2,773,471 3,157,282
Senior government grants – Utilities 1,527,904 1,718,342 1,709,115
Senior government grants – Capital 65,993 2,069,710 275,877
Development revenue 10,894,005 13,275,858 3,520,876
Provincial transfers 1,178,075 912,458 1,780,106
Interest income 1,279,842
Investment Income 1,552,322
Less: Deferred amount ( 563,897)
Investment income 2,268,267 1,812,580 2,145,271
Utility user fees 6,700,917 6,531,187 5,967,346
Proceeds of disposal and other 216,230 11,375 573,364
Gain on sales of property 920,483 ——
Contributed subdivision infrastructure 6,363,458 6,363,458 12,923,171
64,918,076 66,689,729 61,134,268
Expenditures
Protective services 11,127,218 12,944,929 10,476,122
Transportation services 9,294,174 13,190,677 7,573,933
Recreation and cultural 14,001,456 15,999,084 12,647,228
Sewer and water facilities 10,438,946 13,329,457 9,573,265
General government 9,610,051 6,250,783 6,328,970
Planning, public health and other 1,667,695 2,560,205 1,550,153
Reallocation of internal equipment usage 1,104,567 (1,207,478)(1,150,718)
Subdivision infrastructure 6,363,458 6,363,458 12,923,171
61,398,431 71,431,115 59,922,124
Excess Revenue Over Expenditures
(Change in Net Financial Assets)3,519,645 (4,741,386)1,212,144
Principal Repaid (1,897,366)(1,848,713)(1,763,370)
Debt Issued 227,086 — —
General Taxes for Municipal Services
6
1999 Average Home Comparison
Household Expenditures
Property Taxes
Municipal Property Taxes for Services and Other Standard Household Services
(Cost Per Month)$0$20$40$60$80$100$120$140Bylaw, SPCA, EMO
Administration
Library
Fire Department
Transit
Recycling
Capital Works
Transfers to Reserves
General Government
Parks & Recreation (excl. Cap)
Police Services
Public Works (excl. Cap)
Waterworks
Sanitary Sewer
Cable - Basic
Telephone - Basic
Home Security System
Home Insurance
Cable - Full (incl. Converter)
B.C. Hydro (Heat & Light)$0$500$1,000$1,500$2,000$2,500$3,000$3,500$4,000$4,500Kitimat
Oliver
Campbell River
Merritt
Pitt Meadows
Chilliwack
Penticton
Abbotsford (West)
Maple Ridge
Langley City
Cranbrook
Nth Vancouver Cty
Kelowna
Langley Township
Kamloops
Nanaimo
Surrey
Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam
White Rock
Burnaby
Mission
Saanich
Port Moody
New Westminster
Vancouver
Nth Vancouver Dist
West Vancouver
Financial Highlights
General Revenue Fund
7
Summary of 1999 Budget Revenues
(Council Controlled)
Summary of 1999 Budget Expenditures
(Council Controlled)
Taxation $25,469,168
Own Sources 4,630,948
Recreation/Leisure Services 2,171,207
Sale of Services 1,247,898
Internal Allocations 1,207,748
Reserves/Transfers 1,164,010
Provincial Grants 912,458
$36,803,437
Public Works & Development Services $ 8,158,795
Police Services 7,600,739
Community Dev., Parks & Rec Services 5,932,018
Corporate & Financial Services 4,900,762
Fiscal Services/Transfers 4,343,637
Capital Program 2,965,701
Fire Services 1,516,983
Administration 851,028
Other Miscellaneous 533,774
$36,803,437
Internal Allocations
3%
Reserves/Transfers
3%
Sale of Services
3%
Recreation/Leisure
Services
6%
Own Sources
13%
Provincial Grants
2%
Taxation
70%
Public Works &
Development Services
23%
Other Miscellaneous
1%
Administration
2%
Fire Services
4%
Capital Program
8%
Fiscal Services/Transfers
12%
Corporate & Financial
Services
13%
Community Dev., Parks &
Rec Services
18%
Police Services
21%
Debt Graphs
8
Debt Per Capita
Debt Retirement
$0
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$6,000,000
19992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015General Revenue Debt Waterworks Utility Debt Sanitary Sewer Utility Debt
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
19861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999
9
Arms (shield):
The line forms a “ridge” of peaks with the nearby Golden Ears moun-
tain in the centre. The Fraser River is symbolized at the base and the
namesake maple at the centre using both a broad leaf maple and flow-
ers from the vine maple.
Crest (above the shield):
The red coronet at the base of the crest has a double meaning, as the
traditional heraldic symbol for municipal government and as a salute
to Haney Brick and Tile, and by extension, pioneer industry. Haney
House symbolizes the pioneer settlement and Victorian beginnings of
the community.
Motto:
Created by the Coat of Arms Committee from a suggestion by Mr. Peter Mussallem, the motto
combines a geographic statement with comments about the nature of the District’s prosperity and
amenities. The phrase summarizes the core meaning of the coat of arms.
Compartment and Supports (at either side and at the base of the shield):
The grass represents the lands of the District with Kanaka Falls at the centre and the rivers below.
The horse and deer were suggestions arising from the public consultation. They are coloured in
pure heraldic colours to match the shield and can be taken to represent pioneer transport and
current recreations (horse) and natural heritage (deer).
The strawberry flowers on the supporter’s collar honour the early berry industry, the dogwood
salutes BC, the railway is represented via the wheel and forestry through the sawmill blade.
Flag:
In the classic manner of heraldry, the flag is composed of a banner
divided in the same fashion as the shield but coloured opposite, gold
above and blue below with a large shield of the District in the centre
and a border of blue and gold at the edge reinforcing the central mes-
sage of the symbolism of the shield.
Badge:
This takes one of the most important elements of the shield and adds a
river symbol. The broad leaf maple leaf and vine maple flowers are shown.
On the leaf are two narrow wavy bands of white. The whole is placed on a
gold circle with a sawtooth edge. The symbolism is of Maple Ridge, by
the river and near the golden peaks.
Symbolism of the Coat of Arms, Flag and Badge
1999 in Review
10
Capital Program & Other
Budget $3,419,675
January
¿Zachery Francis Pelletier becomes the first new 1999
resident (baby) of Maple Ridge.
¿Planet Ice officially opens at the Albion fairgrounds.
¿District receives the Popular Annual Financial Report
Award for the second consecutive year.
¿Chamber of Commerce award for Customer Service
Excellence presented to Dana and Ross Simmons of the
Maple Ridge Butcher Shop.
February
¿RCMP honours Robert Green, James Zdunich, Sarah
Copeland and Sandra Gemmill for their attempts to save
a local resident’s life.
¿Bob Thomson wins 1999 Citizen of the Year Award
from the Maple Ridge Community Foundation.
¿East Maple Ridge Pony Club riders excel at Regional
Pony Club Quiz competition.
March
¿Larry Walker wins Sport BC’s Best of BC Award for the
second year in a row.
¿Masters curler, Dale Longmuir inducted into the Haney
Master Curling Club Hall of Fame.
¿Vicki Bentzen wins first place in the Ridge Meadows
Arts Council community poetry contest.
¿Royal Canadian Legion donates funds to outfit the local
hospital with chemotherapy treatment equipment.
April
¿Students from Meadow Ridge Independent School head
to Tennessee to compete against 59 other teams in the
Odyssey of the Mind World Championships.
¿Claudia Harper and Kim Hofmarks make the Canadian
Endurance Team for the 1999 Pan-Am Championships.
¿Meadow Ridge Barracudas win the second largest
women’s hockey tournament in Canada.
May
¿Governor General Romeo LeBlanc awards new Coat of
Arms, badge, and flag to the District.
¿Maple Ridge on flood alert for two months.
¿A record crowd attends the annual Mountain Festival
Home show.
¿Picket Fence project earns a 1999 Program Excellence
Award from the BC Recreation and Parks Association.
Maple Ridge Moves Towards A Vibrant Downtown
June
¿Quantum Gymnastics awarded Western Canadian
Trampoline and Tumbling Championship.
¿Haney Builders and local RCMP hold a buzz-a-thon
and raise over $10,000 for Children’s Hospital.
¿Glen Schwalb and Vaughan Nelson inducted into the
Ridge Meadows Minor Baseball Association Hall of
Fame.
¿Stu Harvey and Grant Goodall given Life Saving
Awards.
11
Fiscal Services/Transfers
Budget $4,343,637
July
¿Communities in Bloom winners were S. and J.Rothmund,
L. and A. Lunderberg, Selkirk Medical and McDonald’s.
¿Travis Gillespie along with his team wins silver at the
world junior lacrosse championships in Australia.
¿Ridge Canoeists win most medals in club’s history at the
Western Canada Summer Games.
¿Shooter Kim Eagles wins a gold medal and earns Canada
a spot at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Australia.
August
¿Local machinist Don Richards designs three identical
aluminium trailheads for the Trans Canada Trail.
¿Neal Hurtubise earns two gold medals at the National
Juvenile Track And Field Championships.
¿Maple Ridge officially signed the Town Centre Develop-
ment Agreement to revitalize the District’s downtown
core.
September
¿Maple Ridge celebrates 125th Birthday as thousands
enjoy the warm, sunny weather.
¿Thomas Haney amateur wrestling coach Shaun Thiessen
recognized for his outstanding contribution to the sport.
¿Katzie First Nation builds longhouse on the shores of
Alouette Lake.
October
¿Local auto racing champion, Greg Moore dies in a crash
during a race in California. Thousands of mourners turn
out to remember him at a memorial service.
¿Charlene Wallbank named by BC Athletics as the top
female athlete born in 1988.
¿Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre opened in the
Elderly Citizens Recreation Association building.
¿The District wins a Silver Georgie Award recognizing
“Excellence by Local Government in Cooperation/
Leadership with Industry.”
November
¿Mayor A. Hogarth and Councillors L. King, C. Speirs, F.
Isaac, K. Morse, C. Gordon and J. Harris elected to
Maple Ridge Council.
¿Scott Robinson named to Columbia Football Associa-
tion’s all-conference team for the second year in a row.
¿Michelle McKay sets four provincial speed-skating
records at the Prince George Central Interior Challenge.
December
¿Haney Builders delivers 12,000 pounds of food to the
Maple Ridge Food Bank.
¿Local lawyer Bart Findlay elected President of Maple
Ridge Chamber of Commerce.
¿Aliyak Rahemtullah appears in MacLean’s Magazine as
one of 100 Canadians under the age of 30 whose future
shines with promise.
1999 in Review
Maple Ridge Moves Towards A Vibrant Downtown
Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services
12
Mike Murray
General Manager
43 FT - 79 PT
Staff Positions
Budget $5,932,018
Office of the General ManagerIn 1999 our Department received over $700,000 in capital and project funding from senior governments. Of these
funds $76,353 helped to fund Summer Career Placement for Youth; $21,300 went towards integrated recreation for
Mental Health Services; and, $26,000 from the Ministry of Children and Families went towards integrated day camp
support for special needs children. A BC 2000 grant of $150,000 went towards the Pitt Meadows Recreation Complex and
another for $137,000 will go towards the Trans Canada Trail.
RecreationWe are responsible for providing recreational opportunities for Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows citizens;
therefore, our programs and facilities offer aquatic, fitness, youth, arts, health and community development
services. These include drop-in programs, youth outreach initiatives and special events. In 1999 we provided
2,533 registered programs to 13,836 participants over 118,770 user hours.
Parks and Facilities1999 was a busy year for parks and facilities. The new Planet Ice complex was
officially opened in January and user groups helped to ensure a smooth transition
from the old Cam Neely arena to the new facility. Several more community groups
found space and have been temporarily relocated during the revitalization of the Maple
Ridge Downtown Core project. This project includes a new youth centre, arts centre, li-
brary and expanded leisure centre.
The Ridge Meadows Seniors Society Activity Centre opened in October. This new
facility provides a comfortable, friendly meeting place for our seniors and offers 25,000
square feet of space for services, programs, and recreational opportunities.
In addition to participating in the 125th Anniversary Celebration, Home Show, Com-
munities in Bloom competition, and a number of other community events, we are responsi-
ble for displaying 6,000 bulbs and 6,000 annuals in 18 floral areas; and, landscaping and
maintaining 22 boulevard sites, 51 parksites, 37 playgrounds, 23 grass soccer pitches, 38
ball diamonds, 7 major trail systems, 65 kilometres of equestrian trails, 30 tennis courts, 9
sports courts, 1 golf course, 6 picnic shelters and 10 washroom sites.
Emergency PreparednessWith a mission to plan for and respond to emergencies and disasters effectively, Emergency Preparedness
readied itself for the threatened spring flooding of the Fraser River. We participated in a flood evacuation
exercise with the RCMP and Search & Rescue. We also continued to update our manuals and provide public
education.
Community BuildingThe innovative “Picket Fence” neighbourhood planning and consultation project was the recipient of an award
from the BC Recreation and Parks Association and earned an honourable mention from the Canadian Association
of Municipal Administrators. The program brought 600 children and parents from Yennadon together with repre-
sentatives of several neighbourhood agencies to identify places and issues of importance to them. The award recognizes
“creative, successful, and innovative programs that may serve as models” for other agencies in enhancing service to their
communities.
Did You Know?
Sixty Youth Services and Community Events including dances, festivals, parades
and concerts were held in various venues throughout the community.
Corporate & Financial Services
Paul Gill
General Manager
13
40 FT - 18 PT
Staff Positions
Budget $4,900,762
Did You Know?
13 GEM awards were presented to municipal employees who “Go the Extra Mile” in
their work and 3 VIP awards went to “Very Innovative People.”
Office of the General ManagerThe municipal website underwent a major revision this year and in October we
launched the newly designed site into cyberspace. Visitors to the site will
appreciate the quicker and easier access to information that this service provides.
In November, the site provided virtually live coverage of the municipal elections.
Community and Business RelationsWe produced a variety of materials profiling business and investment opportunities in the community in our
efforts to promote and support economic development. We published an Economic Development magazine;
updated a comprehensive Community Profile document; and, produced an outstanding corporate video.
All these materials are available to the public and will be used in marketing our community world-
wide. We hosted a number of foreign visitors, including a 30-person business delegation from the
Cangzhou, Hebei Province in China who visited for one day.
In our effort to support the growing home business sector, our office coordinated the annual
Home Based Business Showcase, in which 25 home-based businesses participated. In October, we
won an award from the Home Based Business Association of Canada recognizing Maple Ridge as
one of three communities in Canada considered most “home-based business friendly.”
We issued 3,028 business licenses including 1,165 home-based business licences. We con-
tinued to support the movie industry, assisting five productions with filming in Maple Ridge.
Corporate SupportThe Information Services department continues to ensure that all municipal departments are able to use technol-
ogy effectively and efficiently to serve our citizens. They conducted Y2K testing; installed a new telephone
system; and, implemented a new financial system. The Clerks department had a busier than normal year because
of the municipal elections in November. They also helped to organize a School Board Trustee by-election in January and
organized a visit by Canada’s Governor General to unveil Maple Ridge’s new Municipal Coat of Arms, Badge, and
Municipal Flag.
FinanceIn 1999 Maple Ridge was once again the recipient of two prestigious awards from the Government Finance
Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for reports produced for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1998. The Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting was received
for the third consecutive year and recognizes “conformance with the highest standards” in its preparation. For the ninth
time we were recipients of the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, which requires a government unit to publish an
easy-to-read and efficiently organized annual report.
The installation of new financial and budgetary software will help our department to be more efficient and effective.
Initiatives for new revenue generated an additional $400,000 in 1999. We continue to strive to find ways of improving
revenue, reducing costs and becoming more “customer friendly.”
PersonnelTo facilitate the earliest possible return to work of employees after an injury or illness, we implemented an
attendance management program. In addition, we reassessed the corporate employee appraisal system and
revised the document to better align with the business plans and to encourage meaningful conversation between
supervisors and employees.
Jake Rudolph
General Manager
Public Works & Development Services
14
109 FT
Staff Positions
Budget $8,158,795
Office of the General ManagerIn 1999 the Division prepared its first annual report with detailed statistics on development activity in the District. A
strategic plan was also prepared as a framework for integrated service delivery and changes were made in our organiza
tional structure to provide greater effectiveness on environmental matters, project engineering and inspection services.
Permit approvals were streamlined for business licenses, single family building permits, and secondary suites registration.
We have placed particular emphasis on transportation issues and we achieved significant success for TransLink fund-
ing on major roads. Our staff was extensively involved with the new regional TransLink and GVRD committees.
Planning and Environmental ManagementCurrent and Long Range Planning and Environmental Management practices ensure that growth and change in
Maple Ridge are in line with both the vision identified in the District’s Corporate Strategic Plan and the commu-
nity’s goals as set out in the Official Community Plan.
Long Range Planning projects in 1999 included a commercial zoning review; submission to Council of Albion and
Cottonwood Guide Plans; adoption of secondary suite bylaws; and, ongoing Rural Plan policy development. Population
and employment studies were also carried out. Significant zoning success in 1999 included the Town Centre project and
large residential development proposals in the Silver Valley and Albion growth areas.
The new Environmental Affairs unit began its first full year of operation. This unit is responsible for soil deposit
permits; acting as the liaison with government and local environmental interest groups; daily field inspections; and, partici-
pation in zoning and development approvals. Accomplishments this year included the adoption of the newly amended
Development Permit XXX and new soil deposit regulation and fee bylaws.
EngineeringThe Engineering Department provides project management to complete infra
structure capital work projects and other programs. In 1999 a number of projects
were successfully completed including:
- Laity Street drainage and road construction
- 116th Avenue to Brunette road construction
- Rothsay Heights Municipal water connection
- Dover Street Pedestrian Signal
- 203rd/Dewdney Trunk Road intersection improvements
Other programs successfully completed by Engineering included placement of
large speed signs in school zones, and the development of a greenwaste strategy and
flood preparedness mapping.
OperationsResponsible for the management and maintenance of the municipal infrastruc
ture, the Operations Department provides services fundamental to the health,
safety and convenience of our rapidly growing population, in a manner that is responsive and both economically
and environmentally responsible. This includes the capability to provide 24-hour a day emergency response to the needs of
residents. In 1999 Operations maintained:
411 km of paved roadways 130 crosswalks
212 km of sanitary sewer 11,785 sewer connections
321 km of water main 13,787 service connections
186 km of storm sewer 1,493 fire hydrants
219 km of traffic markings 6,200 traffic signs
500 km of drainage ditch 1,844 ornamental street lights
8,219 tonnes hot – mix asphalt pavement 1,350 overhead street lights
214 km of traffic lane marked
Did You Know?
In 1999 we purchased 10.31 million m3 of water from the Greater Vancouver Water District (GVWD) and we
installed or replaced 3264 l/m of ductile watermain.
Jake Rudolph
General Manager
Public Works & Development Services
15
InspectionsThe Inspections Services Department is responsible for accepting and approving plans and permit applications on
all construction of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings within the District. In 1999 we
set up and implemented a new system for registration, bookings, and inspection of suites. We trained two new full-
time Building Inspectors; one on-call Electrical Inspector; and, one Clerk/Plan-Check Assistant. The department con-
ducted 14,055 inspections and issued 3,521 permits.
803
312
418
700
604
420
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Number of Residential Housing Starts
119,236,747
59,179,661
76,134,409
116,461,419
103,068,635
71,292,710
0
20,000,000
40,000,000
60,000,000
80,000,000
100,000,000
120,000,000
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Total Construction Values ($)
16
Fire Services
7 FT
Staff Positions
Budget $1,516,983
Did You Know?
One hundred and ten Maple Ridge Volunteer Firefighters responded to 1,030
emergency call-outs in 1999 and 30,220 volunteer-hours were devoted to
community services.
Peter Grootendorst
Deputy Chief, Manager
Operations
Dane Spence
Deputy Chief, Manager
Community Fire Safety
Maple Ridge Volunteer Fire DepartmentThe goal of the Maple Ridge Fire Department is to protect life, property and
the environment to ensure a safe and livable community for our present and
future citizens. In our on-going efforts to provide the residents of Maple Ridge
a level of excellence in our service, we continue to upgrade equipment and facilities,
provide public education, and deliver efficient emergency response capabilities.
In 1999 an emergency diesel generator was installed at Fire Hall #1 and a cement
block storage room was built as a centralized depot for tools and equipment. Hall #2
was expanded to provide a dedicated training area and truck bays to house a Tanker
truck. All three Fire Halls received diesel exhaust removal systems to ensure removal
of carcinogenic fumes from the truck bays and buildings when truck engines start. A traffic pre-emption device was
installed in September, on a trial basis, at 224th Street and Dewdney Trunk Road. The department believes these signal
light pre-emption devices - activated by sirens - will contribute to overall safety in our community.
In June we appointed an Assistant Chief/Community Safety Officer so we could expand our inspection program into
evenings and Saturdays and enable us to respond to burning and bylaw complaints after business hours.
In July, a Federal/Municipal partnership agreement allowed the department to start a year-long comprehensive project
to identify need-to-know information about commercial, industrial and multi-residential build-
ings. This is of vital importance in emergency situations. This year we also upgraded our
map books and converted them to a digital format to enable us to continually reflect new
development. This information is automatically dispatched to firefighters when they receive
an emergency call.
Starting in September, volunteers delivered a newly formatted fire safety program to
nine elementary schools. Over 1,200 adults and children received the Fire Safety Program at
the Fire Halls and 1,785 children received fire safety education through our School Safety
Program.
We are working to continually improve public access to Fire Department information
via the municipal website.
Volunteer RecognitionThis year nine past and present members received a 25-year British Columbia Long Service Medal. The Governor
General presented one of these members with a Fire Services Exemplary Service Bar in recognition of 30 years
service. In addition, twenty-one Departmental Long-Term Service Awards were awarded to current and retired
members for five, ten, fifteen or twenty years of service. We held two Recruit Fire Fighter Training classes in 1999 and
welcomed 22 new recruits who completed their training and probation periods.
Flood Contingency PlanIn response to the dangers of spring flooding by the
Fraser River, the department actively participated in the
municipal emergency-planning program and spent consid-
erable time and effort reviewing and improving our state of
readiness to respond in the event flooding occurred in Maple
Ridge.
25%
23%15%
12%
8%
7%6%4%
Alarms - 261
Fires - 240
Burning Complaints - 157
Medical Assistance - 126
Miscellaneous - 81
Hazardous Materials - 66
Electrical - 61
Rescues - 38
17
Police Services Bill Dingwall
Officer in Charge
24 FT - 56 PT
Staff Positions
Budget $7,600,739
Policing in Ridge-MeadowsThe Ridge-Meadows Detachment of the RCMP, in partnership with the community, is dedicated to the preservation
of quality of life and safety of the public we serve. We are dedicated to the principle of community policing and
to
working with the public to provide long term solutions to identified
problems. Therefore, our 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 com-
munity relations; a professional police image; public education; and, the ability
to respond to the needs of our community.
Policing into the New MillenniumTechnology was a major focus for the Ridge-Meadows RCMP Detachment in 1999. We purchased mobile work
stations and portable computers for the police cars and trained all members and dispatchers on how to use them.
This investment in technology has significantly enhanced efficiency for the members when they are on patrol. In
addition, we installed crime analysis software, enabling officers to determine trouble spots in the community and focus on
problem solving. Acquiring this new computer equipment will ease the transition into the new millennium.
Planning for the FutureIn July 1999 the Officer in Charge completed a five year strategic plan to assist municipal Councils and the Detachment
plan for the future. The plan identifies past practices; highlights the environmental pressures impacting policing; and,
identifies action plans and recommendations. Early in 1999 work
began on a contingency plan to curtail possible Y2K problems, everything
from equipment failure to policing challenges associated with millennium
celebrations was addressed. As a result, we entered the year 2000 safely and
with very few problems. Along with several other community partners, we
participated in a Flood Contingency Plan in the Spring of 1999 because of
the possibility of extensive flooding. The plan is now in place should the
high water threat return.
The Community Policing Team continued to take a lead role in the
Detachment’s community policing focus. A fourth community policing com-
mittee was formed this year in East Maple Ridge (for residents of Silver
Valley, Albion, Thornhill, and Whonnock). Planning is underway for po-
lice sub-offices in the new Pitt Meadows Recreation Centre and the new Albion Fire Hall to further enhance police/
community interaction.
SuccessesDuring 1999 the Detachment maintained the level of police service expected by our residents despite severe
staff shortages. Successes include high profile cases such as: the solving of a double homicide in May resulting in
the apprehension and charging of two prison escapees; approximately $300,000 worth of stolen property/drugs
recovered; an estimated $200,000 shoplifting ring disbanded; and, $12,500 raised for the Sunshine Foundation at the
Fourth Annual Ridge-Meadows RCMP Charity Golf Tournament.
Did You Know?
This year Cst. Carrier of Ridge-Meadows Detachment spearheaded the first co-ed
RCMP Hockey Camp for youth from Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Coquitlam & Port
Coquitlam (aged 5 - 14 years). This is the first initiative of this type by the RCMP,
and in its first year involved 62 local youth.
18
Demographics
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
Source: Statistics Canada
1996 Census
Source: Statistics Canada
1996 Census
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
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
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 Relation
Business Enquiries & Licences ......................................................................................................................................467-7305
Bylaws & Parking Enforcement .....................................................................................................................................467-7305
Economic Development................................................................................................................................................467-7305
Fax Line .....................................................................................................................................................................467-7330
Engineering Department
Engineering Enquiries ..................................................................................................................................................467-7339
Administration ............................................................................................................................................................467-7340
Fax Line .....................................................................................................................................................................467-7425
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 .................................................................................................................................................................467-7478
Property Taxation (Information Line)..............................................................................................................................467-7336
Fax Line .....................................................................................................................................................................467-7331
Fire Department
Emergency Calls Only........................................................................................................................................................911
Administration Only - Non-Emergency Calls ...................................................................................................................463-5880
Fax Line .....................................................................................................................................................................467-7332
Garbage (GVRD Transfer Station).........................................................................................................................................466-9277
Inspection Services ..............................................................................................................................................................467-7311
Building .....................................................................................................................................................................467-7312
Electrical ....................................................................................................................................................................467-7313
Gas-Plumbing & On-Site Servicing ................................................................................................................................467-7314
Suite Line ...................................................................................................................................................................467-7427
After Hours Inspection Line ..........................................................................................................................................467-7380
Fax Line .....................................................................................................................................................................467-7461
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
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 .........................................................................................................................467-7357
Ridge Meadows Community Arts Council Office (22520-116th Ave.)..................................................................................467-3825
Fax Line .............................................................................................................................................................467-1498
Ridge-Meadows Seniors Society (12150-224th St.)
Seniors Program & Information Office....................................................................................................................467-4993
Personnel Enquiries/Job Line ................................................................................................................................................467-7350
Planning & Environment ......................................................................................................................................................467-7341
Development Applications ............................................................................................................................................467-7342
Administration ............................................................................................................................................................467-7343
Police-RCMP (11990 Haney Place)
Emergency Calls Only........................................................................................................................................................911
Non-Emergency Calls ..................................................................................................................................................463-6251
Records Section ..........................................................................................................................................................467-7635
Volunteer Services Coordinator .....................................................................................................................................467-7644
Fax Line .....................................................................................................................................................................467-7633
Pitt Meadows Community Policing ........................................................................................................................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
Youth Enjoying One of the Many
Activities at the Leisure Centre
Municipal Staff Raises Over $12,000
for the United Way
Canada Day Celebration
?
Construction Begins on the
Exciting New Town Core
Town Core Photo
Equestrian Entry in the Mountain
Festival Parade
Fun at the
Local Home Show