HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 Citizens ReportThe Corporation of the District of
Maple Ridge
British Columbia, Canada
Annual Report 2001
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
Members of Council
Mayor Al Hogarth
Councillors from left to right:
Linda King, Jon Harris, Candace Gordon, Kathy Morse, Craig Speirs, Faye Isaac
Table of Contents
Mayor’s Message ......................................................................1
Chief Administrative Officer’s Report .................................2
Statistics .....................................................................................3
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position .....................4
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities ...................5
Average Home Comparison of Taxes .....................................6
2001 GRF Revenues & Expenditures ....................................7
Debt Graphs ...............................................................................8
Coat of Arms ..............................................................................9
2001 in Review................................................................10 - 11
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
Visit us at www.mapleridge.org
Photography by Oliver Rathonyi-Reusz
Message from Mayor Al Hogarth
Al Hogarth, Mayor
On behalf of my colleagues on Council, I am
pleased to present the 2001 Annual Report
for the District of Maple Ridge.
Our Annual Report is an important method of
communicating with our citizens and customers. We
are very pleased to have been recognized for the quality
of previous Annual Reports by the Government Fi-
nance Officers’ Association. Fundamentally, the Re-
port aims to provide information about key activities,
functions, and finances of the District.
In 2001, the community
celebrated a number of very
exciting events. The new high-
tech library opened in March,
2001. The expanded and
renovated Leisure Centre and
the Greg Moore Youth Centre
both opened in the fall. The
November 11 Remembrance
Day Ceremony was held at the
newly renovated cenotaph with
one of the best attendances in
recent years. The District
worked to improve citizen
safety by moving to a paid-on-
call system for the Fire Depart-
ment. The RCMP added in-
car computers to make their
operations more effective.
In addition, groundwork for an Official Commu-
nity Plan review was initiated. Growth remains strong
in Maple Ridge and land use management is an im-
portant priority of Council. As planning progresses
on a Fraser River Crossing, the requirement to com-
plete an OCP review is even more important.
In summary, 2001 was a busy, exciting year in
Maple Ridge. The citizens of our community are im-
portant to our continued success. We welcome your
comments and participation.
“The new area really is a sight to behold and
I can’t wait to see the final product once the
bandstand and park are completely finished.
We have heard a great deal of positive
comments about the new cenotaph area; the
layout is super and so much more functional.”
Terry Alleyn, Manager-Royal Canadian Legion
1
The Corporation of the District of Maple
Ridge is the sixth oldest and eleventh
largest (by land size) of the 149 municipali-
ties in British Columbia. The District was
incorporated September 12, 1874. There are
26,710 hectares of land included within
the municipal boundaries. The population is
currently estimated at 70,000.
Chief Administrative Officer’s Report
Bob Robertson
3 FT
Staff Positions
Budget $920,403
Robert W. Robertson, Ph.D.
Chief Administrative Officer
2
Maple Ridge is the fastest growing com-
munity in British Columbia in 2001 for
communities with populations greater than
50,000. This growth illustrates that we are an at-
tractive community that offers a wide range of ameni-
ties and services for our citizens.
The downtown core revitalization project is an
example of a $50 million project providing a new
library, expanded leisure centre, new arts centre, and
expanded parks, all supported by underground park-
ing. These facilities will provide services for an ex-
panding vibrant community. An example of this
increase is evident in the library which has seen an
increase in circulation of more than 21%.
Within the organization, the District of Maple
Ridge continues to work on a number of interna-
tionally recognized initiatives. We are one of the first
governments in Canada pursuing ISO 9001 certifi-
cation. Our business planning system has been ac-
knowledged as “best practice” in local government;
we continue to win financial reporting and annual
report awards; and, our staff are noted for their com-
mitment, dedication, and professionalism. More
detailed information about the performance of the
organization is presented quarterly to Council and is
available on our website at www.mapleridge.org.
It is my pleasure to submit this Annual Report to
Mayor Hogarth and Members of Council.
Statistics
3
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, 2000. 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 fifth consecutive year and is very fortunate to be the only municipality in
Canada awarded a PAFR for 2000. We believe our current report continues to conform to
the Popular Annual Financial Reporting requirements, and we are submitting it to GFOA.
1999 2000 2001
Building Permit Construction Value $84,271,013 $87,857,857 $83,895,058
Construction Value (Ind, Com, Instit)-$36,178,611 $28,452,425
Dog Licences Issued 7,248 7,218 7,318
Insurance – Claims 18 26 33
– Incidents 23 14 15
Leisure Centre Admissions 224,972 207,216 206,436
Recreation Facilities Hours Booked (other)34,327 26,699 )
– Planet Ice & Curling Rink 0 0 5,001)
– West Area 0 0 24,195)
– Core and East Area 0 0 14,647)
– Open Spaces 0 0 2,567)
Registered Programs 2,533 2,817 2,301
Registered Programs Participants 13,786 14,007 15,723
Sanitary Sewer Cleaning in km 99 84 105
Single Family Dwelling Units Started 312 283 326
Sportfields Hours Booked 72,609 74,397 74,792
Tax Sale Properties – Redeemed 28 36 33
– Redemption Value $200K $250K $217K
TIPS – Program Participants 1,022 1,323 1415
– Value Collected $2.19M $2.30M $2.54M
Water Samples Collected & Tested 651 702 907
Web Site User Visits 68,956 77,002 134,239
4
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at December 31, 2001
Copies of the District’s award-winning
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
are available at the Municipal Hall and the
Public Library.
(Unaudited)
2001 2000
Financial Assets
Cash and Temporary Investments $ 13,252,116 $ 15,293,489
Portfolio Investments 37,478,346 28,872,213
Accounts Receivable 8,592,757 7,525,943
Recoverable Local Improvements 4,458,135 5,519,606
Property held for Resale 1,617,590 2,669,766
Other Assets 1,241,531 1,552,589
66,640,475 61,433,606
Liabilities
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities 7,684,481 8,135,428
Deferred Revenues 1,413,226 911,674
Refundable Performance Deposits and Other 1,329,128 1,407,728
Restricted Revenue 15,034,934 12,317,312
Lease Liability 20,042,775 6,356,280
Long Term Debt 7,157,615 9,701,007
52,662,159 38,829,429
Net Financial Assets $ 13,978,316 $ 22,604,177
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities
For the Year Ended December 31, 2001
5
(Unaudited)
Actual Budget Actual
2001 2001 2000
Revenue
Taxes
Real property, special assessments, grants in lieu $ 56,114,145
Less: Collections for other governments (26,476,866)
Total taxes for municipal purposes $ 29,637,279 $29,483,003$ 28,010,848
Sale of services 4,171,415 4,410,273 3,883,213
Other revenue from own sources 3,306,956 3,332,769 3,299,309
Senior government grants – Utilities 640,725 971,467 747,638
Senior government grants – Capital 278,052 960,507 1,402,835
Development revenue 2,944,555 11,233,200 8,500,852
Provincial transfers 1,117,182 1,489,836 1,084,178
Interest income 865,633
Investment income 2,010,815
Less: Deferred amount (593,200)
Interest and investment income 2,283,248 1,744,008 2,294,247
Utility user fees 8,042,035 8,159,120 7,376,220
Proceeds from disposal of capital assets 855,150 2,021,996 1,873,010
Gain on sales of property 486,676
Less: Allowance for reduction to market value (190,295)
Net gain on sales of property held for resale 296,381 1,135,000 (93,318)
Gain on debt refinancing 1,281,865 707,859
Contributed subdivision infrastructure 3,629,494 3,629,494 6,741,247
58,484,337 68,570,673 65,828,138
Expenditures
Protective services 10,615,809 16,892,616 10,799,688
Transportation services 8,547,740 13,168,086 9,468,587
Recreation and cultural 24,866,056 22,120,287 27,403,512
Sewer and water facilities 10,034,204 14,557,356 11,252,276
General government 8,865,297 11,817,553 8,726,522
Planning, public health and other 1,852,946 2,259,135 2,386,870
Reallocation of internal equipment usage (1,301,348) (1,223,711) (1,233,073)
Subdivision infrastructure 3,629,494 3,629,494 6,741,247
67,110,198 83,220,816 75,545,629
Excess (Expenditure) over Revenue (8,625,861) (14,650,143)(9,717,491)
Net Financial Assets - Beginning as Prevoiusly Reported 17,049,290 25,552,250
Adjustment of Prior Year 5,554,887 6,769,418
Net Financial Assets - Beginning as Restated 22,604,177 32,321,668
Net Financial Assets – End of the Year $ 13,978,316 $22,604,177
General Taxes for Municipal Services
6
2001 Average Home Comparison
Household Expenditures
Property Taxes
Municipal Property Taxes for Services and Other Standard Household Services
(Cost Per Month)$0 $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 $3,000 $3,500 Pitt Meadows
Maple Ridge
Langley, Township
Langley, City of
Surrey
Port Coquitlam
Coquitlam
Richmond
North Van., City of
Delta
Burnaby
Port Moody
New Westminster
Vancouver
White Rock
North Van., District of
$3.81
$3.86
$7.49
$9.14
$13.71
$17.18
$18.17
$18.42
$19.80
$20.26
$27.92
$28.50
$38.00
$58.34
$125.00
Fire Protection
Recycling Levy
Planning & Public Health
Transportation
General Government
Sewer Utility Charge
Police Services
Water Utility Charge
Recreation & Culture
Cable (basic)
Telephone (basic)
Home Security System
Home Insurance
Cable (full)
BC Hydro/Gas (heat and light)
Municipal Council Levies
$865.33
Water Utility Charge $221
Sewer Utility Charge $206.14 Recycling Levy $46.35
BC Assessment $23.31
Regional District $20.41
Transit Authority $38.55
Library $50.84
Municipal Finance Authority
$0.06
School District $719.86Other
Portion of taxation
collected for other
agencies
Financial Highlights
General Revenue Fund
7
Summary of 2001 Budget Revenues
Summary of 2001 Budget Expenditures
Fire
2%
Administration
1%
Parks & Recreation
10% Corporate/
Financial
4%
Reserves
9%
Debt Repayments
4%
Capital Projects
17%
Police
9%
Public Works &
Development
8%
Water
4% Sewer
4% Remittances to
Other Governments
28%
User Fees
2%
Other Fees &
Charges
3%
Interest
2%
Grants & Cost
Shares
3%
Sale of
Services
12%
Property
Sales
3%
Reserves
15%
Parcel
Charges
4%
Property
Taxes
29%
Collections
for Other
Governments
27%
8
Debt Per Capita
Debt Retirement
Debt Graphs
$-
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
19861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005$-
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
$3,500,000
200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015General Revenue Debt Waterworks Utility Debt Sanitary Sewer Utility Debt
9
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 name-
sake maple at the cen-
tre 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 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 com-
bines a geographic statement with comments about
the nature of the District’s prosperity and ameni-
ties. 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 industry, the dogwood sa-
lutes BC, the railway is represented via the wheel
and forestry through the sawmill blade.
Symbolism of the Coat of Arms, Flag, and Badge
Flag:
In the classic manner of heraldry, the flag is com-
posed of a banner divided in the same fashion as
the shield but
coloured oppo-
site, 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.
Maple Ridge has a number of official insignia.
The Coat of Arms was registered by the Right
Honourable Romeo LeBlanc on May 4, 1999.
10
Capital Program
Budget $15,919,998
January
t Maple Ridge Business Planning system featured in
Municipal World.
t Local teenage band “LiveonRelease” has a key track
in the movie Dude, Where’s My Car?
t Quantum Gymnastics athletes win 20 medals, includ-
ing 9 gold at the Provincial Team trials.
February
t Painters & Players event raises $10,000 for Cythera
House.
t Forest Renewal B.C. donates 12-foot rowboat to the
Alouette River Management Society.
t Earthquake shakes Maple Ridge with little damage
other than a few cracks in walls.
March
t The brand new Maple Ridge Public Library opened
its doors to accolades.
t Carl Durksen named Citizen of the Year by the Maple
Ridge Community Foundation.
t Frank Quinn promoted to General Manager: Public
Works & Development Services
t District firefighters moved to a paid-on-call model of
firefighting.
April
t Ridge Meadows Hustlers win the international rep
hockey tournament with a thrilling shoot-out over the
Czech Republic.
t Actress Linnea Holm lands role of Anne in the
Lindbjerg Academy of Performing Arts production
of Anne of Green Gables.
t New Arts Centre receives $587,000 provincial grant.
May
t At least 35,000 people attended the local Home
Show; it is declared to be a tremendous success.
t Former Councillor Ken Stewart has a landslide vic-
tory in the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows riding dur-
ing the Provincial election.
t Freeman of the District and former Councillor Reg
Franklin passed away at the age of 86.
June
t Home and Garden Television crews film an episode
of Best City Gardens which highlights the beautiful
gardens of Maple Ridge.
t Maple Ridge Lawn Bowler Edwin Waterston wins
B.C. Cup and heads to Nationals.
t Andrew Lenton, head coach of the Golden Ears Ath-
letics Track & Field Club named head distance clini-
cian for Athletics Canada’s National Youth Track and
Field Development Camp.
t East Maple Ridge Pony Club captures all the regional
trophies at B.C. Lower Mainland Prince Philip
Games.
11
Fiscal Services/Transfers
Budget $12,207,559
August
t Canadian Olympian and former world figure skating
champion Elvis Stojko visits Planet Ice.
t Ridge Meadows Cubs win national title at Peewee
Baseball Championships in Summerside, PEI.
t Jesse Brown captures North American dancer-of-
the-year award in the age 12 and under division.
September
t Bev Mattson’s dog Flora places first in the 22-inch
Specials Division at the Agility Association of Cana-
da’s 2001 National Dog Agility Championship.
t Greg Moore Foundation donates $32,000 to cost of
building rock-climbing wall in the new Youth Centre.
t Brad Reminek accepts the B.C. Amateur Hockey
Association’s Referee-of-the-Year award.
October
t Premier Gordon Campbell on hand to open new Greg
Moore Youth Centre .
t Expanded Leisure Centre opens and official ground-
breaking ceremony held for the Maple Ridge Arts
Centre.
t Geoff Clayton, Wilma Robinson, and Thomas Haney
Secondary School honoured with 2001 Minister’s
Environmental Awards.
November
t Major League Baseball player Larry Walker Jr. wins
his sixth Golden Glove.
t Hammond Jewellers voted Business of the Year by
the Chamber of Commerce.
t Magdalena Lesiczka, Tai Whyte, Cristian Marcu, Elif
Aksoylu, and Matthew Christensen received Gover-
nor General’s scholastic achievement awards.
December
t Travis Weishaar and Colton Scott win gold medals at
the Canada West International Judo Championships.
t Torin Slik becomes youngest winner of a Creon
Achiever’s Award at the North American Cystic Fi-
brosis conference.
t Art Viens invited to dinner with the Prime Minister
and presented a copy of A Diary Between Friends
to the ambassador to the U.S.
July
t Haney Seahorse Swim Club heads to the Canadian
nationals; wins seven gold and four bronze medals.
t Peter and Dane Jensen head to Kentucky for a world
competition in BMX team bike racing.
t Lauren Cuff wins the Canada Safety Council’s an-
nual poster contest against 12,500 Grade 1 entries.
t Maple Ridge Secondary School drag-racing team
wins title of Best High School Team in the Province.
t Greg Hart wins the world tree-topping championships
in Lake Placid, New York.
Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services
12
Mike Murray
General Manager
47 FT - 101 PT
Staff Positions
Budget $9,846,757
Office of the General Manager2001 was another important year for the community
with respect to Leisure Services. The Division hosted
numerous celebrations and completed a number of
key projects. In February, the Rainbow Bridge at Kanaka
Creek (last section of the Trans Canada Trail) opened and
dedication of the Pitt Meadows Ath-
letic Park (phase 2) and the Dan Hicks
Field took place. The new Maple
Ridge Library opened in March and
the Greg Moore Youth Centre in Oc-
tober. The Leisure Centre expansion
was completed in October and its
Grand Reopening on October 21 coin-
cided with the 20th anniversary of the
facility. All of these openings have
resulted in a more active and engaged
community with participation exceed-
ing all expectations. The result is more citizens experienc-
ing the positive benefits of active living and a healthy
community. Finally, the ground breaking of the new Arts
Centre & Theatre heralded the start of the construction
scheduled for completion early in 2003. A fundraising cam-
paign commenced for equipment for the Arts Centre with a
target of $2.2M. The Cenotaph was moved and the Re-
membrance Day ceremony became the first event held in
the new Memorial Peace Park. Finally, the Parks, Recrea-
tion, and Cultural Master Plan for both Maple Ridge and
Pitt Meadows was completed and will guide the two com-
munities in their work in this area for the next several years.
RecreationThe Recreation Department provides recreational op-
portunities for both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
citizens. Programs and facilities include aquatics,
fitness, arts, health related drop-in programs, skating, youth
outreach initiatives, outdoor recreation opportunities, and
special events. In 2001 the Recreation Department and its
various partners provided 2,300 programs to nearly 16,000
participants and recorded over 111,000 people at numerous
special events. Despite the construction and disruptions
to the Leisure Centre, admissions for 2001 totaled almost
206,500 (nearly the same amount as the previous year).
Membership at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Cen-
tre and Pitt Meadows Seniors Drop-in topped 1,600.
Did You Know?
The District won four blooms in the national Communities in Bloom competition
as well as an Honourable Mention for landscaped areas.
Parks & FacilitiesThe department maintains a total of 223 hectares of
parkland, displays over 12,000 bulbs and annuals in
18 floral areas, landscapes and maintains 22 boul-
evards, 62 park sites, 43 playgrounds, 30 soccer pitches, 46
ball diamonds, 7 major trail systems, 17 tennis courts, 12
sport courts, and a golf course. Phase
II of the Pitt Meadows Athletic Park
opened and a new support building
was added to the facility. The cem-
etery entrance received new iron
gates designed and built by the de-
partment’s artist in residence. Usage
of all Parks and Recreation Facilities
continued to increase with the first
full year of operation of the Pitt Mead-
ows Family Recreation Centre and the
addition of four new playing fields.
The Facilities section completed several construction and
renovation projects including:
•phase 3 (of 4) at the Pitt Meadows heritage site
(Hoffman Shop)
•converting the Edge Street Annex into offices for the
RCMP Community Policing Victim and Volunteer serv-
ices
•installing a potable water network at the fairground
(phase 1) and construction of offices and washroom
facilities adjoining the Commercial Building.
•renovations to Municipal Hall Council Chambers
•successfully obtaining an FCM grant to help fund an
engineering study to examine the feasibility of supple-
mental solar hot water heating for the Leisure Centre.
Emergency PreparednessDuring 2001 emergency response personnel contin-
ued training in the British Columbia Emergency
Response Management System. The team re-
sponded to a water event in Maple Ridge, a minor regional
earthquake event, and a further variety of 911 calls. The
Emergency Personal Preparedness Program was presented
to 535 residents. Finally, the new Neighbourhood Emer-
gency Response Program was launched in December.
Corporate & Financial Services
Paul Gill
General Manager
13
39 FT - 3 PT
Staff Positions
Office of the General Manager2001 saw the opening of some magnificent new and
expanded facilities. Our division worked hard to make
sure that the technological needs were met and to
make sure that the various legal, financial, and administra-
tive arrangements were attended to.
ClerksIn 2001, we completed projects to provide better
service to our customers. The Council Chambers
media upgrade now offers enhanced presentation ca-
pabilities that benefits both Council and the community.
As part of the Clerk’s Department quest for ISO 9001 regis-
tration, we began work on document preparation and com-
pleted the Internal Auditor course. We created website
linkages that offer access to a number of public documents
and encouraged revisions to record management systems
for Engineering, Personnel, and Parks & Recreation. Train-
ing initiatives for District staff included a Freedom of Infor-
mation and Protection of Privacy Seminar and a
CouncilVIEWS workshop. We hired a new insurance bro-
ker, purchased property for park development at Whon-
nock Lake, and sold surplus property valued at $1.9 M.
PersonnelWe continued our Personal Action Plan process
which facilitates communication, and supports
goals identified in our business plans. We fa-
cilitated in-house training on: computer skills, safety, time
management, team building, leadership, change manage-
ment, emergency preparedness, communication, stress,
business writing,
diversity and
others. Person-
nel was active
with recruitment
and employee re-
lations. Another
focus was on at-
tendance and
claims manage-
ment, where we
continue to see
improved statistics and savings to the organization.
Did You Know?
The United Way Campaign was a huge success, with the highlight being our “ladies
head shaving contest.” We raised a record $17,592!Budget $4,203,451
Information ServicesA major project for the Department was the move to
the expanded facilities which included network,
telephone, server, and computer installations in
the new office tower, and the telecommunications wiring,
telephone sys-
tem, sound
system, and
computer setup
in the Leisure
Centre and Greg
Moore Youth
Centre. We were
also involved in
the upgrade to
the multimedia capabilities of the Council Chambers. Staff
have begun upgrading most of the District’s desktop ma-
chines in preparation for the introduction of the Windows
2000 operating system.The first phase of the new AMANDA
property system has been put into production.
Service to Departments has been improved with the
introduction of extended Help Desk hours (7:30 a.m. to 5:00
p.m.), and upgraded staff support skills with two certifica-
tions from Microsoft Certified Engineering. A new Business
Systems Analyst has been hired, and Business Analyst
positions have been established in Planning, Finance, Parks
and Recreation, and in the Building Department.
FinanceThe Finance Department experienced a very success-
ful year in 2001 and contributed to the financial well-
being of the Municipality by effectively managing
the investment portfolio and other financial resources.
Through our department financial service representatives
we worked closely with departments to assist them in man-
aging their business. On a quarterly basis the operating
results were presented to Council and the public. In this
fashion all stakeholders were kept apprised of our financial
performance and the actions we have taken that impact the
bottom line. The department was the recipient of the Cana-
dian Award for Financial Reporting (CAnFR) as recogni-
tion for the quality of the 2000 Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report. In 2001 our procurement policy and prac-
tice was challenged in the courts and successfully defended.
Frank Quinn
General Manager
Public Works & Development Services
14
Office of the General ManagerFour departments comprise the Public Works and De-
velopment Services Division. Engineering, Opera-
tions, Planning, and Business Licensing, Permits and
Bylaws work together to provide an integrated service de-
livery. The Ridge Meadows Recycling Society also reports
to Council through this Division. In addition, staff serve
on many GVRD and TransLink Regional Committees.
EngineeringThe Engineering Department provides municipal en-
gineering to residents of Maple Ridge. Municipal
engineering is the application of engineering meth-
ods to the analysis, planning, design, construction, and
record keeping of public works facilities and programs re-
lating to infrastructure.
Accomplishments in 2001 include:
•Pedestrian bridge and pathway on 116th Avenue.
•Downtown pedestrian improvements on 224th Street.
•Pedestrian signal at 116th Avenue and Lougheed High-
way upgraded to a full traffic signal.
•Water system improvements include expansion and
seismic upgrade of Rothsay reservoir.
•Bicycle lanes on Laity Street and West Street.
•Illuminated street signs at various intersections.
•Adoption of a new Water Bylaw and rate structure.
•Extension of the agreement with Ridge Meadows
Recycling for another five years.
•Staff continued working with Translink Fraser River
Crossing on a detailed study of a new bridge across
the Fraser River.
OperationsResponsible for the management and maintenance
of Municipal infrastructure, the Operations Depart-
ment provides services fundamental to the health,
safety, and convenience of our rapidly growing popula-
tion, in a manner that is responsive, conical, and environ-
mentally responsible. This includes providing 24-hour-a-
day emergency response to residents.
109 FT - 2 PT
Staff Positions
Budget PW&D $7,281,631
Utilities $7,926,848
In 2001 Operations maintained and/or accomplished:
Asphalt pavement 4,057 tonnes
Chipping Program Spring/Fall 1,935 pickups
Crosswalks 251
Fire hydrants 1,553
Ornamental street lights 2,041
Overhead lights 1,392
Paved roadway 413 km
Pieces of equipment 184
Sanitary sewer connections 14,400
Sanitary sewer main 228 km
Storm sewer connections 12,200
Storm sewer main 205 km
Traffic lane marking 224 km
Water connections 16,900
Water main 331 km
Water main replacement 4.3 km
Water purchased 10.7 million m3
Water samples collected and tested 907
Planning/Environmental ManagementThe Planning Department’s mandate is to ensure that
growth is sustainable and enhances the unique qual-
ity of life in Maple Ridge using the community val-
ues expressed in the Official Community Plan.
Planning projects undertaken in 2001 included: the com-
pletion of the Silver Valley Land Use Study by Civitas Ur-
ban Design and Planning and the adoption of the planning
principles for the area by Council; the implementation of a
restrictive covenant discharge process for secondary suites;
the review of the Hillside Development Guidelines; and,
the adoption of a new Development Procedures Bylaw and
Application Submission Checklist to assist with the
processing of development applications.
15
Did You Know?
Best Recyclers Awards for 2001 were presented to Jack Gunther, Melanie Haslett, BW Creative Wood Industries,
David Wason, Kyle Jarrett, Will Crawford, and Andy Tyler (MRSS Job Squad).
Public Works & Development Services
continued
119,236,747
59,179,661
76,134,409
116,461,419
103,068,635
84,271,013 87,857,857
83,895,058
0
20,000,000
40,000,000
60,000,000
80,000,000
100,000,000
120,000,000
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Total Construction Values ($)
803
312
418
700
604
405
334 332
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Number of Residential Housing Starts
In January 2001, the Planning Department also initi-
ated the second phase of a three-phase stream mapping
project to obtain more accurate stream location and quality
information to assist with the land use decision making
process. Since the project’s initiation in January of 2000
over 200 kilometres of stream have been mapped in the
District.
The overall level of development activity has remained
steady over the last few years in Maple Ridge and in 2001
the Department experienced a 49% increase in subdivision
application activity.
The AMANDA Property Management system was also
implemented to provide efficient and effective application
processing.
Business Licensing, Permits & BylawsThe Business Licensing, Permits, and Bylaws De-
partment is responsible for enforcing the Dis-
trict’s bylaws, issuing building permits, inspecting
all construction works, animal control, issuing business
licences, and initiatives relating to the economic develop-
ment of the municipality.
Over the past year, the Department has been involved
with the creation and implementation of the AMANDA Per-
mits and Inspections Tracking System; the development of
a Building Permit checklist; the hosting
of two builders’ forums focusing on
Building Code changes, hillside building
guidelines and process review; numer-
ous bylaw amendment recommenda-
tions; and, support of the Economic Ad-
visory Commission and the Maple Ridge
and Pitt Meadows Tourism Society.
In 2001, the Department dealt with
approximately 2200 bylaw complaints, is-
sued 3029 permits, and performed 10,565
inspections.
16
Fire Services
8 FT
Staff Positions
Budget $1,723,375
Did You Know?
Fire Hall staff shaved heads in support of a member’s wife, raising $6,000 for the
Canadian Cancer Society. The next week they raised an additional $19,000 in food
and cash for local charities.
Peter Grootendorst, Chief
Manager, Operations &
Staff Development
Dane Spence, Chief
Manager, Community
Fire Safety
Maple Ridge Fire DepartmentThe primary mission of the Fire Department is the
protection and preservation of life, property, and
the environment for Maple Ridge citizens. This serv-
ice is provided by a group of 95 dedicated paid-on-call fire
fighters and six full-time officers. In 2001 the fire depart-
ment responded to 1,130 calls for assistance.
On April 2, 2001 a paid-on-call system was implemented
and standard operating guidelines were developed for this
structure. Career Assistant Chiefs have assumed responsi-
bility for the operation of individual fire halls, which re-
placed the existing Volunteer Structure. Accountability and
responsibility for Captains’ positions has been increased
to include time keeping, report writing, and increased su-
pervision of Fire Fighters. Training has become more for-
malized - concentrating on the British Columbia Fire Fighter
Certification Standards.
Eight Grade 11 and 12 students successfully completed
the Junior Fire Fighters’ Youth Academy 2000/2001. They
became competent working with hose lines, ladders, ropes,
and personal protective equipment. They prepared and
presented a public education session to their peers and a
youth fitness challenge. The 2001/2002 class has 10 Junior
Fire Fighters participating from five high schools.
During Fire Prevention week in October, the Fire & Life
Safety Educator scheduled supervised fire drills at all the
schools. Many local businesses displayed fire safety mes-
sages on their business signs. A well-attended Open House
was coordinated and a luncheon was held for the 2001
Safety Stars.
The successful 3rd Annual Hot Summer Nights Pro-
gram allowed for interaction between the fire fighters and
the public. The fire fighters were able to teach fire and life
safety education and allow the children the opportunity to
try out the fire hoses and get wet. Fire fighters circulated
among the remaining adults and initiated discussion about
smoke alarms, escape plans, etc.
In partnership with local McDonald’s Restaurants, the
Summer Safety-Smart Card program was launched. Citizens
were rewarded for safe behaviour such as wearing a helmet
while bicycling, roller blading, and using crosswalks, etc.
More than 1,076 fire safety inspections were completed
in commercial and industrial businesses in Maple Ridge
during 2001. Maintenance of pre-incident plans is handled
through a contract agreement to ensure plans are up to
date.
The security system was upgraded at all three fire halls
with a keyless entry system compatible with Municipal Hall.
Pumper 1-2 was revamped late 2001. The large hose reel
was removed and a standard hose bed was installed. The
retrofit supplied us with dual foam tanks giving us the ca-
pability to produce “A” Class or “B” Class foam.
Eighteen recruits successfully completed the intense
3-month recruit training. All recruits have begun respond-
ing to their halls to test their newly learned knowledge and
skills.
Twenty-six members of the Department and six mem-
bers of the Youth Academy took part in a Food Bank/Christ-
mas Hamper event. Trucks and crews were stationed at the
local malls and raised $6,200 plus food for 270 hampers.
Hydro Call - 53
Assist Call - 56
Hazardous Materials - 65
Medical - 78
Miscelleneous - 75
Rescue - 100
Burning Complaint - 153
Fires - 259
Alarms - 292
Alarms - 292
Fires - 259
Burning Complaint - 153
Rescue - 100
Miscelleneous - 75
Medical - 78
Hazardous Materials - 65
Assist Call - 56
Hydro Call - 53
2001 Emergency Calls
17
Police Services Bill Dingwall
Officer in Charge
89 RCMP Members
32 FT - 44 PT
Staff Positions
Budget $8,068,479
Policing in Ridge-Meadows2001 was the “Year of the Volunteer” as well as being
heralded as the “Year of Challenges and Changes.”
Here at home we held an appreciation and awards
dinner in November to honour those volunteers that con-
tributed over 4,500 hours to making our community a safe
place to live and work.
Globally, economic and political environments have
caused public safety agencies to re-evaluate how they de-
liver services to their communities. Our community is grow-
ing and with this growth comes an increased demand for
services. In the not too distant future our community will
have to deal with such is-
sues as the sharing of po-
lice services between
communities and the
regionalization of these ser-
vices. Consultation is well
under way with local mu-
nicipal councils to look at
various policing models,
which will reduce costs but
still provide the services re-
quired by the community.
Locally we have had to
face the challenges of in-
creasing crime rates and the
juggling of resources to
deal with some of our work-
load. Despite these chal-
lenges we have many positive accomplishments to report
for 2001. I not only salute our volunteers, but the men and
women working at our Detachment for their dedication and
perseverance.
We have presented a “five-year business plan” to Coun-
cil, which should address the community’s needs in rela-
tion to policing services. We have outgrown our present
Detachment and are pleased to announce Council has ap-
proved renovations to the Detachment and the acquisition
of 5,000 square feet of space at the old Parks and Recrea-
tion Annex across the street. Renovations within the exist-
ing Detachment are scheduled to be completed early in
2002: Council’s long term planning includes consideration
for a new headquarter building.
Did You Know?
Constable Glen Carrier won the Runner-Up Award presented by 3M for his organiza-
tion of the Hockey Camp and Cst. M. Booth and her community Partners received a
Bronze 2001 Public Service Award for Excellence in addressing high risk behaviour
among children at a low income housing complex.
This year the Municipality has purchased a Wide Area
Network radio system that integrates our communication
with all other police departments in the Lower Mainland.
This is a digital system that provides much more range and
options for our officers.
We have expanded our Police Auxiliary Program with
the hiring and training of 19 new auxiliaries. Their duties
will include ride-alongs as well as participation in various
Crime Prevention Programs. We also participated in a Po-
lice Officer Exchange Program with Somerset/Avon in Eng-
land sponsored by both the Ridge Meadows and Haney
Rotary Clubs. Our Regional
Youth Camp included 10 local
high school students who
went through the rigorous
training similar to our Regina
Training Academy and our
third annual Hockey Camp
provided local youth with the
opportunity to improve their
skills both on and off the ice.
Crime statistics and work-
load information are on the
web at www.mapleridge.org/
emergency/rcmp. We also en-
courage our citizens to pick up
a copy of our RCMP Annual
Report at our Front Counter.
Assist General
Public
9%
Other Criminal
Code
11%
Crimes Against
Persons
5%Wilful Damage
7%
Traffic
15%
Other Property
Crime
12%
Suspicious
Person/Vehicle
5%
Other
5%Drugs
1%
Property Crime
22%
False Alarms
8%
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
Average Income (Estimates)2000
Average Income (employed males)$47,059
Average Income (employed females)32,514
Average Family Income 61,133
Average Household Income 56,510
19
Frequently Called Numbers
A
Administration ..........................604-463-5221
Air Care...................................604-433-5633
Albion Ferry .............................604-467-7298
Arts
Maple Ridge Art Gallery .........604-467-5855
RM Community Arts Council ..604-467-3825
B
Building Inspections
Building ...............................604-467-7312
Electrical .............................604-467-7313
Gas-Plumbing.......................604-467-7314
After-Hours Inspection Req ....604-467-7380
Fax No............................604-467-7461
Business Development ..............604-467-7391
Fax No............................604-467-7330
Business Licences ....................604-467-7305
Fax No............................604-467-7330
Bylaw Enforcement ...................604-467-7305
C
Canada Employment .................604-467-5515
Cemetery ................................604-467-7307
Chamber of Commerce .............604-463-3366
Community Services ................604-467-6911
Council Members ......................604-463-5221
Court House ............................604-466-7418
Court House - Small Claims .......604-466-7344
Crown Counsel .........................604-466-7443
Curling Club .............................604-463-4813
D
Dog Licenses ...........................604-467-7336
or ......................................604-463-9511
E
Emergency Measures Coord ......604-465-7318
Employment Information ...........604-467-7350
Fax No............................604-467-7374
Engineering Department
Engineering Enquiries ............604-467-7339
Administration ......................604-467-7340
Fax No............................604-467-7403
Environmental Enquiries ............604-467-7499
or ......................................604-467-7383
F
Finance Department
Administration ......................604-463-5221
Purchasing ...........................604-467-7478
Fax No............................604-467-7331
Fire Department
(Non-Emergency Calls).........604-463-5880
Fax No............................604-467-7332
Flooding (after hours)................604-463-9581
G
Garbage (GVRD Transfer Station)604-466-9277
Government Agent ....................604-467-6901
GVRD .....................................604-432-6200
GVTA 604-453-4500
H
HandyDART ............................604-462-8522
Health Unit ..............................604-476-7000
Hospital ...................................604-463-4111
Human Resources Development 604-467-5515
L
Land Titles Office .....................604-660-8141
Library ....................................604-466-2601
M
Mayor’s Office.........................604-463-5221
Mental Health ...........................604-476-7165
Ministry Children & Families .......604-466-7300
Ministry Human Resources-West 604-460-0214
Ministry Human Resources-East .604-466-4441
Motor Vehicle Branch.................604-467-6901
Municipal Clerk .........................604-463-5221
Municipal Emergency Program ....604-463-5221
Nights & Weekends ..............604-463-9581
Museum ..................................604-463-5311
P
Parking Enforcement .................604-467-7305
Parks & Leisure Services
Direct Info Line (24 Hrs)........604-467-7321
Fax No............................604-467-7393
Arena (Planet Ice).................604-467-2883
Facility & Sportfield Reserve .604-467-7438
or ..................................604-465-2452
Festivals Society .................604-467-7325
Leisure Centre
General Enq/Program Reg ..604-467-7322
Administration ..................604-467-7310
Aquatics ..........................604-467-7302
Fitness/Skating ................604-467-7327
Fax No.......................604-467-7373
MR Campground Reservations 604-467-7357
Parks & Facilities General ......604-467-7346
Sportfield Condition & Closure 604-467-7321
Youth Outreach Initiative .......604-467-7354
Youth Services Programs ......604-467-7466
Planning & Environment
Enquiries .............................604-467-7341
Development Applications ......604-467-7342
Administration ......................604-467-7343
Police - RCMP (Non-Emergency)604-463-6251
Records Section ...................604-467-7635
Volunteer Services Coord ......604-467-7644
Fax No............................604-467-7633
Post Office........................................- Main
604-463-3651
- Shoppers Outlet ......604-463-1616
Property Assessments
B.C. Assessment Authority ....604-465-7343
Property Tax
Tax Info & General Enquiries ..604-467-7336
Fax No............................604-467-7331
Public Works
After Hours Emergencies .......604-463-9581
Enquiries & Trouble Calls .......604-467-7363
Servicing Enq & Trouble Calls .604-467-7339
Fax No............................604-467-7360
R
Recreation Centre
Direct Info Line (24 Hrs)........604-467-7321
General ...............................604-467-7322
Recycling ................................604-463-5545
Recycling Hot Line ...................604-732-9253
Roads Maintenance...................604-467-7363
S
School Board ............................604-463-4200
Search & Rescue......................604-463-4891
Seniors’ Programs & Information .604-467-4993
Sewer Maintenance ...................604-467-7363
Sidewalk Maintenance................604-467-7363
Snow Removal .........................604-467-7363
SPCA Animal Shelter .................604-463-9511
T
Tourism ...................................604-460-8300
Traffic Enquiries .......................604-467-7339
TransLink .................................604-521-0400
W
Water Maintenance ...................604-467-7363
West Coast Express .................604-683-7245
Z
Zoning .....................................604-467-7341
Note: Some of these telephone numbers are
provided for your convenience only and have no
direct relation to the District of Maple Ridge
DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 6A9
WEB: www.mapleridge.org
Fire, Police & Ambulance Emergency – 911
Switchboard/General Information – 604-463-5221
General Fax Line – 604-467-7329
Emergency – Nights & Weekends 463-9581
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