HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 Citizens ReportDistrict of Maple Ridge
British Columbia, Canada 2004 CITIZENS REPORT2004 CITIZENS REPORT
CONTENTS
Message from the
Mayor of Maple Ridge
1
Message from the
Chief Administrative Officer
3
Community Development,
Parks & Recreation Services
4
Corporate & Financial Services
6
Public Works & Development Services
8
Our Inspiration... Our Veterans
11
Our Strength... Our Volunteers
13
Our Future... Our Environment
15
Our Motivation... Those Who Try
17
Our Support... Our Service Clubs
19
Our Community... Maple Ridge
20
Maple Ridge Fire Department
22
Policing in Maple Ridge
23
Financial Statements
24, 25
Taxation
26
Demographics
27
Municipal Contact Numbers
28
Message from the Mayor
of Maple Ridge
District of Maple Ridge
11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia V2X 6A9 CANADA
Telephone: 604-463-5221 •Fax: 604-467-7329 •Email: enquiries@mapleridge.org •www.mapleridge.org
11
On behalf of Council, I am pleased to
present the District of Maple Ridge
2004 Citizens Report.
This annual report presents to the
citizens and customers of Maple Ridge
a comprehensive look at the past year
blending the necessary financial
information with a look at our
accomplishments as a community.
Throughout 2004, the municipality placed
emphasis on building a strong foundation for
sound financial management. Council adopted
financial policies that focus on sustainability,
affordability and accountability. The strategy
provides goals and measurements to ensure the
municipality has the financial resources it needs
to sustain its facilities and services and the fiscal
practices our citizens demand.
2004 has been a busy year…
Over the past twelve months, we have completed
a draft Official Community Plan. The draft Plan
will go out for public review in the Spring of 2005.
The GVRD Livable Region Strategy recognizes
Maple Ridge as a regional town centre. This means
that we are committed to developing our own
industrial and commercial tax base in order to pro-
vide employment here in Maple Ridge — critical if
we are to reduce the number of people who leave
our community to go to work. In that context, our
renewed Official Community Plan is extremely
important both as a planning tool for a growing
community and as a way of involving our citizens
in planning for the future.
2004 has been an exciting year…
We are now the proud owners of our
beautiful Downtown Core facilities.
Next on the agenda is a renewal of the
downtown area including the introduction
of the Smart Growth Plan. And for the 14th
consecutive year, staff at municipal hall
won the Canadian Award for Financial
Reporting from the Government Finance
Officers’ Association.
2004 has been a productive year…
The Fire Department Master Plan is complete and
we now have a long range financial program aimed
at providing fire protection service enhancement.
Maple Ridge is a leader in the area of environmental
protection. Stream mapping is complete and we are
now able to offer citizens a comprehensive look at
the location of watercourses in the District and
some sense of the protection that is required.
Council and the public agree that the social,
environmental, and economic health of Maple
Ridge is our top priority. You are invited to play
an active role in your community — to be part
of planning for our future. Your comments and
participation are always welcome.
Kathy Morse,
Mayor
Kathy Morse, Mayor
Maple Ridge,as a location for film
and television production, is growing
in popularity
33
Iam pleased to present our 2004
Citizens Report on behalf of all
employees at the District of Maple
Ridge. Maple Ridge is a vibrant and
dynamic community that is one of
the fastest growing municipalities
in British Columbia. Maple Ridge
provides a wonderful quality of
life which is the envy of many
other communities.
Our ongoing challenge is to manage this
rapid growth and balance the social, economic
and environmental goals of the community.
Some of the major initiatives undertaken
in 2004 were:
• Acquiring the downtown core facilities
as a strategic long term investment in
the community
• Approving a Fire Master Plan that will
see significant expansion in District
fire services
• Continuing work with TransLink on
transportation improvements in the
community including the 232 Street Bridge
and the Golden Ears Bridge
• Undertaking an Official Community Plan
(OCP) review
• Opening our first artificial turf field
• Establishing an Economic Development
Office at the District
In 2005 the District will tackle
ambitious projects and initiatives
as outlined in the 2005 Business
Plan. Our staff will continue
providing first rate service in a
top performing municipality by
being attentive to the needs of
our citizens.
Some of the major initiatives to be
undertaken in 2005 are:
• Completion of the OCP
• Transportation Improvements
• Infrastructure Planning
• Fire Master Plan Implementation
• Additional Turf Sports Fields
• Development of a Police Services
Master Plan
• An emphasis on the expansion and
retention of local business
I would like to thank Council, our
employees and the many volunteers
who make this community such a
wonderful place to live, work and play.
J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Officer
Jim Rule, CAO
Message from the
Chief Administrative Officer
DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE • 2004 CITIZENS REPORT
44 DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
“Maple Ridge continues to be a wonderful place
to live with tremendous outdoor resources close
to a complete urban community with an ever
increasing level of service. We are equally
blessed with great staff, outstanding volunteers,
service groups and vibrant non-profit
organizations that work closely with each
other to address emerging challenges and to
enrich the community.”
— Mike Murray, General Manager
Parks & Leisure Services Commission
The Commission concluded its first full year
under a new organizational structure which
brought citizen appointees together with members
of both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Municipal
Councils and the School Board in a closer working
relationship. Fine tuning is underway although
the new governance structure has generally
proven to be more streamlined.
Recreation
The Recreation Department provides recreational
opportunities 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.
• Overall participation in Special Services remained
relatively constant in 2004 with 1,438 member
ships issued for the Participation Program
• In 2004, we held 63 events attended by 133,353
participants — 44 of those events with 103,860
participants were located in Maple Ridge
• Greg Moore Youth Centre was open for 1,162
drop-in hours. On average, 57 youth per hour
were in attendance and 2004 saw an increase in
the number of Youth Special events
• Drop-in attendance to Public Skating increased
significantly - 15,936 admissions in 2004
compared to 12,581 in 2003
• Leisure Centre attendance increased by 37,443
admissions or 12% compared to 2003, and by
148,613 admissions or 72% since the Leisure
Centre facility was expanded in October 2001
• Initiated an active community walking campaign
• The Ridge Meadows Seniors' Society achieved a
membership of over 1,600 providing programs
on contract to the Commission in both Maple
Ridge and Pitt Meadows
Parks
The Parks Department maintains a total
of 228.5 hectares of parkland including
seasonal displays throughout Maple
Ridge and Pitt Meadows. The Department
also maintains landscaped boulevards,
park sites, playgrounds, soccer fields, ball
diamonds, major trail systems, tennis and
sport courts, and administers the lease for
the Maple Ridge Golf Course. Maple
Ridge achieved a 4-Bloom rating in the
Communities in Bloom National Competition and
was also awarded a special mention for Memorial
Peace Park.
• Bid on and received the 2008 BC Disability
Games
• Completion of the Albion Park Master Plan
• The acquisition of several park sites including
Boundary Park on 200 Street north of Telep
Avenue, 112 Avenue east of 240 Street, Edge
Street northwest of Eric Langton School, and
McMyn Road east of Harris Road
• GVRD parks acquired $1.7M of riverfront along
the new Pitt and Fraser River Greenway in Pitt
Meadows
• The successful completion of a $1.6M artificial
turf sport field at the Samuel Robertson
Secondary School site
The Arts
The Arts Council and Art Gallery Society
successfully completed the first full year of their
contracts with the Commission for operation of
the Arts Centre and Theatre with over 18,000
ticket sales, 8,000 visits to the Art Gallery, 2,000
arts program registrations and a budget surplus.
Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services
Mike Murray,
General Manager
552004 CITIZENS REPORT
Social Planning
• A series of Town Hall meetings were
coordinated to discuss property crime,
drug abuse and homelessness
• A new Farmers’ Market was established by
a Community Solutions sub-committee
• The Alouette Home Start Society was
established and took the lead in several
important projects:
- Received first stage approval for funding
for Community Outreach Workers
($140,000)
- A Youth Safe House ($513,000);
fundraising to equip and renovate the
Youth Safe House, and
- Presented an education series on “The
Face of Homelessness”
• Worked with the Planning Department
on the Social Sustainability paper for the
Social Planning section of the OCP
• Established connections with GVRD
Regional Homelessness Task Force and
Social Planning Committee
General Government Properties
• Completed the Municipal Hall Seismic
upgrade and renovations
• Assumed full operational responsibility
for all downtown core facilities following
acquisition
Emergency Preparedness
Members of the Emergency Operations
Centre (EOC) team participated in a
functional exercise based on a flood scenario.
This exercise provided EOC members the
opportunity to practice the procedures they
would be required to follow in the event of a
real emergency. This exercise identified areas
where further training would be required.
An application was made to the Joint
Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP)
and the District of Maple Ridge received
funding to provide training for the members
of the EOC and training for newly recruited
EOC members. EOC Levels 1 and 2 were
provided to 13 employees. In addition, 39
of our outside workers received training in
the Incident Command System (ICS) and
training in personal preparedness on how
they can ensure their families and homes are
better prepared in the event of an emergency
or disaster. ICS Level 2 was provided to four
employees and Rapid Damage Assessment
was provided to three employees. With a
fully trained Emergency Operations Centre
Maple Ridge is ready to respond in the event
of a real emergency.
66 DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
Corporate & Financial Services
“We are a customer service centered
organization and I am proud of the job
that our people do in serving internal and
external clients.”
— Paul Gill, General Manager
In 2004, Corporate & Financial
Services was involved in a number
of corporate-wide initiatives. As well,
we took on a number of other major
projects that are discussed below.
Finance
2004 was a year in which the Department reaped
the benefits of many years of developing and
investing in our future financial professionals and
leaders. The many staff members who, in prior
years took on new and increasing positions of
authority and responsibility, delivered timely and
accurate financial information that was critical in
the support of corporate needs.
Throughout 2004, the District placed significant
emphasis on building on our strong corporate
record for financial management. We have
significantly improved our planning and
budgeting processes by having our staff become
knowledgeable and conversant about all our
divisions and departments. This positioned us
to provide financial guidance and interpretation
to the departments in the management of the
business side of their operations. Our financial
overview workshops to Council and staff provided
an understanding of financial position and financial
plans. Our purpose has been to improve financial
governance by informing Council, staff and the
public on a variety of topics ranging from
interpreting financial statements, financial
planning processes, reserves and reserve funds,
taxation and revenues and utility rate structures.
The outcome has been a better informed Council
and the adoption of a financial policy strategy
that will guide the community in the future.
This effort was recognized by our external peers
as the Department was the recipient of two
significant awards: The Canadian Award for
Financial Reporting (CAnFR) and the Member
Recognition Lifetime Award.
Clerks
The Clerks Department works with
Council to make sure that municipal
business is done in an open and
transparent manner. Council meeting
agendas and minutes are available in a
timely manner at municipal hall or on
the Clerk's Department section of our
website. Our switchboard provides
exemplary customer service and serves
as the place where citizens can turn to in order
to find the services that they require. We also
look after the property assets of the municipality
and were successful in selling lands on Industrial
Avenue, 112 Avenue, 264 Street and Brown
Avenue for a total of $6.8M. We also acquired
for a total of $4.6M the former Courthouse,
land for a park, as well as a future fire hall site.
Communications & Human Resources
The Communications & Human Resources
Department completed its first full year of
operation since being reorganized to include
two distinct functions — communications and
human resources. I am pleased to report that the
integration has gone very well. A high level of
synergy exists as a result of this new mix
providing benefits to both functions.
The ambitious goal areas staff pursued in their
2004 workplans were met largely because of both
functions working so well together. For example,
employee recruitment was particularly busy but
with all employees assisting when needed, day-to-
day and even unplanned tasks were handled in a
timely and effective manner. Staff in the department
worked on a broad range of tasks including labour
relations, special events, training, and producing
many different corporate documents for employees
and the public.
Staff organize many fund-raising events
Paul Gill,
General Manager
772004 CITIZENS REPORT
Information Services
The Information Services Department manages
the District's information technology
infrastructure, data resources, mapping,
and performs strategic IT planning. They
are responsible for the coordination of
strategic technology direction for the District,
developing and maintaining common
standards, architectures, and business
solutions to help deliver public services
efficiently. The department enhances and
operates the District’s corporate
communications and computing assets,
which include the telephone, radio and
email systems, networks and servers,
provides all technical assistance to users,
enhances and maintains corporate mapping
and data assets; and provides project
management consulting services. In 2004,
the Department achieved the following key
projects and enhancements:
• Completed the roll-out of our Internet
mapping product “Ridgeview”
• Completed implementation of the webmail
product, to allow staff to access their email
from any Internet connected computer
• Installed the Office XP productivity software
on all corporate computers
• Began the strategic planning exercise for the
District website
• Renegotiated the Microsoft software
contract for significant savings and benefit
to the District
• Began the wireless remote access pilot
project with the Fire Department, Bylaw
Inspectors, and Operations Inspectors.
After testing, a request for proposal was
issued for ruggedized laptop computers
• Developed a Service Level Agreement with
client departments
• Developed a program to eliminate virus
infected email and SPAM
• The Department handled over 1.5 million
legitimate emails out of a total of 6.5 million
addressed to the District
• Training on our GIS mapping system for
staff and emergency operations, project
management training, time management
training, Office XP training, and Business
Analyst training
The Department continues to maintain
and improve existing capabilities, as well
as to further new projects and initiatives.
We remain committed to assisting clients
in finding technology solutions to
business needs.
88 DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
Public Works & Development Services
“A primary focus is to continue to strive
for timely, open, inclusive, and consultative
processes when interacting with residents,
businesses, and the development community.”
— Frank Quinn, General Manager
2004 was another exciting year
for our Division. Building activity
continued to be strong with over 530
residential building permits issued. A
number of key transportation initiatives were
achieved, including the commencement of a
new Transit Plan and the Safer City Program.
The detailed background work for the Official
Community Plan was completed in readiness
for the scheduled Public Consultation process
for early 2005.
Planning/Environmental Management
The Planning Department provides corporate
and community service in four defined service
areas: development application management,
environmental management, policy review and
development, and provision of professional support
and information. In 2004, the Department achieved
the following key projects and enhancements:
Projects
• Participation in the review of new riparian
area regulations
• Zoning Bylaw revisions for adult entertainment
and pawnshop uses in the community
• Mayor’s Developers Forum on development
process review
• Development process review report presented
to Council
• Revision of methodology used for ALR applications
• Review of small lot development
Official Community Plan Review (OCP)
• Workshops with Council regarding policies in
all areas of the OCP review
• Draft population and housing projections
component following Study Circle consultation
• Focus Group workshop on the commercial/
industrial land report
• Completion of the environmental background
paper and conducted focus group workshops
• Completion of the agricultural background
paper and policies
• Completion of transportation policies
Smart Growth on the Ground Project
• Smart Growth on the Ground project
was officially initiated by Council
with Planning Department participation
in the project committee, the public
meetings, and widely attended public
workshops
• Smart Growth on the Ground charettes
were held over a four day period as well
as two open houses to discuss the
charettes. The charettes were widely attended and
deemed to be very successful
Business Licensing, Permits & Bylaws
The Business Licensing, Permits and Bylaws
Department is responsible for enforcing the
District’s bylaws, issuing building permits,
inspecting all construction works, operating the
animal shelter, enforcing animal control regulations,
and ensuring all businesses operating in the
District are licensed. Over the past year, the
Department has been involved with:
• Development of the Maple Ridge Untidy and
Unsightly Premises Bylaw and the Maple Ridge
Grow Operation, Health, Nuisance and
Safety Bylaw
• Amendments to the Maple Ridge Highway
and Traffic Bylaw
• Hosting of two building forums focusing on
best practices in residential construction
• Participation in town hall meetings focusing
on initiatives to address the homeless, drug
and property crime issues in the community
and participation on the local Crystal Meth
Task Force.
• 3,100 bylaw complaint files were dealt with
• In excess of 500 new residential units were
inspected
• Building permits with a construction value
of over $103 million were issued
Frank Quinn,
General Manager
Water quality improvement project
99
Engineering
The Engineering Department provides
municipal engineering services and support
to residents of Maple Ridge and other
departments. In 2004, the Department was
involved with the following key projects
and initiatives:
• Safer Cities Program — various
transportation and traffic improvement
initiatives with other stakeholders
• Reconstruction of 232 Street bridge at
South Alouette River for long range
access/egress to Silver Valley
• Reconstruction of 227 Street (Lougheed –
Dewdney Trunk Road) to urban downtown
standard
• Reconstruction of North Avenue (223 Street
– 224 Street) to urban standard
• Installation of 240 Street and 102 Avenue
traffic signal for safety
• Installation of barrier on 240 Street (Hill
Avenue – 104 Avenue) for pedestrian safety
• Installation of 207 Street and River Road
traffic signal for safety
• Analyzed and performed intersection signal
warrant analysis for 2005 Capital Works
program
• Implementation of Phase 1 of the Area
Transit Plan
• Prepared 2003 Water Quality Report and
submitted it to Council for the Fraser
Health Authority
• Construction of the water storage reservoir
in the northeast sector of Silver Valley for
improved service and development
• Upgrading of Dewdney Trunk Road
(207 Street – 210 Street) water distribution
system for improved supply and fire
protection
Operations
The Operations Department is responsible
for the management and maintenance of
municipal infrastructure and 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 2004
Operations maintained and/or accomplished:
• Chipping Program 2,585 pickups
• Crosswalks 251
• Fire Hydrants 1,627
• Ornamental Street Lights 2,265
• Overhead Lights 1,405
• Paved Roadway 416 km
• Pieces of Equipment 187
• Sanitary Sewer Connections 14,675
• Sanitary Sewer Main 225 km
• Storm Sewer Connections 12,557
• Storm Sewer Main 216 km
• Traffic Lane Marking 265 km
• Water Connections 17,149
• Water Main 340 km
• Water Purchase 9,990,000 m3
• Watermain Replacement 2.6 km
• Water Samples Tested 1,074
2004 CITIZENS REPORT
1111
Our Inspiration...
Our Veterans
The District of Maple Ridge honours our war veterans
and demonstrates our appreciation for the noble
and selfless service these men and women have given to
their country.
In conjunction with the 2004 annual Remembrance Day
Services, Mayor, Council, and residents of the District of
Maple Ridge granted the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 88
the distinct and unique honour of Freedom of the District.
This historical military ceremony has its roots in twelfth
century Europe. In the days of walled cities, armies were required to camp outside the
walls and could only enter after they had proven themselves to be friendly forces.
Permission to enter the city had to be formally requested and granted. Members of Maple
Ridge’s Legion were not required to camp outside any walls in 2004 before receiving the
Freedom of the District, but the formal ceremonies did follow the historical format.
The Ceremony held this past year in Maple Ridge was a means of officially
acknowledging the friendly relationship that exists between the Legion and the
District of Maple Ridge. Branch 88, with 2,700 members today, was established in
1927 and is recognized as one of the most successful Legion branches in the country.
Members and supporters of the Legion contribute approximately $120,000 each year
to community non-profit organizations as well as sponsoring student bursaries and 280
affordable housing units for seniors. Over $30,000 was raised in 2004 through the sales
of poppies, contributions of which go directly toward assisting veterans and ex-service
personnel in our community.
Mayor and Council along with citizens of Maple Ridge are mindful of similar sacrifices
being made today by Canadian soldiers and peacekeepers as they continue the tradition
of promoting peace throughout the world. We are grateful for their service.
DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE • 2004 CITIZENS REPORT
Remembrance Day
1133DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE • 2004 CITIZENS REPORT
Our Strength...
Our Volunteers
Volunteers play a vital role in the community of
Maple Ridge (30% of our citizens volunteer). Literally
thousands of Maple Ridge citizens get involved in a broad
range of community organizations. District Council and
staff recognize the value of volunteer support on virtually
every program within the municipality.
Getting involved as a volunteer provides citizens with
benefits that are unique to each individual. Some people
want to help build a stronger community, while others
wish to develop professionally or personally by improving
their skills, meeting new people, and trying something new. Volunteers are from all walks
of life, age groups, cultures, abilities, and backgrounds.
Naming all the ways our community life is enhanced by the support of volunteers, would
require more space than is available here so below are some examples of the activities and
services in which volunteers are so important. It is with great pride that we salute our
citizen volunteers who assist with:
• Animal welfare
• Arts, culture and festivals
• Auxiliary police work
• Emergency services
• Environment
• Firefighting
“Volunteering gives me practical, hands on experience in an office setting to complement
the learning I gained in the college classroom.” —Jennifer Reynolds, practicum student
“I’m enriching my English language skills, keeping myself busy, and learning something
new while working with the public.” —Fausto Alcantar, Tourism and Theatre volunteer
“I wish to enhance self-fulfillment by working with other people to help strengthen the
community in any way possible. I want to make a difference in the lives of others.”
—Andrea Walters, youth volunteer
“Getting involved with the Seniors Centre and the Volunteer Office keeps my mind
and skills fresh and helps me get out of the house.” —Marie Lachance, senior volunteer
Volunteers — Taking Pride
in Our Community
• Neighbourhood development
• Heritage preservation
• Parks and District beautification
• Recreation and youth opportunities
• Social and community services
• Technical and policy advice
1155DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE • 2004 CITIZENS REPORT
Our Future...
Our Environment
The District of Maple Ridge has a beautiful natural setting,
from mountains to river — it is an environment worth
protecting. The main goals of environmental management
are to encourage practices that limit potential for detrimental
impact on the environment. We do this by identifying and
protecting sensitive environmental features and areas that
require special recognition and management. The District’s
leading edge stream mapping, setback assessment guide,
and initiation of a study to identify environmentally sensitive
areas continue to promote and endorse the environmental
commitment of the District.
Watershed Protection
• 2003 and 2004 Fraser Basin Sustainability Award — selected as one of the top five
environmental leaders for the Stream Mapping Project
Waste and Recycling
• 2002 Communities in Bloom — Ridge Meadows Recycling Society
• 2001 Rivers Day Award — Ridge Meadows Recycling Society
• 1999 Federal Environmental Achievement Award — Ridge Meadows Recycling Society
Stewardship and Civic Action
• 2004 Communities in Bloom
– 4-blooms and a special mention for Memorial Peace Park
• 2001 Minister's Award
– Awarded to Alouette River Management Society (ARMS)
• 2000 Fraser Basin Council Sustainability
– Sustainability Award to ARMS
• 1998 Rivers Day Award
– KEEPS members for outstanding contributions to community
• 1998 BC Heritage Rivers Significant Rivers Award
Eco-Audit
This Citizens Report was printed with vegetable-based inks, using paper containing
100% recycled fibres made from 50% post-consumer waste, and bleached without
the use of chlorine or chlorine compounds.
By doing so, we achieved the following savings:
Davison Pool
8 Trees
386 Pounds of Solid Waste
2,120 Gallons of Water
4,239 (000) BTU’s of Energy
667 Pounds of Greenhouse Gases
2 Pounds of Air Emissions
(HAP’s, VOC’s, TRS’s combined)
18 Pounds of Hazardous Effluent
(BOD’s, TSS’s, COD’s, AOX’s)
1177DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE • 2004 CITIZENS REPORT
Our congratulations go out to all who have worked so hard
over the past year.
• Captain Jim Sinclair was honoured with the Fire
Department’s Meritorious Service Award.
• Country Music Legend Elmer Tippe, Bowler Herb Stewart,
Boxing Coach John Skanks, and Author Annette LeBox
inducted into the Ridge Meadows Hall of Fame.
•Dick Lyster chosen Maple Ridge Community
Foundation 2004 Citizen of the Year for his untiring
volunteer work.
• Disabled swimmer Stephanie McDougall sets Canadian
record for breaststroke.
• Local logger Greg Hart takes silver in ESPN’s Great
Outdoor Games held in Wisconsin.
• Paddlers Wes Hammer and Sean McBeath won five
gold, two silver, and one bronze medal at the Canada
Cup and are now eligible for the world championships.
• BMX rider Peter Jensen wins world silver medal at 45
and over championships.
• Basketball player Emily Knauff gets gold at Canadian
National Midget championships.
•Nathan Burke crowned ECCW National Junior
Heavyweight Wrestling champion.
• Local soccer star Ashlee Davison named Tournament
All-Star as Trinity Western University Spartans win
National Championship.
•Elyse Marlo skates to bronze medal in BC/Yukon Skate
Canada Championships in the pre-novice dance division.
•Linda Smith riding Ole San Cocoa Lena wins the
Canadian Open reining championship.
•Andrew Ladd ranked top North American hockey prospect
by the Central Scouting Bureau for NHL entry draft and
is drafted fourth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes.
• Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
were received by Triple Tree Nursery, the West Coast
Auto Group, Jeff Carpenter, the Birth Place,
Pitt Meadows Airport, and Fuller Watson.
• Race car driver Sean McIntosh signs up with Team
Firstair to compete in the 2004 UK Formula
Renault Championships.
• Ian Carmichael wins National Woodworker’s competition.
and so many more...
Our Motivation...
Those Who Try
Maple Ridge is blessed with amazingly talented people of all ages. Each one of them
provides inspiration to others who strive for their own personal best. The list of
community successes is long and here are but a few of them.
Photographer:
Dave Brunner
Sponsored by
the Fraternal Order
of Maple Ridge Eagles
1199DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE • 2004 CITIZENS REPORT
Our Support...
Our Service Clubs
Service Clubs contribute greatly to our community. Below is a brief listing of the
Clubs serving Maple Ridge along with some of their contributions over the past year.
On behalf of our citizens, we salute and thank them all for their great work.
Maple Ridge Rotary Clubs are the Meadow Ridge Rotary and the Haney Rotary.
Rotary is a worldwide organization that provides humanitarian service,
encourages high ethical standards, and helps build goodwill.
The Fraternal Order of Maple Ridge Eagles celebrated its 56th anniversary
of “People Helping People” in 2004. Membership in the aerie numbers 107.
Kiwanis Golden Ears is a member of a global organization of volunteers
dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.
The Maple Ridge Lions Club was established in 1944 and has been part of
this Community for 60 years. The motto of their organization is: We Serve.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 88 was established in 1927 and has
over 2,700 members.
The Maple Ridge branch of the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Club was
established in 1974 as a member of Canada’s oldest veterans’ association.
Their motto is: Shoulder to Shoulder.
The Service Clubs are proud to support and sponsor our community in many ways:
• Sponsored the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion
event. $3,362 was raised, with $1,400 being
returned to the community in the form of
funding to replace a “pool lift chair” at the
Maple Ridge Leisure Centre
• Elementary school breakfast program
established
• Bursaries have been given to deserving
graduates to advance their education
• Sponsored Secondary School Dry Grad
programs
• Committed $50,000 to the Ridge Meadows
Hospital expansion
• Contributions to Cythera House, Meals on
Wheels, Friends in Need Food Bank
• Crystal Meth Campaign — Youth Education
and Community Awareness
• Development of Youth Sport Facilities
including the Rotary Artificial Turf Field
(Samuel Robertson Secondary Tech School)
and the Don Thain Multi-Sport Court
(Kanaka Creek Elementary)
• Equipment such as hospital beds, walkers,
scooters, lifts, and trikes have been made
available to needy persons in our
community and ramps have been built
for wheelchair access
• Purchased hearing aids for a nine year old child
• Purchased testing equipment for the
Children’s Hearing Centre. The portable
testers were used to test all kindergarten
children in the School District
• Purchased a saddle and provided other
funding for the Fraser Valley Therapeutic
Riding for the Disabled
•RCMP Canoe Voyage — Aboriginal Youth
• RCMP Youth Academy — Sponsored local
youth
• Sent 30 wheelchairs to those in need in third
world countries
• Sent a child to Edmonton for speech therapy
• Sponsored the Terry Fox Run and Maple
Ridge Home Show — Fun Zone
• Supplied Mount Crescent School with two
computers for autistic students
• Contributed to the Katzie cultural
enhancement education program
• Rotary House Lawn Bowling Centre
• Built the Rotary Spray Park
• Vocational careers day (school program)
• Provided the Youth Outreach initiative with
a 15 passenger van
• Hosted an annual dinner for the visually
impaired in our community
• Provided funding for the Inner Visions
Drug treatment
2200 DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
•Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows Home Show
with hundreds of commercial exhibits and
displays drew upwards of 35,000 visitors.
The Home Show also stages a Psychic Fair,
the Times Taste of Ridge Meadows, and
West Coast Amusements Carnival. The
Emergency Services “Head Shave for
Cancer” raised over $20,000 for the
Oncology Unit of Ridge Meadows Hospital
•Mountain Festival was a huge success with
many exciting activities such as the parade,
MR Hospital Foundation bed races, Lion’s
Pancake Breakfast, Seniors’ Tea, Family Arts
Fair, May Day celebration, and a variety of
children’s and youth activities
•Canada Day began with the traditional flag
raising ceremony in Memorial Peace Park
followed by entertainment, kid’s art
activities, multicultural foods, and a giant
craft market
• The Caribbean Festival saw thousands
enjoy live Caribbean bands, great music,
colourful costumes, dancing, arts and
crafts, and delicious food
•Webster’s Corners Day brought together
many families to celebrate their neighbour-
hood with activities for all ages — games,
bouncy castle, bike parade, local artisans,
raffle, interactive displays from local
organizations involved in the community,
and the Heritage Tea & Historic Display
for friends and neighbours to
share memories and swap stories
Our Community...
22112004 CITIZENS REPORT
• Thousands attended the 103rd annual
Maple Ridge Fair held under scorching
skies. They enjoyed the midway, an antique
tractor pull, welsh pony show, BMX stunt
bike show, kids stuff, headline stage
entertainment, and up-close and personal
animal displays
• The Jazz & Blues Festival attracted
thousands to Memorial Peace Park.
Festivities included some of BC’s best
local and regional Jazz & Blues artists,
an arts and crafts village, an international
food fair, and children’s activities
• The annual Hammond Days celebration
featured live music, children’s activities,
crafts, community displays, baseball
tournaments, pancake breakfast, Heritage
Walk, Heritage Tea, and evening dances
•BC Rivers Day was held at Allco Park and
Kanaka Creek — a special day celebrating
our spectacular river heritage and raising
awareness of our streams and rivers
• The annual Whonnock Lake Day
celebration began with an inter-
denominational church service and a
pancake breakfast. Food, crafts, children’s
activities, a 5 and 10 km run/walk, a 1 km
non-competitive children’s run, and
musical entertainment were enjoyed by all
•Christmas in the Park and the
Santa Claus Parade has become
a favourite in December.
Entertainment for children and
families with wonderful floats,
horses, and free hot chocolate
Maple Ridge
2222 DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
The primary mission of the Maple Ridge Fire
Department is the protection and preservation
of life, property and the environment. One hundred
paid-on-call firefighters and six full-time officers
provide this service.
Administration
The Fire Department Master Plan was presented
at a Public Forum in February 2004. Council
approved a special fire service improvement
levy and the gradual hiring of full-
time firefighters.
Amendments were made to
the Fireworks Bylaw which
included an increase in the
Vendor’s permit fee and
prohibition of noise makers.
The Fire Department was
awarded a grant from the Union
of BC Municipalities to prepare a
community fire protection plan for the
District. A committee will be designing this
plan in 2005.
Fire Prevention
After completing a newly developed training
program, firefighters began performing basic fire
safety inspections on multi-residential buildings
and retail occupancies. By year end, the firefighters
completed 293 inspections which equated to 433
firefighter hours. A total of 517 inspections were
performed throughout 2004.
Emergency Operations/Training
In 2004, the Fire Department responded to 1,856
calls for assistance which amounted to 22,379
firefighter hours. Training practice time totaled
8,934 hours with an additional 6,514 hours
logged for special training.
Sixteen new firefighters started with the Department
in 2004. Four senior firefighters graduated from
the Fire Officer One Program.
Public Education
The 10 member Youth Academy continued a
community project initiated by last year’s class on
Address Awareness. They visited several
neighbourhoods evaluating the visibility of
addressing The Elementary School program
completed its mission of visiting all of the children
in grades K-3 in School District 42 totaling 2,360
students which represents 221 firefighter hours.
The Public Education Program continued to deliver
programs to community groups throughout the year
including, preschools, Sparks, Beavers, Cubs and
Guides. The Arson Prevention Program for Children
(TAPP-C) involves the Maple Ridge Fire Department,
the Pitt Meadows Fire Department, R.C.M.P.,
School District 42, Ministry for Children and
Families, and Mental Health Services.
Twenty-nine files were initiated
during the year.
Throughout the summer
months, firefighters provided
public education through the
Hot Summer Nights Program
— 680 residents participated
in 12 sessions. Firefighters
attended the Canadian Cancer
Society’s Camp Goodtime at Loon
Lake where children ages 6-16 affected by
cancer can participate in a variety of fun activities.
The Charities Committee organized the 3rd annual
fundraising car wash in August raising over $2,800
for the VGH Burn Unit and conducted another
successful Firefighters for Families food drive in
support of the Friends in Need Food Bank and the
Christmas Hamper Society. Over $11,000 in cash
along with food and toys was collected. During
Fire Prevention Week — October 3 to 9, over 700
people attended an Open House held at Fire Hall #1.
Fire Services in Maple Ridge
Honour Guard performs on Remembrance Day
Dane Spence,
Fire Chief
Peter Grootendorst,
Fire Chief
2233
In 2004, the Ridge-Meadows RCMP
realized a number of successes on a
variety of fronts. While the challenges of
policing a growing District are ever present,
our focus of crime reduction through
targeted enforcement, crime prevention, and
community partnerships have continued.
Youth issues remain high on our radar with
RCMP officers participating in a number of
proactive youth initiatives. One of these
initiatives, the RCMP Youth Academy, allows
for 16-18 young people from our community
to attend a two-week police academy type
training session. The Youth Academy not
only provides a chance for youth to examine
the possibility of a career in law enforcement
but it also provides an opportunity for RCMP
members to mentor, instill discipline and
promote excellence to the attendees.
Our close relationships with the School
District, Youth Centres, Teen Resource
Teams, Youth Diversion Committee and
many other local organizations echo our
commitment to youth in this community.
The reduction of property crime remains
a high priority for the Detachment with
combating auto theft having been the focus
for this past year. In targeting and arresting
a number of local repeat auto thieves, we
saw a 28% drop in the number of auto
thefts in our community. Continued close
relationships with ICBC and the Provincial
Auto Theft Task Force have also assisted
in bringing our numbers down. Earlier
this year, the “Bait Car” program was
introduced. Not only is it a very useful
enforcement tool but the ongoing threat
of its existence proves to be a significant
deterrent to would-be car thieves. Thefts
from motor vehicles also declined.
Police Services in Maple Ridge
RCMP March
2004 CITIZENS REPORT
Janice Armstrong
Insp. Janice Armstrong,
Officer in Charge
The Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities
For the Year Ended December 31, 2004
Revenue
Taxes
Real property, special assessments, grants in lieu $65,211,846
Less: Collections for other governments 28,971,281
Taxes for municipal purposes $ 36,240,565 $ 36,280,322 $ 34,149,649
Sale of services 5,928,803 5,431,007 6,440,402
Other revenue from own sources 3,798,593 3,613,578 3,962,825
Senior government grants – Utilities 448,980 338,904 397,478
Senior government grants – Capital 1,551,330 1,826,576 737,350
Development revenue 7,713,969 18,774,378 2,311,684
Provincial & other government transfers 2,097,491 1,476,503 1,548,605
Interest and investment income
Interest income 1,003,870
Investment income 1,481,240
Less: Deferred amount (667,832) 1,817,278 1,734,988 1,992,935
Utility user fees 9,803,287 9,994,512 9,426,885
Proceeds from disposal of capital assets 6,495,648 5,549,996 1,438,128
Net gain on sales of property held for resale -- 1,265
Gain on debt refinancing 441,794 - 1,137,969
Contributed subdivision infrastructure 9,533,012 9,533,012 4,849,407
85,870,750 94,553,776 68,394,582
Expenditures
Protective services 15,934,006 17,814,524 13,371,096
Transportation services 15,215,400 22,692,473 7,967,189
Recreation and cultural 16,369,202 25,632,536 16,342,241
Sewer and water facilities 13,304,971 15,829,892 11,948,434
General government 28,331,512 11,447,889 8,267,811
Planning, public health and other 2,373,210 3,081,415 2,354,179
Internal equipment charges (1,720,420)(1,378,136) (1,519,794)
Subdivision infrastructure 9,533,012 9,533,012 4,849,407
99,340,893 104,653,605 63,580,563
Excess Revenue over (under) Expenditures (13,470,143)(10,099,829) 4,814,019
Principal Repaid (32,315,934)(1,697,258) (1,913,503)
Debt Issued 49,830,867 - -
Increase in Fund Balances 4,044,790 (11,797,087) 2,900,516
Fund Balances – Beginning of the Year as Previously Reported 44,160,822 44,160,822 41,220,526
Adjustment of Prior Year (701,467)- (661,687)
Fund Balances – Beginning of the Year as Restated 43,459,355 44,160,822 40,558,839
Fund Balances – End of the Year $ 47,504,145 $ 32,363,735 $ 43,459,355
Excerpt from the 2004 Unaudited Financial Statements
Copies of the District’s award-winning Comprehensive Annual Financial Report are available
at the Municipal Hall, District Website, and the Public Library.
Actual
2004
Budget
2004
Restated
Actual
2003
2244 DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
2255
The Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge
2004
Restated
2003
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at December 31, 2004
Financial Assets
Cash and temporary investments $ 24,348,525 $ 20,601,559
Portfolio investments 52,080,480 48,995,137
Accounts receivable 10,185,341 9,426,417
Recoverable local improvements 1,682,601 2,132,807
Other assets 677,454 921,843
88,974,401 82,077,763
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 8,239,428 5,976,756
Deferred revenues 4,110,367 3,768,338
Restricted revenue 24,011,719 24,150,546
Refundable performance deposits and other 1,937,140 1,597,231
Severance and compensated absence benefits 3,171,602 3,125,537
Mortgage liability 17,554,318 30,477,445
Debenture debt 34,205,750 3,767,690
93,230,324 72,863,543
Net Financial Assets (Debt)$ (4,255,923)$ 9,214,220
Excerpt from the 2004 Unaudited Financial Statements
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 municipality of
Maple Ridge for its Popular Report for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2003. 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 municipality
of Maple Ridge has received a Popular Award
for the eighth consecutive
year and is very
fortunate to be only one
of three municipalities
in Canada awarded a
PAFR for 2003.
We believe our current
report continues to
conform to the Popular
Annual Financial
Reporting requirements,
and we are submitting
it to GFOA.
DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE • 2004 CITIZENS REPORT
2266 DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
2004 Taxation
Throughout 2004, the municipality placed
emphasis on building on our strong record
for sound financial management. Council adopted
a financial strategy with a focus on sustainability,
affordability and accountability. As a result the
strategy provides for goals and measurements
to ensure the municipality has the financial
resources it needs to sustain its facilities and
services and the fiscal practices to earn the
confidence and trust of the taxpayer.
Property taxation provides the District with over
50% of its revenue source for general purposes.
Police and fire protection, parks and facilities,
streets and roads and various capital expenditure
initiatives depend on funding from property
taxation. Maple Ridge residents enjoy a high
quality of local government services with one of
the lowest levels of property taxation in the
British Columbia Lower Mainland.
22772004 CITIZENS REPORT
Demographics
Source: 2001 Statistics Canada Census
A
Administration.........................................................604-463-5221
Arts Centre & Theatre.............................................604-476-2787
B
Building Inspections
Building..............................................................604-467-7312
Electrical.............................................................604-467-7313
Gas-Plumbing.....................................................604-467-7314
General...............................................................604-467-7311
After-Hours Inspection Requests........................604-467-7380
Business Licences.................................................... 604-467-7440
Bylaw Enforcement..................................................604-467-7305
C
Cemetery................................................................ 604-467-7307
Communications......................................................604-467-7356
Council Members.....................................................604-463-5221
D
Dog Licences............................................................604-467-7336
E
Economic Development...........................................604-467-7320
Engineering Enquiries.............................................604-467-7339
Environmental Enquiries.........................................604-467-7499
F
Finance Department
Accounts Payable................................................604-467-7388
Administration & Accounting............................604-463-5221
Taxation & Utilities............................................604-467-7336
Fire Department (Non-Emergency).........................604-463-5880
Flooding (after hours).............................................604-463-9581
H
Human Resources....................................................604-467-7350
M
Mayor’s Office..........................................................604-463-5221
Municipal Clerk.......................................................604-463-5221
Municipal Emergency Program...............................604-463-5221
Nights & Weekends...........................................604-463-9581
P
Parking Enforcement...............................................604-467-7305
Parks & Leisure Services
Direct Info Line (24 Hrs)...................................604-467-7322
Direct Reservation Lines
Arenas – Booking/Program Information
Municipal Ice Rental ..................................604-465-7438
Planet Ice (Maple Ridge)............................ 604-467-2883
Ridge Meadows Arenas (Pitt Meadows).....604-465-5877
Campground – Maple Ridge.......................604-467-7357
Facilities – Maple Ridge..............................604-467-7438
Facilities – Pitt Meadows............................604-465-7438
Picnic Shelters.............................................604-465-7438
Sportfields................................................... 604-467-7438
Festivals Society..................................................604-467-7325
Greg Moore Youth Centre.................................. 604-467-7354
Leisure Centre
General Enquiries...........................................604-467-7322
Aquatics Supervisor...................................... 604-467-7302
Information Line (for following services)......604-467-7494
Aerobics
Birthday Parties
Childminding
Fitness
Gym
Preschool Play
Skating Lessons
Program Registration..........................................604-467-7322
or.....................................................................604-465-2452
Parks & Facilities Administration......................604-467-7346
Sportsfield Conditions & Closures.....................604-467-7438
Volunteer Services............................................ 604-467-7459
Youth Outreach Initiative...................................604-467-7354
Youth Services Programs.................................. 604-467-7466
Planning
Enquiries............................................................ 604-467-7341
Administration................................................... 604-467-7343
Police – RCMP (Non-Emergency)......................... 604-463-6251
Records Section................................................. 604-467-7635
Volunteer Services Coordinator........................ 604-467-7644
Pound – SPCA.........................................................604-463-9511
Public Works
After Hours Emergencies.................................. 604-463-9581
Enquiries & Trouble Calls................................. 604-467-7363
Purchasing...............................................................604-466-4343
R
Recycling................................................................. 604-463-4993
Roads Maintenance................................................ 604-467-7363
S
Seniors’ Programs & Information........................... 604-467-4993
Sewer Maintenance................................................ 604-467-7363
Sidewalk Maintenance............................................ 604-467-7363
Snow Removal........................................................ 604-467-7363
T
Traffic Enquiries...................................................... 604-467-7339
W
Water Maintenance................................................. 604-467-7363
Z
Zoning..................................................................... 604-467-7341
District of Maple Ridge
11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9
www.mapleridge.org
Switchboard/GeneraI Information.............604-463-5221
General Fax Line.........................................604-467-7329
Emergency Nights & Weekends................604-463-9581
Fire, Police & Ambulance Emergency........................911
Municipal Contact Numbers
2288
Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge
11995 Haney Place
Maple Ridge BC
V2X 6A9
Tel: 604-463-5221
Fax: 604-467-7329
• Council Workshop on Mondays at 9:00 am
• Council meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm
• For more information on public hearings, special Council sessions, and civic events, check our website
www.mapleridge.org
Councillor Craig Speirs
cspeirs@mapleridge.org
Mayor Kathy Morse
kmorse@mapleridge.org
Councillor Jon Harris
jharris@mapleridge.org
Councillor Judy Dueck
jdueck@mapleridge.org
Councillor Candace Gordon
cgordon@mapleridge.org
Councillor Faye Isaac
fisaac@mapleridge.org
Councillor Ernie Daykin
edaykin@mapleridge.org
Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge
Mayor and Council 2002-2005
Printed on 100% Recycled and 50% Post-consumer waste paper, using vegetable-based inks.
Design & Production – Hi-Res Graphics: 604-271-1254