HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 Citizens ReportMembers of Council
Mayor Al Hogarth
Councillors from left to right:
Linda King, Jon Harris, Candace Gordon, Kathy Morse, Craig Speirs, Faye Isaac
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
2000 GRF Revenues & Expenditures .........................7
Debt Graphs .....................................................................8
Coat of Arms ....................................................................9
2000 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, 1999. 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 fourth consecutive year and is
very fortunate to be the only municipality in Canada
awarded a PAFR for 1999. 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
Frequently Called Numbers .....................................................19
Legend of the Beast ..................................................................20
Table of Contents
1
Photography by Oliver Rathonyi-ReuszVisit us at www.mapleridge.org
Mayor’s Message
Al Hogarth
Al Hogarth
Mayor
2
I am pleased to introduce the District of Maple Ridge’s Annual Report for the fiscal year 2000. This
document provides an overview of key issues, events and decisions. On behalf of my colleagues on
Council, I invite you to review the report to find out about the activities and programs of our local government,
each of which is intended to improve the quality of life in our community. In 2000, we launched several important
initiatives to support this objective.
We laid the groundwork for a new Parks, Recreation and Cultural Master Plan with our neighbours in Pitt
Meadows. In September, a new Family Recreation Centre serving both communities opened in Pitt Meadows.
In April, we opened a 23.5-kilometre section of the Trans-Canada Trail from the Pitt River Bridge to the Albion
Ferry. In October, the Curling Club opened a new rink adjacent to Planet Ice. The old downtown rink made way
for the Maple Ridge Town Centre development.
The Maple Ridge Town Centre project to redevelop
the town core was well underway in 2000. The
new Public Library opens in March of 2001
followed by a new Youth Centre, dedicated to the
memory of racer Greg Moore; a commercial office
building; and, an expanded and renovated Leisure
Centre later in 2001. This exciting project will also
include an Arts Centre and an enlarged downtown
park, creating a vibrant hub for festivals,
conferences and commercial activity.
The District continued its commitment to the
environment and conservation in 2000. We
expanded the boundaries of the curbside blue box program and added household plastics recycling to local
recycling services. We also introduced a new planning process for Silver Valley that integrates social, economic,
and environmental factors into residential neighbourhood planning. In addition, Maple Ridge received “Four
Blooms” in the national “Communities in Bloom” competition, in part due to our environmental initiatives.
Also, in the year 2000, the District of Maple Ridge was widely recognized for our internal business planning
practices. Towns and cities across North America invited our municipal staff to visit and introduce the Maple
Ridge business planning model.
The year 2000 was a year of building on our successes, initiating new processes, and planning for the future. In
2001 I look forward to working with my Council colleagues, the citizens of Maple Ridge and our partners in
other municipalities and governments and to dealing with the challenges ahead.
Chief Administrative Officer’s Report
Bob Robertson
3 FT
Staff Positions
Budget $1,079,097
3
Welcome to our Annual Report – written for the citizens and customers of Maple Ridge. This
Annual Report provides an overview of the important events of the past year. The 1999 version
of this document was the recipient of the Government Finance Officers’ Association Award for
Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for the fourth year in a row. It continues to be
recognized as a valuable communication tool between the District and the citizens and customers we serve.
Maple Ridge is a growing community with more than 65,000 citizens. In 2000, the District continued to work on
the significant redevelopment of the town centre. This $50 million public/private partnership will see a
number of new and expanded public facilities
open in 2001. The project represents a signifi-
cant investment in downtown Maple Ridge and
additional private investment is expected to
further update our downtown.
Environmental management is a key concern
in Maple Ridge, particularly with changes in
provincial legislation. Improved watercourse
mapping is underway and we have adopted a
number of new bylaws to assist in environ-
mental and growth management. Also, the Dis-
trict, in partnership with the province and the
Greater Vancouver Regional District, acquired
Blaney Bog, an environmentally sensitive
wetland.
Organizationally, we appointed a new General Manager of Corporate & Financial Services. Mr. Paul Gill was
previously the Director of Corporate Planning & Protective Services and has been serving the District of Maple
Ridge for 13 years.
The District of Maple Ridge continues to use a formal business plan framework for decision-making. We re-
ceive many requests from other public agencies and local governments to share information and expertise on
our business planning experiences. Maple Ridge is without a doubt an example of “best practice” in the use of
business planning and much of the credit for this success goes to our dedicated staff.
Maple Ridge staff are committed to the continued delivery of high quality service to our citizens and customers.
We hope you will find the information in this report useful and we look forward to receiving your comments or
suggestions for improvement.
Robert W. Robertson, Ph.D.
Chief Administrative Officer
4
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at December 31, 2000
Copies of the District’s award-winning
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
are available at the Municipal Hall and the
Public Library.
(Unaudited)
2000 1999
Financial Assets
Cash and Temporary Investments 15,293,489$ 27,187,872$
Long Term Investments 28,872,213 26,857,206
Accounts Receivable 8,132,503 7,832,865
Mortgage Receivable 1,450,000 1,450,000
Property held for Resale 2,669,766 1,290,828
Other Assets 1,820,396 2,267,116
58,238,367 66,885,887
Liabilities
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities 14,491,708$ 8,547,985$
Deferred Revenues 3,271,322 3,065,581
Restricted Revenues 12,317,312 16,084,175
Refundable Performance Deposits and Other 1,407,728 1,859,388
Long Term Debt 9,701,007 11,776,508
41,189,077 41,333,637
Net Financial Assets 17,049,290 25,552,250
Capital Assets 354,447,448 316,706,515
371,496,738$ 342,258,765$
Equity
Fund Balances 26,750,297 37,328,758
Equity in Capital Assets 344,746,441 304,930,007
371,496,738$ 342,258,765$
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities
For the Year Ended December 31, 2000
5
(Unaudited)
Actual Budget Actual
2000 2000 1999
Revenue
Taxes
Real property, special assessments, grants in lieu 54,968,513$
Less: Collections for other governments (25,817,405)
Total taxes for municipal purposes 29,151,108$ 29,090,537$ 27,520,480$
Sale of services 3,883,213 4,041,442 4,146,527
Other revenue from own sources 3,654,366 3,366,107 3,115,737
Senior government grants – Utilities 1,519,996 1,718,342 1,527,904
Senior government grants – Capital 1,402,835 3,143,991 65,993
Development revenue 8,174,415 12,847,070 10,894,005
Provincial transfers 1,084,178 1,563,354 1,178,075
Interest income 1,116,392
Investment income 1,821,908
Less: Deferred amount (644,053)
Interest and investment income 2,294,247 1,025,000 2,268,267
Utility user fees 7,376,220 7,467,988 6,700,917
Proceeds from disposal of capital assets 1,873,010 6,595,375 216,230
Gain on sales of property 45,286
Less: Allowance for reduction to market value (138,604)
Net gain on sales of property held for resale (93,318) 1,323,000 920,483
Contributed subdivision infrastructure 6,741,247 6,741,247 6,363,458
67,061,517 78,923,453 64,918,076
Expenditures
Protective services 10,799,688 14,221,233 11,127,218
Transportation services 9,459,937 14,868,165 9,294,174
Recreation and cultural 27,403,512 27,446,438 14,001,456
Sewer and water facilities 11,252,276 14,665,370 10,568,946
General government 8,754,020 7,314,272 9,480,051
Planning, public health and other 2,386,870 3,080,943 1,667,695
Reallocation of internal equipment usage (1,233,073) (1,177,294) (1,104,567)
Subdivision infrastructure 6,741,247 6,741,247 6,363,458
75,564,477 87,160,374 61,398,431
Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue Over Expenditures
(Change in Net Financial Assets)(8,502,960) (8,236,921) 3,519,645
Principal Repaid (2,075,501) (2,033,538) (1,897,366)
Debt Issued - - 227,086
Increase (Decrease) in Consolidated Fund Balances (10,578,461) (10,270,459) 1,849,365
Consolidated Fund Balances - Beginning of Year 37,328,758 - 35,479,393
Consolidated Fund Balances – End of Year 26,750,297$ -$ 37,328,758$
General Taxes for Municipal Services
6
2000 Average Home Comparison
Household Expenditures
Property Taxes
Municipal Property Taxes for Services and Other Standard Household Services
(Cost Per Month)
$3.48
$4.01
$5.86
$5.98
$6.06
$7.64
$12.94
$12.94
$16.78
$17.33
$20.21
$26.75
$27.92
$28.50
$38.00
$65.42
$125.00
Library
Debt
Development Services
Capital Works
Fire Protection
Public Works
Parks & Rec
Recycling
Sewer
Water
Police
Cable (basic)
Telephone (basic)
Home Security System
Home Insurance
Cable (full)
BC Hydro/Gas (heat and light)$0 $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 $3,000 Pitt Meadows
City of Langley
City of North Vancouver
Maple Ridge
Richmond
Surrey
Township of Langley
Coquitlam
New Westminster
Port Moody
Burnaby
Vancouver
Delta
District of North Vancouver
Municipal Council Levies
$822.79
Water Utility Charge $208
Sewer Utility Charge
$201.34 Recycling Levy $41.85
BC Assessment $22.96
Regional District $20.11
Transit Authority $37.87
Library $41.79
Municipal Finance
Authority $0.05
School District $705.99Other
Portion of taxation
collected for other
agencies
Financial Highlights
General Revenue Fund
7
Summary of 2000 Budget Revenues
Summary of 2000 Budget Expenditures
Property
Sales
9%
Parcel
Charges
4%
Grants & Cost Shares
3%Sale of
Services
3%
Fees &
Charges
3%
User Fees
9%
Property
Taxes
27%
Collections for Other
Governments
24%
Reserves
17%
Interest
1%
Property Taxes $25,943,239
Collections for Other Governments 24,078,020
Reserves 16,656,099
User Fees 9,218,026
Property Sales 9,152,000
Parcel Charges 3,621,671
Grants & Cost Shares 3,062,504
Fees & Charges 2,781,892
Sale of Services 2,727,366
Interest 1,165,000
$98,405,817
Water
3%
Sewer
4%Corporate &
Financial
4%Debt
Repayments
4%
Parks &
Recreation
7%
Public Works &
Development
8%
Police
8%
Reserves
13%
Capital
Projects
22%
Fire
1%
Administration
1%
Remittances
to Other
Governments
25%
Remittances to Other Governments $24,078,020
Capital Projects 20,748,075
Reserves 13,214,869
Police 7,845,109
Public Works & Development 7,636,407
Parks & Recreation 7,212,904
Debt Repayments 4,286,990
Corporate/Financial 3,723,776
Sewer 3,701,686
Water 3,426,398
Fire 1,452,487
Administration 1,079,097
$98,405,817
Debt Graphs
8
Debt Per Capita
Debt Retirement
$-
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
$3,500,000
$4,000,000
$4,500,000
$5,000,000
2000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015General Revenue Debt Waterworks Utility Debt Sanitary Sewer Utility Debt
$-
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
19861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
9
Maple Ridge has a number of official insignias. The Coat of Arms was
registered by the Right Honourable Romeo LeBlanc on May 4, 1999.
Arms (shield):
The line forms a “ridge” of peaks with the nearby Golden Ears mountain 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 flowers from the vine
maple.
Crest (above the shield):
The red coronet at the base of the crest has a double meaning, as the tradi-
tional 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 “Rivers of Bounty - Peaks of Gold” 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 indus-
try, 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 message 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
10
Capital Program
Budget $20,748,075
January
¿The Ridge Meadows Minor Baseball Association
named the first ever Canada Safeway Baseball
Association of the Year by Baseball B.C.
¿Diana Dalton, receptionist for the District, receives
award for Customer Service at the Chamber of
Commerce Annual Excellence Awards banquet.
¿Paul Rose receives the Arnie Nelson Award from
McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, recognizing vision
and leadership in operating his six outlets.
February
¿Citizen satisfaction survey conducted by the District.
¿The late Greg Moore elected as the “Jack Diamond
Sports Personality” of the year.
¿Trans Canada Trail opens.
March
¿Helen Mussallem, Marjory Saunders, Pete Telosky,
Bruce Carrington and Robert Mudell inducted into the
Ridge Meadows Hall of Fame.
¿Sod turning ceremony held for new Curling Club
adjacent to Planet Ice.
¿Local community volunteer George Price passes away
after a short illness.
April
¿ Cam Neely and the late Greg Moore inducted into the
B.C. Sports Hall of Fame.
¿Former MLA, Mayor and Councillor, Austin Pelton
granted Freedom of the District. He is one of only seven
individuals to receive this honour.
¿Former Golden Ears Curling Club member, Kelley Law
skips to win gold in the Women’s World Curling
championship in Scotland.
May
¿A record 40,000 people attend the home show at Planet
Ice.
¿Thomas Haney Drama Secondary students win Air
Canada award for best overall production.
¿Jenni-Leigh Harder competes in the World Highland
Dancing Championships in Cowal, Scotland .
June
¿Maple Ridge resident Lorne Davies receives the
Order of British Columbia from Lieutenant Governor
Garde Gardom.
¿Lawn bowler Edwin Waterson wins his ninth
provincial gold medal.
¿Avery Murray wins gold medal at the B.C. Archery
Association’s 2000 Junior Olympic Program Outdoor
Championships.
¿Natalie Goertz wins the Girls’ Marksman competition
at the B.C. Small Bore Championships.
11
Fiscal Services/Transfers
Budget $3,715,819
July
¿Terry Fryer appointed to the position of Municipal
Clerk.
¿Joe Mellof wins his first National Hot Rod
Association divisional race ever in rebuilt 1963
Corvette.
¿All 10 members of the Maple Ridge branch of the
Pacific Riding for the Disabled earn medals at the
2000 B.C. Games for Athletes with a Disability.
¿Mike Barney was a member of the B.C. under-17
boys’ soccer team that wins gold at the Canadian
National Championships.
August
¿Patrick Ericsson was a member of the B.C. golf team
that won its first Optimist International Match.
¿Ridge Canoe and Kayak Club win the Provincial
Championships.
¿More than 12,000 attend the Maple Ridge Jazz and
Blues Festival.
September
¿Kim Eagles represents Canada in women’s pistol
shooting at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney,
Australia.
¿Several hundred people attend the popular River’s Day
celebration at Allco Park, raising $1,300.
¿Thao Nguyen (one of only 24 students in Canada)
selected to receive a Terry Fox Humanitarian award
and scholarship.
October
¿Yennadon, Fairview and Kanaka Creek Elementary
Schools donate 481 bags of food and 133 bags of
clothing to the Friends in Need Food Bank.
¿Maple Ridge receives four blooms in the Communities
in Bloom national community pride and beautification
contest.
¿Jennifer McKenzie and “Digger” win four gold medals
at the B.C. Games for Athletes with a Disability and
are off to the Royal Winter Fair.
November
¿Municipal staff raise over $16,000 for the United Way.
¿Maple Ridge actor Robert Wisden wins a Gemini
award for best supporting actor in a TV drama.
¿Sandi Robinson and Senoritas Jewel win at the Western
Canadian Cutting Horse Championships.
December
¿Thomas Haney AAA Senior Boys Basketball team
wins the first annual HSBC Basketball Classic.
¿Buck Kinney is the first Canadian to be inducted into
the National Hot Rod Association Hall of Fame.
¿Amy Laithwaite accepted into Toronto’s National
Ballet School.
Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services
12
Mike Murray
General Manager
81.2 FTE
Staff Positions
Budget $6,293,059
Office of the General ManagerThe year 2000 saw the successful completion of several
important community development projects and the beginning
of several more. In April, we opened a 23.5 km section of the
Trans Canada Trail stretching from the Pitt River Bridge to Albion. In
September we opened the 33,000 sq ft Pitt Meadows Family
Recreation Centre and Community Policing Office. October saw the
opening of the new curling rink adjacent to Planet Ice.
We commenced construction on three new public facilities due to
open in 2001: the library, the Greg Moore Youth Centre, and the
expansion to the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre. We completed the planning details for the visual and performing
arts centre that will begin construction in 2001.
RecreationThe recreation department provides recreational opportunities for both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
citizens. Programs and facilities include aquatics, fitness, arts, and health offering drop-in programs,
youth outreach initiatives, and special events. In 2000 we provided nearly 3,000 programs to 14,000
participants and recorded over 115,000 people at our numerous special events. The Leisure Centre recorded
over 200,000 admissions for the year.
Parks and FacilitiesWe completed planning work for Mitchell Park in Pitt
Meadows and development work at the Pitt Meadows
Athletic Park (phase II), Cross’s Cabin, and Alexander
Robinson Park. The Albion Sports Park gained field lighting and a
bridge crossing.
In partnership with the provincial government and the GVRD,
we acquired 230 acres of Blaney Bog Conservation area that will be
managed by the GVRD. We also acquired a 23 acre park in Pitt
Meadows that fronts the Fraser River. Each year, our department
displays over 12,000 bulbs and annuals in 18 floral areas, and
landscapes and maintains 22 boulevard streets, 53 park sites, 38
playgrounds, 35 grass soccer pitches, 42 ball diamonds, 7 major trails
systems, 30 tennis courts, 10 sports courts, and a golf course.
Emergency PreparednessDuring 2000 the District of Maple Ridge and the District of Pitt Meadows adopted the B.C. Emergency
Response System and started training members of the Emergency Operations Centre and others in this
new approach to emergency management. During the year we had 31 search & rescue activations and
111 planning & training sessions were held.
Did You Know?
More than 55% of households in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows use the Leisure
Centre annually.
Corporate & Financial Services
Paul Gill, CGA
General Manager
13
40 FT - 18 PT
Staff Positions
Office of the General ManagerIn October, we acquired about 230 acres of land in the heart of Blaney Bog, ensuring the lands will
be kept in their natural state. This was the culmination of many months of work and dedication by
the Municipality, Greater Vancouver Regional District, Province of British Columbia, and the Aquilini
family. In addition, the municipal website continued to increase in popularity and we have been involved in
getting approval for free public internet sites and expect to establish these sites in 2001.
ClerksIn 2000, we completed a number of initiatives resulting from our process improvement review to provide
better service to our customers. We hired a Committee Clerk to provide an enhanced level of service to
Council Committees, established a new realtors’ group to provide advice on sale of District lands; purchased
three properties for future park development; and, sold two municipal properties. In adition, we initiated
negotiations to acquire lands for Boundary Park, Whonnock Lake, and Firefighter’s Park. We leased space to
house facilities temporarily displaced by the Maple Ridge Town Centre development.
Information ServicesMajor projects in 2000 included selecting and implementing the first phase of a new property
management software system. We made several Geographic Information System (GIS) improvements
to better represent mapping data resources available in the municipality and coordinated the wiring
for the new library and office tower complex. We also helped implement the new recreation software to improve
service to the public.
Finance2000 was a busy year as many of the financial reforms enacted
in the new Local Government Act were implemented. Key
items were the 2000 – 2004 and 2001 – 2005 Consolidated
Financial Plans. We invited the public to a number of open house
sessions to comment on the plans. We also presented our Quarterly
Consolidated Operating Financial Statements and detailed reports on
financing the redevelopment of the town centre. The Government
Finance Officers’ Association (GFOA) recognized the quality of our
annual financial reports with awards. The Procurement Group
implemented 23 of 26 recommendations resulting from a process
improvement review.
PersonnelAll full-time employees participated in personal action plans which allow communication and tie individual
workplans to our business plans. We implemented an early retirement program and our work in attendance
and claims management has reduced our sick leave. We negotiated a new three year collective agreement
and successfully opposed CUPE’s successorship claim with respect to the ice arena partnership (Planet Ice).
Did You Know?
The number of visitors to our website has increased 12% over 1999. We currently
receive over 80,000 visits per year!Budget $4,160,329
Frank Quinn, P.Eng.
General Manager
Public Works & Development Services
14
Office of the General ManagerThe Public Works and Development Services Division consists of four departments working together to
provide integrated service delivery: Engineering,
Operations, Planning & Environmental Management, and
Business Licensing, Permits & Bylaws. In addition, our staff actively
participates with TransLink and the GVRD.
EngineeringThe Engineering Department provides project
management services to complete infrastructure
capital work projects and other programs. In 2000 we
successfully completed the following projects:
•Access to Maple Meadows Industrial Park
•118th Avenue connection
•Traffic signal 238B Street and Dewdney Trunk Road
•240th Street bridge upgrade
•Phase 3 water pumping station and reservoir construction to the Rothsay/Garibaldi area
•Traffic signal at 227th Street and Lougheed Highway
•Greenwaste facility at the GVRD Transfer Station
•Installation of lighted overhead street signs at new traffic signal installations.
OperationsResponsible for the management and maintenance of municipal infrastructure, the Operations
Department provides services fundamental to the health, safety, and convenience of our rapidly
growing population, in a manner that is responsive, economical, and environmentally responsible. This
includes providing 24-hour a day emergency response to residents. In 2000 Operations maintained:
413 km of paved roadway 14,242 sanitary sewer connection
219 km of sanitary sewer main 12,085 storm sewer connection
330 km of water main 16,708 water connection
200 km of storm sewer main 10.3 million m3 of water purchased & distributed
220 km of traffic lane marking 6,380 traffic signs
228 crosswalks 1,916 ornamental street lights
1,540 fire hydrants 1,382 overhead lights
9,800 tonnes of asphalt pavement 4.5 km of water main replacement
Planning and Environmental ManagementThe Planning Department’s mandate is to ensure that growth and change occurring in Maple Ridge is
consistent with both the vision identified in the District’s Corporate Strategic Plan and the community
goals as set out in the Official Community Plan.
Planning projects undertaken in 2000 included the start of a neighbourhood
planning exercise in Silver Valley, the creation of a Community Heritage
Commission, and the preparation of a number of policy reports on topics
including new road standards and a service commercial review.
108.4 FTE
Staff Positions
Budget PW&D $9,847,580
Utilities $11,475,775
15
Did You Know?
In 2000 the Green Waste drop-off facility was installed at the GVRD Waste Transfer Station. You can now drop off
grass clippings, leaves, plants/flowers, tree and hedge prunings, tree branches and stumps (to an absolute maximum
of 450mm or 18 inches).
Public Works & Development Services
continued
803
312
418
700
604
405
334
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Number of Residential Housing Starts
The Planning Department also developed a number of environmental bylaws including the new Watercourse
Protection Bylaw, and the Tree Protection Bylaw developed to assist in the mitigation of environmental impacts
associated with tree removal.
Significant zoning cases included the expansion of the Valley Fair Mall, the Town Centre Revitalization
project, the completion of the Fraserwood Affordable Housing project, and several large residential development
projects in the Albion growth area.
Business Licensing, Permits & BylawsThe former Community & Business
Relations Department and the Inspection
Services Department were amalgamated
in 2000 to form the Business Licensing, Permits
& Bylaws Department. The new department is
responsible for bylaw enforcement, animal
control, business licensing, permit applications
and inspections.
This re-organization resulted in streamlining
the permit and business license application
process and quicker turnaround times. In 2000
the department issued 3,322 permits, performed
11,498 inspections, and responded to 2,291 bylaw
action requests.
119,236,747
59,179,661
76,134,409
116,461,419
103,068,635
84,271,013 87,857,857
0
20,000,000
40,000,000
60,000,000
80,000,000
100,000,000
120,000,000
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Total Construction Values ($)
16
Fire Services
8 FT
Staff Positions
Budget $1,452,487
Did You Know?
Ninety-four Maple Ridge Volunteer Firefighters responded to 1,094 emergency call-
outs in 2000 totalling 14,403 volunteer-emergency hours.
Peter Grootendorst, Chief
Manager, Operations &
Staff Development
Dane Spence, Chief
Manager, Community
Fire Safety
Maple Ridge Volunteer Fire DepartmentThe mission of the Fire Department is the
protection and preservation of life, property and the
environment for Maple Ridge citizens. This service
is provided by a group of dedicated volunteer fire
fighters and full-time officers. In our on-going efforts to
provide residents with a level of excellence in our service,
we continue to upgrade equipment and facilities, provide
public education and fire safety inspections, and deliver
efficient emergency response capabilities.
We completed the Pre-Incident Plan Program in 2000
and successfully integrated these plans into emergency responses with the fire fighters. We have successfully
worked with the plans and increased the efficiency of the fire ground operations. The plans are located in the
Fire Halls in book form and on the computer.
High traffic intersections force emergency vehicles to venture into oncoming lanes or cross against a red
light. To contribute to the overall safety in the community, we installed traffic signal pre-emption devices at six
heavy traffic intersections. Traffic signal pre-emption devices assist the movement of emergency vehicles through
ever increasing traffic congestion by allowing all emergency vehicles to change the traffic light to green in the
direction of travel for the emergency vehicle.
Fire Department Staff prepared a report on Models of
Fire Service Delivery detailing the structure and level of
service currently provided by the Fire Department. The
report also presents financial implications; the
advantages and disadvantages of other fire service
models; and, provides comparisons to other departments
in the region.
We acquired a 4 Wheel Drive Crew Cab Fire Truck
with a portable compressed air foam system. This vehicle hauls rescue and seasonal equipment, accesses difficult
areas for rescue or wildland and structural fire fighting, and transports firefighters.
Public EducationWe created a new Fire and Life Safety Educator position to coordinate and expand the department’s
Public Education Program in elementary and high schools, senior’s nursing homes, strata title com-
plexes and the business community. The Fire & Life Safety Educator is also developing a new Public
Education Volunteer Program to assist with fire safety inspections and respond to emergency incidents.
All kindergarten through grade 3 classes (2,689 children in 138 classes) in Maple Ridge received the
Elementary School Public Education Program during the 1999/2000 school year. Volunteer fire fighters held a
second summer of the popular Hot Summer Nights public education campaign where firefighters take the trucks
on weekly visits to pre-announced locations and random neighborhoods. This program gives local residents the
opportunity to ask the fire crews questions; receive advice on fire and summer safety; check out equipment and
fire trucks; and, try some hands-on activities.
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2000 Statistics
25%
24%14%
10%
8%
6%6%4%3%
Alarms
Fires
Burning Complaints
Rescue
Miscelleneous
Medical Assists
Hazardous Materials
Assist Calls
Hydro Calls
17
Police Services Bill Dingwall
Officer in Charge
34 FT - 40 PT
Staff Positions
Budget $7,929,747
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 we serve. We are
dedicated to the principle of community policing and working with
the public to provide long term solutions to problems. To achieve this
principle, our focus is on the prevention and detection of crime, the
prosecution of criminals, the involvement of the community in problem
solving, and responding to criminal activity and traffic safety. The
department encourages positive community relations and a professional
police image, and supports public education, and the ability to respond
to the needs of our community.
Training for the FutureTraining was a major focus for the Ridge-Meadows RCMP Detachment in 2000. Sixteen new cadets
arrived from the Regina Training Academy and each cadet entered a six month field
training period with a senior officer. Several municipal staff members and RCMP officers took advantage
of a Stephen Covey training session offered by the District of Pitt Meadows. Locally, we provided mandatory
training/requalification for police officers in Firearms, First Aid, and Emergency Vehicle Operation. Training in
domestic violence investigations is now mandatory and we trained a number of officers in 2000, with the
remainder of the detachment scheduled for the three day course in early 2001. We introduced another method of
defusing violent situations with the addition of “tasers.” Several officers received taser special training. One
member of the Community Policing Team attended the Problem Oriented Policing Conference in San Diego and
returned with lots of new ideas for implementation in Ridge-Meadows. A number of additional training
opportunities for our members included: traffic analyst course, interview techniques, DNA seminar, expert
evidence (drugs) course, dangerous goods course, operation of the roadside screening device, and radar courses.
SuccessesRidge-Meadows Detachment was involved in the investigation of two high profile and tragic murders this
year. Thanks to the committed work of many police officers from Ridge-Meadows and outside
Detachments both cases were solved and charges laid. In June there was an uprising at the Alouette
Regional Correctional Centre that involved assistance by officers from several different jurisdictions. These are
just three examples of the investigational success and cost-effectiveness of sharing police resources. Our
detachment hosted the second annual RCMP Hockey Camp in August involving 112 young people and several
community partners. The focus is to improve ice hockey skills, and more importantly provide young people
with tools for improving life skills and personal achievement. Other successes included the approval of a Federal
C.I.S. position to target organized crime in our area, the opening of the new Crime Prevention Office in the Pitt
Meadows Recreation Centre, and a Council Familiarization Day for Councillors and staff from Maple Ridge
and Pitt Meadows to get a hands-on view of policing issues.
Did You Know?
This year Cst. Andrew Tolchard, School Liaison Officer at Ridge-Meadows Detach-
ment received recognition for being one of four runners up, and the only RCMP
member included in the honour, for a National Youth Justice Award in Saint John,
New Brunswick.
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
Frequently Called Numbers
A
Administration ...............................463-5221
Albion Ferry ..................................467-7298
Arts
Maple Ridge Art Gallery ..............467-5855
RM Community Arts Council ........467-3825
B
Building Inspections
Building ....................................467-7312
Electrical ..................................467-7313
Gas-Plumbing ...........................467-7314
After-Hours Inspection Requests .467-7380
Fax No.................................467-7461
Business Development ...................467-7391
Fax No.................................467-7330
Business Licences .........................467-7305
Fax No.................................467-7330
Bylaws Enforcement ......................467-7305
C
Canada Employment ......................467-5515
Cemetery .....................................467-7307
Chamber of Commerce ..................463-3366
Community Services ......................467-6911
Council Members ..........................463-5221
Court House .................................466-7418
Court House - Small Claims ............466-7416
Crown Counsel .............................466-7443
Curling Club ..................................463-4813
D
Dog Licenses ................................467-7336
or ...........................................463-9511
E
Emergency Measures Coordinator ...465-7318
Employment Information .................467-7350
Engineering Department
Engineering Enquiries ................467-7339
Administration ...........................467-7340
Fax No.................................467-7425
Environmental Enquiries .................467-7499
or ...........................................467-7383
F
Finance Department
Administration ...........................463-5221
Purchasing ...............................467-7478
Fax No.................................467-7331
Fire Department
(Non-Emergency Calls)..............463-5880
Flooding (after hours).....................463-9581
G
Garbage (GVRD Transfer Station)....466-9277
Government Agent .........................467-6901
GVRD ..........................................432-6200
GVTA ...........................................453-4500
H
HandyDART .................................462-8522
Health Unit ...................................466-7200
Hospital ........................................463-4111
L
Land Titles Office...........................660-8141
Library .........................................466-2601
M
Mayor’s Office ...............................463-5221
Mental Health................................467-4147
Ministry of Children & Families .........466-7300
Ministry of Human Resources - West 460-0214
Ministry of Human Resources - East.466-4441
Motor Vehicle Branch.....................467-6901
Municipal Clerk .............................463-5221
Municipal Emergency Program ........463-5221
Nights & Weekends ...................463-9581
Museum .......................................463-5311
P
Parking Enforcement ......................467-7305
Parks & Leisure Services
Direct Info Line (24 Hrs)..............467-7321
Fax No.................................467-7393
Arena (Planet Ice)......................467-2883
Facility & Sportfield Reservations .467-7438
or ........................................465-2452
Festivals Society .......................467-7325
Leisure Centre
General Enq/Program Reg ......467-7322
Administration .......................467-7310
Aquatics ...............................467-7302
Fitness/Skating......................467-7327
Fax No.............................467-7373
MR Campground Reservations ....467-7357
Parks & Facilities General ...........467-7346
Sportfield Conditions & Closures ..467-7321
Youth Outreach Initiative.............467-7354
Youth Services Programs ............467-7466
Planning & Environment
Enquiries ..................................467-7341
Development Applications ...........467-7342
Administration ...........................467-7343
Police - RCMP (Non-Emergency Call)463-6251
Records Section ........................467-7635
Volunteer Services Coordinator ...467-7644
DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 6A9
WEB: www.mapleridge.org
Fire, Police & Ambulance Emergency Calls 911
Switchboard/General Information 463-5221
General Fax Line 467-7329
Emergency – Nights & Weekends 463-9581
Post Office- Main ..........................463-3651
- Shoppers Outlet ..........463-1616
Property Assessments
B.C. Assessment Authority ..........465-7343
Property Tax
Tax Info & General Enquiries .......467-7336
Fax No.................................467-7331
Public Works
After Hours Emergencies ............463-9581
Enquiries & Trouble Calls ............467-7363
Servicing Enq & Trouble Calls......467-7339
R
Recreation Centre
Direct Info Line (24 Hrs)..............467-7321
General....................................467-7322
Recycling .....................................463-5545
Recycling Hot Line .........................732-9253
Roads Maintenance.......................467-7363
S
School Board ................................463-4200
Seniors’ Programs & Information ......467-4993
Sewer Maintenance .......................467-7363
Sidewalk Maintenance....................467-7363
Snow Removal ..............................467-7363
SPCA Animal Shelter ......................463-9511
T
Traffic Enquiries ............................467-7339
TransLink .....................................521-0400
W
Water Maintenance........................467-7363
West Coast Express.......................683-7245
Z
Zoning .........................................467-7341
Note: Some of these telephone numbers are
provided for your convenience only and have no
direct relation to the District of Maple Ridge
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