HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.4 Town Centre Area Plan
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 73
10.4 TOWN CENTRE AREA PLAN
Chapter 10, Page 74 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
TOWN CENTRE AREA PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION 77
1.1 Background 77
1.1.1 The Smart Growth on the Ground Process 78
1.2 8 Guiding Sustainability Principles 78
1.2.1 Goals and Objectfves 81
1.3 Assumptfons and Targets 87
1.4 The Role of the Area Plan 88
2.0 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 89
2.1 Working in Harmony with Natural Systems 90
2.2 Integratfng Green Infrastructure 91
2.2.1 Protectfon of Natural Features 91
- Rainwater Management 92
- Urban Ecology 93
- Building Local Partnerships to Support Environmental Stewardship 95
- Energy Management 96
- Green Buildings 97
3.0 LAND USE IN THE TOWN CENTRE 98
3.1 A Place to Live, Work & Play 98
3.2 General Land Use Requirements 100
3.3 Land Use Designatfons 103
Single-Family Residentfal 104
Ground-Oriented Multf-Family 104
Low-Rise Apartment 105
Medium & High-Rise Apartment 105
Flexible Mixed-Use 106
Town Centre Commercial 107
Port Haney & Fraser River Waterfront Area 107
- Port Haney Heritage Adaptfve Use 108
- Port Haney Multf-Family, Commercial & Mixed-Use 108
Instftutfonal 110
Page Number
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 75
4.0 PARK AND CONSERVATION 111
5.0 MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION NETWORK 115
5.1 Offering Transportatfon Choices 116
5.2 Defining the Transportatfon Network 119
5.2.1 Multf-Modal Routes 119
Civic Core Ring Route & Civic Core Pedestrian Network 120
Connectfve Pedestrian Network 120
Bicycle Network 120
Secondary Ring Route 120
Greenway Trails 121
5.2.1.1 Multf-Modal Route Characteristfcs & Related Policies 121
5.2.2 Enhancing the Multf-Modal Network 123
Laneways 123
Public Transit 123
Fraser River & Waterfront 124
APPENDIX A – Zoning Matrix 125
SCHEDULE 1 – Town Centre Area Land Use Designation Map
FIGURE 1 – Multf-Modal Transportatfon Network Map 127
FIGURE 2 – Central Business District Map 128
FIGURE 3 – Future Rapid Transit Route Map 129
FIGURE 4 – Alouette River Watershed Boundary Map 130
Chapter 10, Page 76 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 77
1.0 INRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
Maple Ridge Town Centre is a neighbourhood of unique character and opportunity. Located in the
heart of Maple Ridge, it contains historic points of interest, a central business district, including the
Municipal Hall, and a West Coast Express commuter train statfon. The neighbourhood boasts
spectacular viewscapes that include the Fraser River to the south and the Golden Ears peaks of Mount
Blanshard to the north.
The Town Centre of Maple Ridge is often referred to as “Haney” and “Port Haney”, reflectfng on the
fact that prior to 1874 Maple Ridge was comprised of a number of historic communitfes, each with its
own unique characteristfcs. Haney was the area generally north of the Lougheed Highway, and Port
Haney was situated south of the Lougheed Highway, adjacent to the Fraser River. Port Haney originally
operated as the commercial heart of the newly formed District, however the constructfon of the
Lougheed Highway and a significant fire in Port Haney contributed to the shifting of a rebuilt “uptown”
and the commercial development of Central Haney began.
By the 1950’s the “core” of Maple Ridge was bounded by Ontario Street (224th Street), Dewdney Trunk
Road, Hinch Road (225th Street), and Lougheed Highway, and included two elementary schools, one
high school, Aggie Hall, and all major municipal services, including the municipal hall and library.
Since that tfme, the former “Central Haney” has evolved into the commercial heart of the District of
Maple Ridge, encompassing several historic locatfons, municipal offices, a concentrated commercial
area, including a West Coast Express Statfon in Port Haney. The boundaries also expanded to include
lands as far north as 124th Avenue, west to 221st Street, and east to Burnett Street.
In early Official Community Plans priority for commercial development and residentfal density was
noted for the Town Centre. . The Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy identffies Maple Ridge
Town Centre as one of seven "Regional City Centres", each intended to serve as regional hubs for
densificatfon and public transit.
Chapter 10, Page 78 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
1.1.1 THE SMART GROWTH ON THE GROUND PROCESS
In 2003 the District of Maple Ridge became the first Smart Growth on the Ground Partner Community. By
doing so the District committed to exploring the applicatfon of smart growth and sustainability principles in
the Town Centre. In December 2003, the project was initfated by the formatfon of a locally based project
committee that oversaw and partfcipated in the development of the Town Centre Concept Plan.
The Smart Growth on the Ground process for the Town Centre included a series of public workshops to
examine a series of Smart Growth Principles and the partfcipatfon in an intensive design charrette process.
The informatfon collected resulted in the creatfon of the Town Centre Concept Plan, which was endorsed by
District Council in April 2005, along with a Council Resolutfon statfng that the Smart Growth on the Ground
Concept Plan would be used as a guide for development within the Town Centre. It is this concept plan that
formed the basis for the Town Centre Area Plan.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 79
1.2 8 GUIDING SUSTAINABILITY
PRINCIPLES
The Smart Growth on the Ground Project resulted in 8 Guiding Sustainability Principles that are reflected in
the Town Centre Area Plan. Those Principles are:
1. EACH NEIGHBOURHOOD IS COMPLETE
Smart Growth on the Ground communitfes allow residents to have the optfon to live, work, shop and play in
the same local area. Compact, complete communitfes use land and infrastructure more efficiently, while
providing more living choices for residents and local employees. Complete communitfes can reduce per
capita expenditure on cars and per capita productfon of air pollutfon by over 40%. This means more money in
our pockets and less congestfon on our streets.
2. OPTIONS TO OUR CARS EXIST
Smart Growth on the Ground Communitfes reduce the emphasis on automobiles, and provide for other
transportatfon choices. Compact neighbourhoods with an interconnected street network are convenient for
walking and cycling, and can provide enough residentfal density and mix of uses to create a large ridership
base for transit. Transportatfon choices reduce congestfon and pollutfon, and allow residents who cannot
drive (such as children, seniors, and people with disabilitfes) to access daily actfvitfes on their own.
3. WORK IN HARMONY WITH NATURAL SYSTEMS
Smart Growth on the Ground Communitfes respect, maintain, and restore the natural functfoning of the
landscape. Communitfes can be more environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and cost effectfve, by
respectfng natural eco-systems -- partfcularly river and stream systems and their associated aquatfc habitat.
4. BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE ARE GREENER AND SMARTER
Smart Growth in the Ground Communitfes optfmize the economic, social and ecological impact of buildings
and infrastructure. Innovatfve development standards, such as “green” infrastructure and buildings or
natural drainage systems, can result in lower impact solutfons that cost municipalitfes, residents and
businesses much less over the long term.
Chapter 10, Page 80 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
5. HOUSING SERVES MANY NEEDS
Smart Growth on the Ground communitfes incorporate a variety of housing in the same neighbourhood and
even on the same street. A mix of housing types (both owner and for rent) allows residents to live in the
same community throughout their life, and recognizes the increase in non-traditfonal households such as
empty nesters, single parent families, and childless couples. A range of housing also allows lower income
residents (such as seniors on fixed income or recent university graduates) equal access to community
amenitfes and local employment opportunitfes.
6. JOBS ARE CLOSE TO HOME
Smart Growth on the Ground Communitfes foster sustainable economic growth. Local economic growth
allows many residents to find employment close to home and supports local businesses, while making the
best use of existfng infrastructure.
7. THE CENTRE IS ATTRACTIVE, DISTINCTIVE AND VIBRANT
Smart Growth on the Ground communitfes are animated, diverse, and have a strong local identfty. The
cultural heritage of the community is celebrated in functfonal and meaningful ways, and are incorporated
into the vibrant neighbourhood and town centres as focal points for community interactfon.
8. EVERYONE HAS A VOICE
Smart Growth on the Ground Communitfes belong to those who live, work and play there. Meaningful
partfcipatfon includes an early and on-going role for community members by engaging them in planning,
design and development processes. This ensures that new development is accepted by existfng stakeholders
and responds to local needs
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 81
1.2.1 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
In consultatfon with the community, the 8 Guiding Sustainability Principles were further considered and
expanded, resultfng in the creatfon of 16 goals and 90 objectfves. These goals and objectfves were intended
to support the Principles and provide targets and measurements for achieving them. When relevant, these
goals and principles have been incorporated into sectfons of the Area Plan, and provide explanatfon and
guidance to the policies. Most, but not all of the objectfves fall within the scope of the Town Centre Area
Plan.
PRINCIPLE: 1: EACH NEIGHBOURHOOD IS COMPLETE
Goal:
Increase density and distribute a range of uses throughout the Centre
Objectives:
Increase density for residentfal and non-residentfal land uses
Incorporate a range of densitfes
Incorporate mixed use development opportunitfes
Ensure opportunitfes for living, working, shopping, and service provision
Integrate waterfront development into the Centre
Develop on currently undeveloped lots
Create links between the Centre and other hubs within Maple Ridge
Goal:
Enhance opportunitfes for personal development and recreatfon
Objectives:
Provide educatfonal/training facilitfes
Enhance technological capabilitfes so people can take advantage of world opportunitfes
Develop cultural facilitfes
Improve recreatfon opportunitfes, partfcularly for youth
Improve and secure public access to natural places, including streams and waterfront
Provide more public green space within the core
Promote the social integratfon of all ages and groups through shared or adjacent facilitfes and spaces
Design easily accessed public spaces
Ensure public safety and security, and accessibility throughout the Centre
Chapter 10, Page 82 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
PRINCIPLE 2: OPTIONS TO OUR CARS EXIST
Goal:
Acknowledge and respect pedestrian needs
Objectives:
Prioritfze the safety of pedestrians
Enhance pedestrian experience
Designate pedestrian-only areas/no-car zones
Enhance connectfvity of pedestrian and other non-vehicular routes
Utflize and upgrade laneways, sidewalks and other existfng paths for pedestrians, bikes
Design for short walking distances to reach daily needs
Goal:
Increase transit modes, availability and destfnatfons
Objectives:
Establish an internal transit system for the Centre
Increase the frequency of transit service both internally and to out-lying areas
Consider other transit modes
Link new Abernethy crossing to transit
Increase and improve access from river to Centre
Provide water transportatfon optfons
Ensure public safety for all transportatfon modes
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 83
PRINCIPLE 3: WORK IN HARMONY WITH NATURAL SYSTEMS
Goal:
Preserve, enhance and capitalize on natural amenitfes and create new ones
Objectives:
Respect and enhance riparian areas and water resources
Maintain views of mountains
Maintain access and views to Fraser River
Protect and enhance a range of wildlife habitats
Reinstate historical streams
Goal:
Protect natural systems from the impacts of development
Objectives:
Increase quality and amount of green space in the Centre
Establish a green system that is linked throughout the Centre and beyond
Reduce the generatfon of water pollutfon, air pollutfon and waste
Manage pollutfon and waste with Best Management Practfces (BMPs)
PRINCIPLE 4: BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE ARE GREENER AND SMARTER
Goal:
Make it easier to be environmentally friendly
Objectives:
Identffy and act on appropriate urban ecology opportunitfes
Provide incentfves for the development of environmentally friendly buildings
Have municipality adopt green building and infrastructure standards
Educate on environmental benefits of growing smarter
Increase quality, functfon and amount of mandatory public/open/green space built by developers
Chapter 10, Page 84 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Goal:
Combine new technologies with rediscovered approaches
Objectives:
Incorporate alternatfve methods of power generatfon
Require sustainable buildings and building systems
Design buildings to adapt to future technologies and uses
Minimize environmental impact of erosion and waste disposal during constructfon
Adaptfvely reuse existfng buildings, including heritage buildings
Manage urban stormwater with green infrastructure methods
Develop green infrastructure that provides for multfple land uses
PRINCIPLE 5: HOUSING SERVES MANY NEEDS
Goal:
Increase housing optfons to provide for all ages, economic status, and life stages
Objectives:
Integrate housing for all demographics
Ensure a variety of housing types and tenures that are fully accessible and accommodate special needs
Integrate affordable housing/low-cost housing with market housing
Improve rental housing stock and optfons
Improve housing quality and range of housing types
Design housing for flexibility of use over its lifetfme
Design housing to strengthen social relatfonships
Provide housing for people in transitfon
Goal:
Increase density in the Centre by integratfng housing with other uses
Objectives:
Increase residentfal density and identffy density limits
Integrate housing with other uses at the scale of both building and block
Establish attractfve form and character and mitfgate noise to make housing in the centre desirable
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 85
PRINCIPLE 6: JOBS ARE CLOSE TO HOME
Goal:
Encourage all types of jobs, including new and non-traditfonal businesses and workplaces
Objectives:
Provide an educatfonal centre to train for jobs and to provide teaching and other jobs
Increase civic development and retail development for job creatfon
Incorporate high tech, internet, home businesses
Incorporate live/work and work/live developments
Welcome unique industries/business opportunitfes
Make zoning and bylaws less restrictfve for locatfon and form of business premises, while retaining a
positfve sense of community
Promote the film industry
Promote the tourism industry
Goal:
Attract investment by supportfng business needs
Objectives:
Attract investment in housing and business ventures
Densify the Centre to provide a customer base for businesses
Identffy and promote niche markets for business
Develop the industry potentfal already present in Maple Ridge and support local businesses
Pre-install technological infrastructure in buildings to attract businesses
Streamline development approval processes and provide incentfves
Provide venues to support arts and crafts businesses
PRINCIPLE 7: THE CENTRE IS DISTINCTIVE, ATTRACTIVE AND VIBRANT
Goal:
Cultfvate an identfty that grows from the heart of the community
Objectives:
Develop the “caring” identfty of Maple Ridge
Ensure that historical and cultural assets are respected and celebrated
Feature the natural beauty and amenitfes of the place
Establish development guidelines that respect local heritage, natural settings and attributes
Support the arts in the community
Chapter 10, Page 86 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Encourage art in public and private spaces
Enhance the urban public environment
Goal:
Establish the Centre as a hub of actfvity
Objectives:
Increase tourism
Provide opportunitfes for festfvals and community events
Provide more entertainment and educatfon venues
Encourage evening actfvitfes that cater to a broad demographic while benefitting the community
Utflize park space for daily actfvitfes as well as special events
Create easily accessible routes to key destfnatfons
Encourage symbiotfc relatfonships among and between lands and land users
Support and encourage the vitality of small business
PRINCIPLE 8: EVERYONE HAS A VOICE
Goal:
Create safe spaces and opportunitfes for all members of the community
Objectives:
Create spaces and opportunitfes for all age groups and social stratas
Integrate spaces to foster social relatfonships
Empower the least powerful
Ensure safety
Goal:
Create opportunitfes for open dialogue among members of the community
Objectives:
Establish ongoing public evaluatfon of smart growth strategies
Provide public gathering spaces
Ensure economic development office advocates for local business and interacts effectfvely with all levels
of government
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 87
1.3 ASSUMPTIONS AND TARGETS
Population:
The Town Centre is 294 hectares (727 acres) in area and is home to over 8000 residents. By 2021 it is
projected that the populatfon will increase by over 13,000 resultfng in a target populatfon of 21,750 people
by 2021.
Density:
At the build out of the Town Centre Area Plan it is estfmated that with a land area of 294 hectares, the
resultfng density will be in the range of 70 to 100 persons per hectare.
Housing:
There are approximately 4,500 housing units in the Town Centre and it is estfmated that through
development/redevelopment the Centre can accommodate another 6700 units, for a potentfal total of
approximately 11,065 units by 2021.
Commercial:
Commercial, Office and industrial forecasts suggest that significant demand will occur by 2021. The Town
Centre Plan has a goal of creatfng between 0.25 – 0.75 new jobs for every dwelling unit in the Town Centre.
Chapter 10, Page 88 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
1.4 THE ROLE OF THE AREA PLAN
The Town Centre Area Plan reflects the community’s values and is intended to be the preeminent document
for long range planning and development within the Downtown. Development applicatfons within the Town
Centre will be evaluated against the policies and development permit guidelines housed within this
document. Since the Area Plan policies are a derivatfve of the broader policies within the Official Community
Plan, the Town Centre Area Plan policies must be read in conjunctfon with them.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 89
2.0 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
BACKGROUND
Green Infrastructure is the interconnected network of natural and man-made features and functfons
that support the local ecology while improving livability. As an essentfal life support system, Green
Infrastructure involves the integratfon of conservatfon values with the various elements related to
urban development. Components of Green Infrastructure include sensitfve ecosystems, parks,
retentfon and restoratfon of trees and natfve plants in public and private spaces, rainwater
management, green buildings, and energy management.
The Town Centre has less than 20% of its land base (approximately 51 hectares of a total 300 hectares)
in either conservatfon or park space and these are the key areas that sustain local wildlife and
contribute to a healthy urban environment. The Green Infrastructure of an urban setting can be
enhanced through the plantfng of trees, shrubs, and garden areas that link together and create
opportunitfes for wildlife to access shelter, food, and water. In turn, augmentfng habitat for local
wildlife also improves the air quality, appearance, and ambiance of the urban environment for human
habitatfon. The integratfon of Green Infrastructure in urban areas leads to reduced strain on natural
resources, improved air and water quality, generally better health and mental well-being, increased
property values, and a greater sense of place.
Reducing our consumptfon of natural resources is a necessary component of Green Infrastructure, as a
smaller urban footprint will help to conserve and manage our natural resources more efficiently and
effectfvely. Improvements to energy efficiencies may be achieved, for example, through rainwater
management, green buildings, and energy management, thereby leading to a more sustainable
community to be left as a legacy for future generatfons.
Maple Ridge is “a community committed to working toward achieving carbon neutrality”. This quote is
published in Council’s 2025 Vision Statement and is supported by the District’s desire to identffy
possibilitfes for utflizing leading edge environmental technologies. Improving and protectfng our Green
Infrastructure will aid Maple Ridge in achieving this vision.
The primary aim of the Green Infrastructure sectfon is to acknowledge that natural resources are part
of a community life support system and to highlight the benefits of integratfng nature into the urban
fabric.
Chapter 10, Page 90 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
2.1 WORKING IN HARMONY WITH NATURAL SYSTEMS
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Principle 3: Work in Harmony with Natural Systems
Goals:
Preserve, enhance and capitalize on natural amenitfes and create new ones
Protect natural systems from the impacts of development
Principle 4: Buildings and Infrastructure are Greener and Smarter
Goals:
Make it easier to be environmentally friendly
Combine new technologies with rediscovered approaches
Principle 7: The Centre is Distinctive, Attractive and Vibrant
Goal:
Cultfvate an identfty that grows from the heart of the community
OBJECTIVES
Respect and enhance riparian areas and water resources
Protect and enhance a range of wildlife habitats
Increase the quality and amount of green space in the Town Centre
Establish a green system that is linked throughout the Town Centre and beyond
Reduce the generatfon of water pollutfon, air pollutfon, and waste
Manage pollutfon and waste with Best Management Practfces (BMPs)
Identffy and act on appropriate urban ecology opportunitfes
Provide incentfves for the development of environmentally friendly buildings
Explore the possibility of establishing green building and infrastructure standards
Educate on environmental benefits of growing smarter
Increase quality, functfon and amount of mandatory public/open/green space built by the development
community
Incorporate methods of power generatfon from renewable sources
Require sustainable buildings and building systems
Design buildings to adapt to future technologies and uses
Minimize environmental impacts of erosion and waste disposal during constructfon
Manage urban stormwater with green infrastructure methods
Develop green infrastructure that provides for multfple land uses
Develop the “caring” identfty of Maple Ridge
Feature the natural beauty and amenitfes of the place
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 91
2.2 INTEGRATING GREEN
INFRASTRUCTURE
The topic of Green Infrastructure is broad with a range of components that are important to the sustainable
development of the Town Centre. The aim of the Town Centre Area Plan is to create a more sustainable
community, where land is utflized more efficiently and residents may live, work, and play in the community.
Green Infrastructure has an important role to play in achieving the above goals and objectfves and may be
achieved through various means including:
Protectfon of Natural Features
Rainwater Management
Urban Ecology
Building Local Partnerships to Support Environmental Stewardship
Energy Management
Green Buildings
2.2.1 PROTECTION OF NATURAL FEATURES
Natural Features are identffied as environmentally sensitfve areas or conservatfon areas. These features
include watercourses, wetlands, rocky outcrops, and steep slopes. Where development is proposed on a site
within 50 metres of a watercourse or other natural feature, a Watercourse Protectfon Development Permit
and/or a Natural Features Development Permit will be required. Both of these environmental Development
Permits are in the Maple Ridge Official Community Plan.
Conservatfon areas are identffied on the Town Centre Area Land Use Designatfon Map, Schedule 1 in this
plan.
POLICIES
2-1 Maple Ridge will contfnue to protect natural features, while ensuring public safety, including land
resources, water resources, and air quality, under current requirements in the Corporate Strategic Plan,
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan and related policies and bylaws and also in accordance with Provincial
and Federal regulatfons.
Chapter 10, Page 92 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
2-2 Greenway Trails (see Sectfon 5.2.1 under Multf-Modal Transportatfon Network and the Multf-Modal
Transportatfon Network Map, Figure 1) will be encouraged through designated conservatfon areas and public
spaces (eg. schools and parks) in accordance with policy 2-1 above, to enable the public to access,
experience, and appreciate natural areas in the Town Centre and provide opportunitfes for recreatfon.
RAINWATER MANAGEMENT
Rainwater is a valuable resource that can be retained, filtered, and released slowly into streams and wetlands
that support a variety of aquatfc and waterfowl species and provide groundwater recharge, wherever
feasible. Rainwater Management is a design with nature approach that integrates drainage infrastructure
planning with community design. The aim is to improve the built environment, while protectfng the natural
environment.
POLICIES
2-3 The Water Balance Model is a planning and design tool that was developed out of an inter-
governmental partnership of municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government, and on which Maple
Ridge is a partner. Maple Ridge will explore the potentfal applicatfon of the Water Balance Model as an
informatfon tool for potentfal development.
2-4 The Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) was prepared as a regional initfatfve by member
governments of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (now Metro Vancouver) and approved in 2002.
Under the LWMP, Maple Ridge will undertake the preparatfon of Integrated Stormwater Management Plans
(ISMP) by 2012.
2-5 Incorporatfng Rainwater Management practfces into on-site and off-site development will be
encouraged and must be in full compliance with Council Policy No. 6.23, Control of Surficial and Groundwater
Discharge in the Area Bounded by 207 Street, 124 Avenue, 224 Street and the Crest of the Fraser River
Escarpment, Council Policy No. 6.24, Subdivision of, or building on, Land within 300 Metres of the Crest of the
Fraser River Escarpment, current requirements in the Maple Ridge Official Community Plan and related
policies and bylaws, and also in accordance with Provincial and Federal regulatfons. Some examples of
Rainwater Management practfces include:
a. bioretentfon areas;
b. rainwater gardens;
c. bio-swales;
d. landscaped curb bulges on street right-of-ways;
e. rainwater harvest for irrigatfon;
f. green roofs.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 93
2-6 Within the Alouette River Watershed (see Alouette River Watershed Boundary Figure 4), an
infiltratfon rate of 90% for on-site and off-site developments will be encouraged, where it is determined by
the District of Maple Ridge to be appropriate and feasible and must be in full compliance with Council Policy
No. 6.23, Control of Surficial and Groundwater Discharge in the Area Bounded by 207 Street, 124 Avenue, 224
Street and the Crest of the Fraser River Escarpment, Council Policy No. 6.24, Subdivision of, or building on,
Land within 300 Metres of the Crest of the Fraser River Escarpment, current requirements in the Maple Ridge
Official Community Plan and related policies and bylaws, and also in accordance with Provincial and Federal
regulatfons.
2-7 For developments with conventfonal stormwater systems, Maple Ridge will encourage the
installatfon of a range of Best Managements Practfces (BMPs), including oil/water separators and innovatfve
materials and technologies that may be available.
2-8 The Maple Ridge Subdivision & Development Servicing Bylaw will be reviewed and updated to reflect
the policies in the Maple Ridge Town Centre Area Plan, including consideratfon of off-site Rainwater
Management practfces.
URBAN ECOLOGY
Urban Ecology can be defined as nature in the city. This includes natural/conservatfon areas, parks, street
trees, gardens, etc. throughout the urban realm. Enhancing Urban Ecology involves improving ecological
value by restoring habitat areas, creatfng links of green space throughout the community, and increasing the
biodiversity of plants and animal species. Opportunitfes for enhancing Urban Ecology exist on both public
and private lands and range from plantfng natfve tree and plant species near streams and wetlands, for
aquatfc habitat, to creatfng a living wall of plants and rain gardens in areas with a high percentage of
impervious surfaces. Landscaping private yards and balconies with gardens that provide food and shelter for
local songbirds and pollinatfng insect species is also a significant contributor to Urban Ecology.
Healthy Urban Ecology contributes to the urban environment by improving air quality and also the quality
and quantfty of water in local streams. Trees are important for carbon storage, interceptfng rainwater,
providing shade and cooling in summer months, reduced energy consumptfon, and creatfng a pleasing and
invitfng environment.
POLICIES
2-9 The use of plant and tree species that are suited for the Maple Ridge climate and that will attract
local songbirds and pollinatfng insects species, such as bees, butterflies, and dragonflies, will be encouraged
in public and private development;
Chapter 10, Page 94 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
2-10 Landscaping, as described in policy 2-9 above, will be encouraged in all public and private outdoor
spaces in the Town Centre. For areas with a large amount of paved surfaces, such as surface parking lots and
public plazas, the installatfon of trees, rain gardens, raised planters, and/or living green walls, where feasible,
is encouraged to provide some areas of refuge for wildlife, such as small birds, rainwater interceptfon, cooling
in summer months, reduced glare from pavement, carbon sequestratfon, and a more attractfve urban
environment.
2-11 Trees provide health and economic gains to a community by improving the environment and
reducing energy consumptfon. These benefits will be augmented by increasing the tree populatfon and tree
canopy throughout the Town Centre. Maple Ridge will endeavor to work with Metro Vancouver towards a
goal of 50% tree canopy coverage in the Town Centre and monitor the outcomes on an ongoing basis.
2-12 Where appropriate and feasible, Maple Ridge will encourage naturescaping and urban agriculture
areas be designed as part of the outdoor amenity spaces for multf-family developments.
2-13 Appropriate locatfons for habitat enhancement within Conservatfon Areas and Parks in the Town
Centre will be explored by Maple Ridge with the aim of improving biodiversity for aquatfc and wildlife species,
including providing safe rearing shelters for specific bird and bat species to raise their young.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 95
2-14 Invasive vegetatfve species eradicatfon and restoratfon initfatfves will be encouraged, wherever
possible. These actfvitfes should respect human and animal interface safety issues.
BUILDING LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Maple Ridge is currently engaged in a number of local partnership initfatfves that contribute to enhancing
Green Infrastructure in the Town Centre and surrounding municipality. The value of these partnerships to
the municipality is extraordinary in that they provide community awareness and educatfon, citfzen
engagement in the local community, and improve environmental and community health.
There remain many more opportunitfes for environmental stewardship initfatfves as the community moves
towards a greener and more sustainable Town Centre. To date, Maple Ridge has provided its support for the
following community initfated programs and projects throughout the municipality:
the Stewardship and Environmental Technology Centre,
Compostfng, urban agriculture, community gardens, and naturescaping,
Environmental Signage Programs and Nature Trails, and
Streamkeeper Enhancement Initfatfves.
POLICIES
2-15 Maple Ridge will contfnue to support urban forestry initfatfves and biodiversity conservatfon in the
Town Centre with non-profit organizatfons, stewardship groups, and other local programs in the Town
Centre.
2-16 Educatfon and outreach promotes understanding and partfcipatfon in creatfng a healthy community.
Maple Ridge will contfnue to support educatfon and outreach programs that benefit community health and
the environment. Examples of such programs include local community gardens, organic and pestfcide-free
gardening, community recycling, streamkeeper actfvitfes, naturescaping, and compostfng initfatfves. Maple
Ridge will work with community organizatfons for expansion of these programs or the creatfon of other
similar programs in the Town Centre.
2-17 Maple Ridge will support local stewardship groups in providing educatfon and outreach workshops on
the Naturescape Britfsh Columbia program. Naturescape Britfsh Columbia is a provincially and federally
sponsored organizatfon that aims to educate and support the restoratfon, preservatfon, and enhancement of
wildlife habitat in urban and rural environments.
Chapter 10, Page 96 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Managing energy for reduced consumptfon benefits the community by putting less strain on natural
resources and contributfng to a healthier environment. Energy Management includes the use of clean energy
(sources that cause little or no harm to the environment), technologies and management strategies to
conserve energy, create efficiencies in energy consumptfon, as well as reduce energy demand.
The aim of Energy Management is to reduce fossil fuel use (and thereby carbon emissions) and the
consumptfon of non-renewable resources (such as water). Energy Management technologies lead to
increased self-sufficiency for a community and greater control over its own resources.
Examples of cleaner energy sources include geothermal energy, where heatfng and cooling is sourced from
underground, solar energy, biomass, fuel cells, and wind power. Accessing energy from one of these systems
could be used to heat or cool municipal buildings and also possibly the surrounding apartment buildings
within close proximity to the energy source.
Technologies that help to reduce energy demand and create efficiencies include motfon or heat detectfng
sensors for light switches, heat recovery ventflatfon, solar (trombe) walls, and solar orientatfon for buildings.
Although these systems can be more expensive at the tfme of installatfon, they provide significant cost-
savings, reduced energy consumptfon, and lower carbon emissions than from conventfonal systems over the
long-term.
POLICIES
2-18 An energy and emissions study and plan will be undertaken by Maple Ridge to identffy viable
municipal energy efficiency optfons and set performance targets over the long-term.
2-19 Maple Ridge may examine the applicatfon of a District energy system in the long-term redevelopment
of the Town Centre.
2-20 Energy efficient design and Best Management Practfces are encouraged in all developments in the
Town Centre.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 97
GREEN BUILDINGS
Green Buildings make up an important part of Green Infrastructure, in that they are designed to consider the
environmental impact of a building throughout its entfre lifecycle. From site selectfon through design,
constructfon, and use a Green Building consumes fewer resources and emits fewer pollutants than a similar
building designed and constructed without any Green technology. These buildings also tend to be healthier
buildings by providing better air quality through a higher rate of ventflatfon and by selectfng environmentally
responsible non-toxic materials.
POLICIES
2-21 Maple Ridge will undertake a study for the purpose of preparing a green buildings standard for
municipal buildings.
2-22 Maple Ridge supports the green technologies that are embedded in the Town Centre Development
Permit Guidelines and encourages the incorporatfon of these into development, wherever feasible.
2-23 The creatfon of an incentfve program will be explored by Maple Ridge to encourage Green Building
development in the Town Centre.
2-24 Achieving a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design), Built Green, or similar certfficatfon
program is encouraged, wherever appropriate and feasible.
Chapter 10, Page 98 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
3.0 LAND USE IN THE TOWN CENTRE
3.1 A PLACE TO LIVE, WORK & PLAY
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Principle 1: Each Neighbourhood is Complete
Goals:
Increase density and distribute a range of uses throughout the Centre
Enhance opportunitfes for personal development and recreatfon
BACKGROUND
Maple Ridge Town Centre will face an excitfng challenge over the next twelve years as it antfcipates an
additfonal 14,700 people moving into the neighbourhood. This is 50% of the total expected populatfon
increase for all of Maple Ridge to 2021. A populatfon increase of this size will likely mean an additfonal
7,000 housing units within the Town Centre. Along with this increased housing demand, Town Centre
residents can expect to see an increase in retail, services, business offices, and jobs. Accommodatfng
this growth will require an increase in density throughout the Town Centre. The highest densitfes and
greatest mix of uses can be expected primarily within the Central Business District (see Figure 2 for
CBD boundaries), making this area the most pedestrian-oriented part of the neighbourhood.
More density in the Town Centre will result in the revitalizatfon of the downtown area, provision of
new and varied housing optfons, a populatfon base of sufficient size to support more local businesses,
and improved public transit. To enhance public safety and draw more “eyes on the street”, as the
Town Centre neighbourhood grows, the design consideratfons involved in new development will play a
major role in creatfng spaces that feel secure and attract pedestrian actfvity and social interactfon.
The lands within the Maple Ridge Town Centre are subject to the designated Land Uses identified on
the Town Centre Area Land Use Designation Map, Schedule 1, which are based on goals identified by
the community.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 99
Principle 5: Housing Serves Many Needs
Goals:
Increase housing optfons to provide for all ages, economic status, and life stages
Increase density in the Centre by integratfng housing with other uses
Principle 6: Jobs are Close to Home
Goals:
Encourage all types of jobs, including new and non-traditfonal businesses and workplaces
Attract investment by supportfng business needs
Principle 7: The Centre is Distinctive, Attractive, and Vibrant
Goals:
Cultfvate an identfty that grows from the heart of the community
Establish the Centre as a hub of actfvity
Principle 8: Everyone Has a Voice
Goal:
Create safe spaces and opportunitfes for all members of the community
Create opportunitfes for open dialogue among members of the community
OBJECTIVES
Incorporate mixed use development opportunitfes
Integrate housing for all demographics
Ensure a variety of housing types and tenures that are fully accessible and accommodate special needs
Integrate affordable housing with market housing
Improve rental housing stock and optfons
Design housing for flexibility of use over its lifetfme
Design housing to strengthen social relatfonships
Encourage housing for people in transitfon
Enhance opportunitfes for living, working, shopping, and service provision
Integrate waterfront development into the Centre
Develop on currently undeveloped lots
Encourage educatfonal/training facilitfes
Increase civic development and retail development for job creatfon
Incorporate live/work and work/live developments
Welcome unique industries/business opportunitfes
Provide more public green space within the core
Maintain views of mountains
Maintain access and views to Fraser River
Feature the natural beauty and amenitfes of the place
Encourage art in public and private spaces
Chapter 10, Page 100 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
3.2 GENERAL LAND USE
REQUIREMENTS
POLICIES
3-1 An increase in residentfal and commercial density is encouraged in the Town Centre, partfcularly
within the Central Business District (see Figure 2 for boundaries of CBD). Land use should include a mix of
housing types catering to various demographics, including affordable and special needs housing, within
walking distance to a broad mixture of uses, including shops, services, cultural facilitfes, and recreatfon.
3-2 Office use will be encouraged, partfcularly over ground level units in a mixed-use development,
within and around the Central Business District and also in the commercial designated areas of Port Haney.
3-3 Commercial uses that support the residentfal populatfon of the Town Centre through the provision of
necessary goods, including food, and services such as medical care are a priority functfon and will be
encouraged to develop or remain in and around the Central Business District of the Town Centre and in the
commercial designated areas of Port Haney.
3-4 Hospitality, cultural, recreatfon and entertainment uses will be encouraged. This includes hotels,
restaurants, theatres, art galleries and other venues that contribute to the attractfon and amenity of the
Town Centre and the Fraser River waterfront for both residents and tourists.
3-5 Community uses, partfcularly those that serve a broad area of the Maple Ridge municipality, such as
government offices, places of worship, libraries, museums, community, recreatfon, entertainment and
cultural centres are encouraged in the Town Centre.
3-6 Along arterial and collector streets and also within the Central Business District, Maple Ridge shall
generally not support changes in land use designatfon and zoning that would have the effect of reducing
employment opportunitfes or housing density.
3-7 To ensure a wide range of housing needs are accommodated within the Town Centre area, Maple
Ridge will work with other areas of government and housing agencies to encourage and support
development that provides:
a. for those with special housing needs due to income, age, or disability, as an appropriate share of the
Town Centre’s housing stock;
b. special needs housing incorporated within the Town Centre community and located close to public
transit, shopping and services, and parks and recreatfon.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 101
3-8 Where there are potentfal opportunitfes for designing flexibility into new development, these will be
encouraged to help the community adapt as building uses evolve over tfme. Flexible design includes, but is
not limited to, enabling the creatfon of additfonal rooms in housing units for growing families, the retrofit of a
housing unit for people with disabilitfes, the change in use of a housing unit to a commercial unit, or vice-
versa.
3-9 The adaptfve re-use of heritage buildings and sites is encouraged, by potentfally convertfng a single-
family use to a commercial or instftutfonal use, or vice-versa (where land use designatfon and appropriate
zoning permits), or from a single-family use to a duplex or multf-family use. This policy applies to buildings
and/or sites that are determined by the District of Maple Ridge to have heritage value and/or heritage
character, including listfngs on the Maple Ridge Heritage Inventory or the Maple Ridge Heritage Register.
3-10 Land assembly or lot consolidatfon proposed in conjunctfon with development, redevelopment,
conversion, or infilling should meet the following conditfons:
a. That any residual lots or remaining land parcels are left in a configuratfon and lot area which are suitable
for a future development proposal, or can be consolidated with other abutting residual lots or land parcel
and complies with the applicable Land Use Designatfons and Policies of Sectfon 3.3 of this Plan;
b. The use of any residual abutting lots or land parcels can contfnue to functfon in accordance with the
applicable Land Use Designatfon and Policies of 3.3 of this Plan;
c. Residual abutting lots or land parcels are not isolated or left in a conditfon which is unsuitable for
redevelopment or unsuitable for the maintenance of the existfng land use;
d. The land assembly proposal will incorporate adequate impact mitfgatfon measures such as the provision
of buffers, landscaping, site design, building arrangements and building design to ensure compatfbility
with abutting existfng land uses.
3-11 Viewscape studies may be required for proposed buildings greater than three (3) storeys in height,
where views may be impacted towards Golden Ears peaks to the north and the Fraser River to the south.
Important viewscapes have been identffied along 224th Street, within Port Haney, and the south slopes of the
Town Centre on 116th and on 227th. In locatfons where it is deemed that key viewscapes will be impacted, an
increase in density, or the proposed form, may not be supported.
3-12 High density development that is four or more storeys in height may be required to include a shadow
study in consideratfon of adjacent sites to address potentfal impacts on available daylight. Consideratfon
should also be given to the privacy of residents in existfng buildings.
3-13 Maple Ridge encourages noise and vibratfon abatement measures for all buildings within 75 metres
of the nearest railway track. Residentfal developments exceeding CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporatfon) acceptable noise levels will not be supported. For developments within the 75 metre range, a
report prepared by a professional with expertfse in railway noise mitfgatfon should be provided and contain
the following:
a. An assessment of the noise and vibratfon levels at the site;
b. Recommendatfons for design measures to mitfgate noise and vibratfon levels above acceptable standards
recommended by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporatfon Guidelines.
Chapter 10, Page 102 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
NOTE: Heritage buildings on the Maple Ridge Heritage Inventory or the Maple Ridge Heritage Register may
be exempt from this policy.
3-14 Creatfng public outdoor meetfng spaces will be encouraged in appropriate locatfons within the
Central Business District and may take the form of urban squares, plazas, courtyards, or passageways
between buildings. These areas will be landscaped with trees and plants that will attract birds and insects
and also provide seatfng areas for people to rest, reflect, or meet and visit with others. Incorporatfng public
art into these spaces will be encouraged.
3-15 Concealed parking structures are encouraged in all commercial, mixed-use, multf-family uses, and
instftutfonal uses in the Town Centre. Below grade parking structures are partfcularly encouraged for Low-
Rise, Medium, and High-Rise Apartment, Mixed-Use, Flexible Mixed-Use/Live-Work, Commercial, and
Instftutfonal buildings. Above grade concealed parking is a viable optfon where building height (six or more
storeys) coupled with challenging site conditfons make it cost prohibitfve to provide all required parking
spaces in an underground structure. Above grade parking structures should be designed in such a manner
that the pedestrian realm, streetscape façade, and protected views of the Town Centre are not impaired.
3-16 Principles of CPTED (Crime Preventfon through Environmental Design) should be applied, partfcularly
to the internal spaces and finishing of all parking garage structures.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 103
3.3 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
The land use designatfons discussed in this sectfon are as follows:
Single-Family Residentfal
Ground-Oriented Multf-Family
Low-Rise Apartment
Medium & High-Rise Apartment
Flexible Mixed-Use
Town Centre Commercial
Port Haney Heritage Adaptfve Use
Port Haney Multf-Family, Commercial, and Mixed-Use
Instftutfonal
The lands within the Maple Ridge Town Centre are subject to the designated Land Uses identified on the Town
Centre Area Land Use Designation Map, Schedule 1, which are based on goals identified by the community.
BACKGROUND
Maple Ridge Town Centre will contfnue to evolve over tfme with a change in demographics, range of
incomes, household types and tenures, and housing trends. Increasing housing optfons makes it
possible for residents to live in the neighbourhood for their entfre lifetfme, as housing needs change
with age. Although more traditfonal forms of housing will contfnue to be a popular choice, it is
expected that the growing residency in the Town Centre will bring a greater demand for non-
traditfonal housing forms to accommodate demographics such as singles, empty nesters, single parent
families, childless couples, seniors on fixed income, and recent post-secondary educatfon graduates.
Meetfng the projected demand for a range of housing types is supported by planning for increased
housing density in the Town Centre, partfcularly in and around the Central Business District, and also
encouraging a mix of housing tenures throughout the neighbourhood.
With the projectfon of a significant increase in populatfon and density in the Town Centre, it is
antfcipated that a demand for services, shopping, and jobs will begin to grow. Living close to
commercial amenitfes and to work means less tfme is spent driving each day and more tfme can be
devoted to family life, recreatfon, culture and the arts, educatfon, and other personal interests. The
Maple Ridge Town Centre Concept Plan antfcipates that while the Town Centre will contfnue to face
competftfon from shopping areas outside of the neighbourhood, job demand within the Town Centre
will likely range between 0.25 and 0.75 jobs for every dwelling unit over the next five to ten years.
Chapter 10, Page 104 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
The Single Family Residentfal designatfon in the Town Centre provides optfons for increasing density and
choice of housing form, while retaining the single family character in these established neighbourhood
blocks.
POLICIES
3-17 To enable some densificatfon in areas designated for Single-Family Residentfal, Maple Ridge will
consider:
a. A Detached Garden Suite, subject to consistency with the Maple
Ridge Detached Garden Suites policy;
b. A Secondary Suite within a principle single-family use dwelling,
subject to consistency with the existfng Maple Ridge Secondary
Suite Bylaws.
c. Lot size of 213m2 to 370m2 is permitted, where vehicle access is
from a rear lane only.
d. Minimum lot size of 371m2 is permitted, where driveway access is
located from the rear lane or the street.
e. Duplex development will be permitted on a corner lot or a lot with
lane access to concealed parking. The minimum lot size for duplex
development is 557m2 and the character of the development
should be similar to a single-family development in its size, scale,
and massing.
GROUND-ORIENTED MULTI-FAMILY
The Ground-Oriented Multf-Family use is intended to provide housing optfons that range from a low
density attached form to a medium-high density attached form of ground-oriented housing that will generally
be a maximum of three (3) storeys in height with ground level access to each unit. The development forms
include townhouse, rowhouse, and stacked townhouse.
POLICIES
3-18 Ground-Oriented Multf-Family development should be a maximum of three (3) storeys in height, with
ground level entry to each unit, except for the stacked townhouse form (see Policy 3-21).
3-19 Townhouse development typically includes an internal private street for vehicle access to each unit.
All townhouse form of development should include the following characteristfcs:
a. a site size and configuratfon that allows for two (2) or more units to face directly onto the street;
b. residentfal parking is provided in a ground level concealed structure or underground structure;
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 105
3-20 Rowhouse development is an urban form of townhouse development that does not have the
internalized private road system typical of townhouse developments. Rowhouse development in the Town
Centre Area should include the following characteristfcs:
a. each rowhouse unit frontfng directly onto a street;
b. parking accessed from a rear laneway;
c. residentfal parking is provided in a ground level concealed structure
or underground structure;
d. all units will provide private outdoor amenity space in the rear yard
as required in the Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw.
3-21 Stacked townhouse development is intended to provide an
affordable, attached, ground-oriented housing form, where units are
layered one above the other. Units are slightly smaller than a typical
townhouse, but slightly larger than a low-rise apartment. A stacked
townhouse form should include the following characteristfcs:
a. Generally a maximum building height of three (3) storeys, however,
four (4) storeys may be considered where units are built on a slope
and where the four (4) storey height is compatfble with surrounding buildings;
b. a separate ground-oriented entry for each unit;
c. residentfal parking is provided in a ground level concealed structure or underground structure;
LOW-RISE APARTMENT
POLICIES
The Low-Rise Apartment use is intended for development in a three
(3) to five (5) storey apartment form where units are accessed from an
internal corridor and residentfal parking is provided underground.
3-22 All Low-Rise Apartment developments should be a minimum of
three (3) storeys and a maximum of five (5) storeys in height.
MEDIUM AND HIGH-RISE APARTMENT
The areas designated Medium & High-Rise Apartment are intended for an apartment form that is a
minimum of six (6) storeys and may reach over twenty (20) storeys, with residentfal parking provided either
underground or within a fully enclosed parking garage.
Chapter 10, Page 106 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
POLICIES
3-23 All Medium & High-Rise Apartment developments should be a minimum of five (5) storeys and may
reach over twenty (20) storeys.
3-24 Each ground level unit should have its own private exterior entrance in additfon to the common entry
and corridors.
FLEXIBLE MIXED-USE
The locatfon of the Flexible Mixed-Use designatfon is within the Town Centre Central Business District, very
close to shops and services and is intended to provide flexibility in building use over the lifespan of a
development to potentfally be used for Mixed-Use or residentfal only. Buildings should be a minimum of
three (3) and a maximum of five (5) storeys in height.
Mixed-Use development is defined as a development with commercial (i.e. retail or service use) on the
ground floor and office or residentfal use above. However, with Flexible Mixed-Use, the ground floor use is
flexible and may be developed as a residentfal use with the ability to convert to a commercial use in the
future.
POLICIES
3-25 Buildings should be a minimum of three (3) and a maximum five (5) storeys in height.
3-26 Multf-family residentfal is a permitted use in Flexible Mixed-Use, but must be designed with the
flexibility to convert ground floor units to a commercial use in the future.
3-27 Retail, service, and entertainment uses, in a Mixed-Use development, shall be encouraged on the
ground floor with office and/or residentfal uses encouraged in the second storey and above.
3-28 Maple Ridge will undertake research into expanded home-occupatfon regulatfons for the Mixed-Use
designatfon.
7154-2015
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 107
TOWN CENTRE COMMERCIAL
Most of the Town Centre Central Business District is designated Town Centre Commercial with the intent to
create a compact and vibrant commercial area that is pedestrian-oriented. Permitted uses include
commercial, mixed-use, and multf-family residentfal (see Schedule G of Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw for
locatfons where commercial use is required on the ground floor). In areas where ground-floor commercial is
not required, a Multf-Family Residentfal use is permitted in this designatfon.
POLICIES
3-29 Building heights within the Town Centre Commercial will range
from three (3) storeys in height to over twenty (20) storeys. Generally,
building heights should not be permitted greater than twenty-five (25)
storeys.
3-30 Multf-Family Residentfal use is permitted as a principle use in
the Town Centre Commercial designatfon, except where identffied on
Schedule G as “Ground Floor Commercial Required” in the Maple Ridge
Zoning Bylaw, where the ground floor use is to be commercial.
3-31 Within a Mixed-Use development, retail, service, and
entertainment uses shall be encouraged at ground level with office and/or residentfal uses encouraged above
-grade.
PORT HANEY & FRASER RIVER WATERFRONT AREA
O PORT HANEY HERITAGE ADAPTIVE USE
O PORT HANEY MULTI-FAMILY, COMMERCIAL & MIXED-USE
The Port Haney & Fraser River Waterfront Area is recognized as an area in transitfon. The community has
expressed a desire to retain the special quality and history of this locale that overlooks the Fraser River and is
within walking distance to the Town Centre Central Business District. Retaining the historical character of this
once vibrant townsite, while encouraging revitalizatfon, is the intentfon for this special place that holds
significant meaning to Maple Ridge.
There is interest and support within the community to create a tourist area along the Fraser River waterfront
that includes enhancing the wharf and creatfng a boardwalk at the foot of the historical Port Haney
commercial hub.
Chapter 10, Page 108 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
The uses permitted in this area are Port Haney Heritage Adaptfve Use and Port Haney Multf-Family,
Commercial & Fraser River Waterfront.
PORT HANEY HERITAGE ADAPTIVE USE
The propertfes located in the Port Haney Heritage Adaptfve Use designatfon are recognized for their heritage
value. Three of these propertfes are listed on the Maple Ridge Heritage Inventory, two are listed on the
Maple Ridge Heritage Register, and one is a designated heritage property (St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church).
POLICIES
3-32 Maple Ridge will contfnue to encourage the conservatfon and
designatfon of heritage propertfes recognized as having heritage value.
3-33 Adaptfve re-use of heritage propertfes is encouraged to enable
the longevity of use and ongoing conservatfon of historical resources.
PORT HANEY MULTI-FAMILY, COMMERCIAL & MIXED-USE
Revitalizatfon of the Port Haney & Fraser River Waterfront Area involves flexible optfons for new
development and existfng buildings that are recognized as having heritage value.
The uses permitted in the Port Haney Multf-Family, Commercial, & Mixed-Use designatfon include ground-
oriented development forms (such as rowhouse, townhouse, or stacked townhouse), low-rise apartment, and
commercial or mixed-use.
POLICIES
3-34 Maple Ridge will contfnue to encourage the conservatfon and designatfon of heritage propertfes
recognized as having heritage value.
3-35 Adaptfve re-use of heritage propertfes is encouraged to enable the longevity of use and ongoing
conservatfon of historical resources.
3-36 Parking is encouraged to be accessed from a rear lane or side-street, wherever feasible.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 109
3-37 Ground-oriented Multf-Family residentfal development should be a maximum of three storeys in
height, however, four (4) storeys may be considered for a stacked townhouse form where units are built on a
slope and where the four (4) storey height is compatfble with surrounding buildings. Ground-oriented multf-
family should have the following characteristfcs:
a. A separate ground level entry for each unit;
b. Residentfal parking within an enclosed garage or underground parking structure;
c. All units within a row-house or townhouse form of development must face onto a street;
3-38 Low-rise Multf-Family apartment, Commercial, and Mixed-Use in Port Haney should be a minimum of
three (3) storeys and a maximum of four (4) storeys in height, with at least 90% of required parking provided
underground.
3-39 Commercial or Mixed-Use development is encouraged to establish a connectfon between the Fraser
River waterfront and the Port Haney area and to attract people and actfvity to the waterfront area.
3-40 Within a Mixed-Use development, retail, service, and entertainment uses shall be encouraged at-
grade with office and residentfal uses encouraged above-grade.
Chapter 10, Page 110 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
3-41 Maple Ridge will undertake a study of this area to determine the feasibility of developing a wharf and
boardwalk that would connect east/west walking trails along the Fraser River and possibly include additfonal
commercial development.
INSTITUTIONAL
Instftutfonal uses in the Town Centre include the Municipal Hall, The ACT Theatre, the Leisure Centre, Greg
Moore Youth Centre, public library, RCMP, Fire Hall, churches, and elementary schools. These uses are
important community resources that serve the Town Centre and entfre Maple Ridge community.
POLICIES
3-42 The integratfon of instftutfonal uses with other uses in the community is encouraged and will be
supported based on the following criteria:
a. compatfbility with adjacent uses, the neighbourhood context and natural features;
b. compatfbility with the character and quality of the surrounding area;
c. located near public transit;
d. have direct access to a major corridor as identffied on Figure 4 in the Maple Ridge Official Community
Plan.
3-43 The adaptfve re-use of existfng instftutfonal buildings, including heritage buildings identffied on the
Maple Ridge Heritage Inventory or the Heritage Register is encouraged.
3-44 Post-secondary, internatfonal student programs, and contfnuing educatfon uses are encouraged
within the Town Centre, recognizing that these uses may also occur in the commercial land use designatfon.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 111
4.0 PARK AND CONSERVATION
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Principle 1: Each Neighbourhood is Complete
Goal:
Enhance opportunitfes for personal development and recreatfon
Principle 3: Work in Harmony with Natural Systems
Goals:
Preserve, enhance and capitalize on natural amenitfes and create new ones
Protect natural systems from the impacts of development
Principle 4: Buildings and Infrastructure are greener and smarter
Goals:
Make it easier to be environmentally friendly
BACKGROUND
Parks are an integral part of a livable community. They provide a range of benefits that contribute to
health and wellness that include sports, recreatfon, nature viewing, biodiversity, social interactfon,
community gatherings, festfvals, and public events.
The trees and plant materials in Park and Conservatfon areas provide shade and nutrients for aquatfc
habitat in creeks as well as wildlife habitat for songbirds, small mammals and insect pollinator species,
such as butterflies, bees, and dragonflies. As the populatfon contfnues to increase in the Town Centre
so will the demand for public space that provides for recreatfonal actfvitfes and social meetfng places.
Chapter 10, Page 112 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Principle 8: Everyone has a Voice
Goals:
Create safe spaces and opportunitfes for all members of the community
Create opportunitfes for open dialogue among members of the community
OBJECTIVES
Provide more public green space within the core
Protect and enhance a range of wildlife habitats
Improve recreatfon opportunitfes, partfcularly for youth
Improve and secure public access to natural places, including streams and waterfront
Design easily accessible public spaces
Respect and enhance riparian areas and water resources
Protect and enhance a range of wildlife habitats
Identffy and act on appropriate urban ecology opportunitfes
Feature the natural beauty and amenitfes of the place
Encourage art in public and private spaces
Enhance the urban public environment
Provide opportunitfes for festfvals and community events
Utflize park space for daily actfvitfes as well as special events
Create spaces and opportunitfes for all age groups and social stratas
Integrate spaces to foster social relatfonships
Provide public gathering spaces
POLICIES
4-1 An increase in green space and accessibility to Park spaces will be pursued through increasing the
amount and distributfon of public parks in the Town Centre to help meet the daily actfvity needs of the
community and also provide various spaces for public gatherings, and special events.
4-2 Maple Ridge will pursue the creatfon of new park locatfons, as identffied on the Town Centre Area
Land Use Designatfon Map, Schedule 1, subject to the Parks Master Plan Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
Parks, Recreatfon & Culture Master Plan and budgetary constraints:
a. 121st Ave. & Edge St.
b. North portfon of Eric Langton Elementary School site
c. 221st Ave. & 119th Ave.
d. Church Ave. and 222nd St.
e. 121st Ave. and 222nd St.
f. 121st Ave. and 227th St.
g. St. Anne Ave. and 223rd St.
h. Foot of 224th and 116th Ave.
i. Foot of 225th and 227th St. on south side of Haney Bypass
j. South of River Road at west edge of Town Centre Area boundary
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 113
4-3 The uses within new and existfng Park spaces will be considered to ensure that they are serving the
needs of all age demographics, partfcularly seniors and youth.
4-4 Maple Ridge will contfnue to work with the Parks & Leisure Services Commission on the delivery of
recreatfon programs that meet the needs of all age groups, genders, income levels, and ability levels within
the community.
4-5 In order to ensure that Town Centre Park spaces are accessible to everyone, including those with
physical disabilitfes, Maple Ridge will contfnue to work with the Municipal Advisory Committee on
Accessibility Issues to ensure accessibility needs are considered and addressed.
4-6 As the amount of municipally-owned park space contfnues to grow in the Town Centre area, Maple
Ridge will consider providing space for a community garden on a publicly owned site, in an area where there
is sufficient neighbourhood demand for this use. The common area of a community garden may include fruit
trees and other edible landscaping for community use, distributfon, or for sale where proceeds go directly to
a registered charitable or non-profit community organizatfon.
4-7 Maple Ridge will look for opportunitfes to incorporate pocket parks into the urban environment,
partfcularly in the Central Business District. Pocket parks are attractfve public spaces that are landscaped
with trees, shrubs, attractfve paving, comfortable seatfng areas, and sometfmes incorporate public art. Public
plazas and small urban park spaces are examples of pocket parks.
4-8 The enhancement of urban ecology within the Town Centre is necessary to provide connected areas
of naturalized habitat for various forms of wildlife. To encourage a variety of small wildlife, birds, and insects,
and to provide shade and nutrients to watercourses and wetlands for aquatfc species. Appropriate natfve
shrub and plant material will be used in Park and Conservatfon areas, wherever feasible.
4-9 Maple Ridge will explore the potentfal of plantfng fruit bearing trees in suitable locatfons in public
parks to attract small wildlife, songbirds, and insect pollinator species and also consider working with
charitable organizatfons to harvest the fruit for charity use.
4-10 Conservatfon areas are intended for viewing and interpretatfon only. Where appropriate, Greenway
Trails may be incorporated into these areas for the enjoyment of experiencing these natural systems (See
Multf-Modal Transportatfon Network Map, Figure 1, for intended Greenway Trails). A Greenway Trail is a
recreatfonal pathway that connects recreatfon sites and other points of interest in the community. These
trails provide opportunitfes for walking/hiking, mountain biking, or jogging.
4-11 All public or privately owned sites in the Town Centre that contain a watercourse, wetland area,
rocky outcrop, or steep slope, will contfnue to be subject to the environmental policies in the Maple Ridge
Official Community Plan and all related environmental protectfon bylaws.
Chapter 10, Page 114 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
4-12 All sites in the Town Centre that are designated for Park and Conservatfon are subject to the Maple
Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks, Recreatfon & Culture Master Plan.
4-13 Maple Ridge will consider some commercial uses within lands designated Park in the Town Centre.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 115
5.0 MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION
NETWORK
BACKGROUND
Transportatfon is an important issue for the future of Maple Ridge and its Town Centre. It is estfmated
that approximately 80% of all trips currently made by Maple Ridge residents are by private automobile,
11.3% of trips are made on foot or by bicycle, and 4.8% by public transit. One of the biggest challenges
put forth as a community goal in the Town Centre Concept Plan is to reduce the dependence on private
automobile use in the Town Centre neighbourhood and create a neighbourhood environment that is
enjoyable to explore by foot, bicycle, wheelchair, scooter, etc.
Increasing density and the land use mix will help towards the reductfon of car dependence in the Town
Centre, but many people will not choose alternatfve transportatfon on a regular basis unless the routes
to their destfnatfons are safe, accessible, convenient, and provide a greater benefit than travel by car.
The Multf-Modal Transportatfon Network sectfon focuses on enhancing the experience for alternatfve
transportatfon modes, providing safe and interconnected routes, as well as providing incentfves that
together will help cultfvate an increase in alternatfve transportatfon choices within the Town Centre.
All Multf-Modal Transportatfon Network policies aim to consider the need for universal accessibility
throughout the Town Centre. As such, this plan intends to specifically recognize the importance of
design that is sensitfve to travel modes such as wheelchairs, canes, strollers, and mobility devices used
by pedestrians with disabilitfes, as well as by families, teenagers, seniors, and visually impaired people.
This plan acknowledges that transportatfon design shall include strategies for universal accessibility,
and that the word “pedestrian” includes this broader cross-sectfon of the populatfon.
The Multi-Modal Transportation Network Map, Figure 1 indicates the general routes and connections,
to be preserved and developed for a multi-modal community. The Figure 1 map will reflect as
accurately as possible the existing multi-modal network.
Chapter 10, Page 116 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
5.1 OFFERING TRANSPORTATION CHOICES
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Principle 1: Each Neighbourhood is Complete
Goals:
Increase density and distribute a range of uses throughout the Centre
Enhance Opportunitfes for personal development and recreatfon
Principle 2: Options to Our Cars Exist
Goals:
Acknowledge and respect pedestrian needs
Increase transit modes, availability, and destfnatfons
Principle 7: The Centre is distinctive, attractive, and vibrant
Goals:
Cultfvate an identfty that grows from the heart of the community
Establish the Centre as a hub of actfvity
Principle 8: Everyone Has a Voice
Goals:
Create safe spaces and opportunitfes for all members of the community
OBJECTIVES
Create links between the Centre and other hubs within Maple Ridge
Improve and secure public access to natural places, including streams and waterfront
Promote the social integratfon of all ages and groups through shared or adjacent facilitfes and spaces
Design easily accessed public spaces
Ensure public safety and security, and accessibility throughout the Centre
Prioritfze the safety of pedestrians
Enhance pedestrian experience
Designate pedestrian-only areas/no-car zones
Enhance connectfvity of pedestrian and other non-vehicular routes
Utflize and upgrade laneways, sidewalks, and other existfng paths for pedestrians, bicycles, etc.
Design for short walking distances to reach daily needs
Establish an internal transit system for the Centre
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 117
Increase the frequency of transit services both internally and to out-lying areas
Increase and improve access from river to Centre
Provide water transportatfon optfons
Ensure public safety for all transportatfon modes
Develop the “caring” identfty of Maple Ridge
Enhance the urban public environment
Create easily accessible routes to key destfnatfons
Encourage symbiotfc relatfonships between lands and land users
Create spaces and opportunitfes for all age groups and social stratas
Integrate spaces to foster social relatfonships
Empower the least powerful
Ensure safety
Provide public gathering spaces
Use names that reflect the community identfty
POLICIES
5-1 Universal accessibility is encouraged in transportatfon planning and design within the Town Centre.
Wherever possible, the accessibility needs of wheelchairs, the visually impaired, strollers, scooters, and other
mobility devices used by pedestrians with disabilitfes, as well as by families, teenagers, and seniors will be
accommodated in the design of sidewalks, public plazas, and other public spaces throughout the Town
Centre.
5-2 A guide containing universal accessibility design optfons will be developed by Maple Ridge to become
a reference tool for creatfng barrier-free public spaces.
5-3 Maple Ridge will undertake a study to review street servicing standards in the Town Centre and
establish street servicing standards and design guidelines in accordance with the policies in the Town Centre
Area Plan and in consideratfon of the related recommendatfons in the Town Centre Parking Strategy Final
Report to redesign streets. Prior to the preparatfon of this standards and design guidelines document,
development applicatfons and servicing drawings will be reviewed in accordance to the Town Centre Area
Plan with the intent to strive for accommodatfng all uses identffied within road right-of-ways, where feasible.
5-4 Maple Ridge will monitor the concept of “unbundled” as it rolls out through the Metro Vancouver
Region. Unbundled parking is where the price of a unit is separated from the price of available parking stalls.
With unbundled parking, purchasers have a choice of buying no stall, one stall, or two or more stalls with
their unit. The intent of such a policy is to facilitate greater balance in the supply and demand of parking
spaces in the Town Centre.
5-5 The appointment of a Transportatfon Demand Management Coordinator to develop and maintain a
Transportatfon Demand Management program for the Town Centre, will be investfgated by Maple Ridge.
Chapter 10, Page 118 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
5-6 The formatfon of a Parking Advisory Committee, to advise Council on parking supply management,
will be investfgated by Maple Ridge. The members of this Committee will be at the discretfon of Council and
should include a member(s) of Council and a member(s) of the Downtown Parking Society.
5-7 The enhancement of transportatfon circulatfon within the Maple Ridge Town Centre will be
encouraged with extensions street right-of-ways, as shown on Schedule 1 and Figure 1 of the Town Centre
Area Plan.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 119
5.2 DEFINING THE TRANSPORTATION
NETWORK
Maple Ridge Town Centre was originally developed with the traditfonal grid street pattern and over tfme it
has remained as a fairly well-developed and predominantly interconnected street network. Within the Town
Centre transportatfon network, specific interconnected routes have been identffied for automobiles, bicycles,
and pedestrians (which includes consideratfon for the needs of people with disabilitfes and accessibility
issues) and are located on the Multf-Modal Transportatfon Network Map, Figure 1.
The aim of identffying defined routes in the Town Centre is to improve the pedestrian and cycling
environment by enhancing circulatfon for all modes of travel. Multf-modal transportatfon routes have been
selected throughout the Town Centre with specific policies intended to encourage people to choose an
optfon to the car and are identffied on the Multf-Modal Transportatfon Network Map, Figure 1, as follows and
defined below:
Civic Area Ring Route
Civic Area Pedestrian Network
Connectfve Pedestrian Network
Bicycle Network
Secondary Ring Route
Greenway Trail
In additfon to establishing the above routes within the Town Centre to improve circulatfon for all modes of
transportatfon, policies have been created for:
Laneways;
Public Transit; and
Fraser River and Waterfront
The waterfront and the Fraser River itself are two underutflized community assets and the creatfon of a multf-
modal pathway is intended to fully integrate the river’s benefits into the Town Centre neighbourhood.
5.2.1 MULTI-MODAL ROUTES
The Multi-Modal Transportation Network Map, Figure 1 indicates the general routes and connections, to be
preserved and developed for a multi-modal community. The Figure 1 map will reflect as accurately as possible
the existing multi-modal network.
Chapter 10, Page 120 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
CIVIC CORE RING ROUTE & CIVIC CORE PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
The Civic Core Ring Route is expected to experience a range of modalitfes that includes pedestrians, bicyclists,
transit, and automobiles. On the route emphasis will be placed on wide pedestrian-friendly sidewalks with
street trees, hanging baskets, and wayfinding signage. Where public space permits there may be
opportunitfes for benches, rain gardens, and public art.
Routes that lie within the boundaries of the Civic Core Ring Route are identffied as the Civic Core Pedestrian
Network and have similar characteristfcs to the Civic Core Ring Route.
CONNECTIVE PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
The Connectfve Pedestrian Network provides pedestrian-friendly linkages outside of the Civic Core, but within
the boundaries of the Town Centre neighbourhood. All roadways within the Town Centre will be required to
accommodate pedestrians, but the Connectfve Pedestrian Network should be designed to enhance the
pedestrian experience with separated sidewalks on both sides of street, street trees, and wayfinding signage.
BICYCLE NETWORK
The Bicycle Network consists of various routes for cyclists to travel within the Town Centre area. These
routes may have dedicated bicycle lanes, where feasible, or shared arrow markings in street travel lanes to
clearly identffy bicycle routes to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Street signage will also be used to
identffy bicycle routes and directfonal signage to help cyclists locate a bicycle route. Although the majority of
bicycle routes will be located within the same street network designed for cars and buses, some routes may
be located through development on public thoroughfares to augment circulatfon and route connectfvity.
SECONDARY RING ROUTE
The Secondary Ring Route provides connectfvity between points of interest outside of the Civic Ring Route
area. This route is intended for touring and visitfng places that are unique and of special interest in the Town
Centre, such as parks, heritage sites, views of the Fraser River, and connectfon with routes to the Fraser River.
Characteristfcs of the Secondary Ring Route will include separated sidewalks on both sides of the street,
street trees, and wayfinding signage.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 121
GREENWAY TRAILS
Greenway Trails are mainly located in naturalized and riparian areas. These trails are intended to provide
public access alongside and through natural areas, enabling trail users to experience and enjoy
environmentally significant areas within the Town Centre. Greenway Trails should be designed in accordance
with Maple Ridge Development Permit requirements and all related environmental protectfon bylaws.
Although primarily for recreatfonal uses, such as walking/hiking, mountain biking, and jogging, Greenway
Trails also connect with other designated routes throughout the Town Centre area to help facilitate
convenient travel to many key destfnatfons.
Characteristfcs of Greenway Trails include wayfinding signs and viewing/seatfng areas in desirable locatfons,
such as viewscape settings and nature interpretfve areas. Interpretfve signage will also be installed in
strategic locatfons to help trail users identffy natfve flora, fauna, or bird species.
Chapter 10, Page 122 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
5.2.1.1 Multi-Modal Route Characteristics & Related Policies
The following Table 5.1 details the characteristfcs that may be included in each specific multf-modal route.
Although these characteristfcs are not a complete list of ways that a specific route may be enhanced to
encourage non-auto oriented travel in the Town Centre, these items are to be considered for the specific
routes wherever appropriate and feasible.
Table 5.1 Multi-Modal Route Characteristics
POLICIES
5-7 To provide and enhance the routes identffied on the Multf-Modal Transportatfon Network Map,
Figure 1, the corresponding Multf-Modal Route Characteristfcs, listed in Table 5.1, are encouraged with
development and redevelopment, where appropriate and feasible.
5-8 The Maple Ridge Subdivision & Development Servicing Bylaw will be reviewed and updated and
reflect the policies in the Maple Ridge Town Centre Area Plan, including the policies contained within this
Multf-Modal Transportatfon Network Sectfon 5.0.
Sidewalks on Both Sides of Street Street Trees Along Sidewalk Street Trees Along Separated Sidewalk Wide Sidewalks Wayfinding Signage Bicycle Lanes/Shared-Use Arrows Bicycle Storage Racks Seatfng/Benches Pedestrian Level Lightfng (both sides) Viewing/Seatfng Area Public Art Interpretfve Signage Hanging Baskets
Civic Area Ring Route
Civic Area Pedestrian Network
Connectfve Pedestrian Network
Bicycle Network
Secondary Ring Route
Greenway Trail
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 123
5.2.2 ENHANCING THE MULTI-MODAL NETWORK
LANEWAYS
Laneways are a valuable asset in urban neighbourhoods as they help accommodate the movement of people
and vehicles by adding to the network of interconnected streets and providing convenient short-cuts and
alternatfve routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and automobiles.
The sharing of laneways between automobiles, cyclists, and pedestrians is encouraged in the Town Centre.
Lower laneway speed limits and traffic volume makes sharing possible. Signage and traffic calming features
will be incorporated where they are warranted.
In order to encourage pedestrian and cycling actfvitfes in laneways, design characteristfcs will include
pedestrian level lightfng, maximum 6 metre wide paved carriageway, and adjacent developments that are
designed to provide sufficient windows and outdoor seatfng areas at the rear of buildings.
POLICIES
5-9 Maple Ridge will encourage the retentfon of laneways and the creatfon of new laneways should be
considered, where appropriate and feasible.
5-10 Laneways should have a maximum paved width of 6 metres.
5-11 Access to both underground and surface parking areas is encouraged to be provided off a laneway.
PUBLIC TRANSIT
It is expected that the Town Centre will experience increasing demand for public transit along with the
increase in populatfon and density. Currently the Town Centre is served with the West Coast Express close to
the Haney Bypass on River Road and bus routes that lead to the new full-service transit exchange on Edge
Street, McIntosh Avenue, and 226th Street.
POLICIES
5-12 Maple Ridge will contfnue to consult and work in cooperatfon with Regional and Provincial agencies
to improve public transit service within the Town Centre and partfcularly to:
a. increase existfng transit service to a level that is consistent with a compact pedestrian-oriented
community and the community’s goal of locatfng a transit stop within 400 metres of any residentfal
Chapter 10, Page 124 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
building, so that travel by public transit is efficient and accessible;
b. Provide safe and convenient access to transit facilitfes;
c. Work with agencies towards creatfng and implementfng a plan for light rail or similar rapid transit modes
that connect the Town Centre to other areas within the District and to other municipalitfes (see Future
Rapid Transit – Proposed Route Map, Figure 3).
5-13 As development occurs over tfme in the Town Centre, Maple Ridge will promote and encourage,
wherever appropriate, the protectfon of transportatfon corridors and the inclusion of design features that
consider future light-rail or similar rapid transit modes.
FRASER RIVER AND WATERFRONT
The Fraser River has long been a valuable asset for Maple Ridge and the Town Centre. The community has
recognized that this scenic gem and resource has been underutflized for a number of years and should be
better integrated into the community with a multf-modal pathway network along the waterfront. Such a
pathway would create a trail system for walking, hiking, and cycling and a water route to easily connect with
Fort Langley and other nearby stops across the river. The river offers significant potentfal for creatfng a
linkage between the Town Centre waterfront, the West Coast Express statfon, Kanaka Creek Regional Park,
and the south shore of the Fraser River.
POLICIES
5-14 Maple Ridge will undertake a land use and access study of the lands along the Fraser River waterfront
and the river itself for potentfal uses related to recreatfon, tourism, and multf-modal transportatfon. The
exploratfon of commercial opportunitfes for cafes/restaurants and small retail shops should be included in
this study.
5-15 Improving access to the Fraser River from Port Haney is an important community goal. As such,
Maple Ridge will undertake a study to review the safety, effectfveness, and capacity of the existfng pedestrian
tunnel at the foot of 224th Street and provide recommendatfons for improving the tunnel access or
considering alternatfve optfons. This study may also consider access points at other locatfons.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 10, Page 125
APPENDIX A – ZONING MATRIX
1. CONDITIONS:
a) This Matrix is to be read in conjunctfon with the policies and criteria in the Town Centre Area Plan as well
as the Official Community Plan and is not the only source for determining applicable zones;
b) All zones corresponding to each land use designatfon or category may not be appropriate for a specific
site, and are not applicable in all areas of the municipality;
c) Lot consolidatfon may be required to meet the minimum lot area, lot width and/or lot depth
requirements of the Zoning Bylaw and/or Subdivision Control Bylaw;
d) Comprehensive Development Zones may be considered within Official Community Plan Land Use
Designatfons and Categories based on compliance with Official Community Plan policies;
e) The P-4 Church Instftutfonal Zone would be considered in all Land Use Designatfons subject to satfsfying
all requirements of the Zone.
2. ZONING MATRIX
OCP DESIGNATION / CATEGORY ZONES
Single-Family Residential
R-1 Residentfal District
CD-1-93 Amenity Residentfal District
R-3 Special Amenity Residentfal District
RS-1b One Family Urban Medium Density Residentfal
RT-1 Two Family Urban Residentfal
Ground-Oriented Mulit-Family
RM-1 Townhouse Residentfal
RM-4 Multfple Family Residentfal District
RM-5 Low Density Apartment Residentfal
Low-Rise Apartment
RM-2 Medium Density Apartment
CD-1-00 Comprehensive Development - Assisted
Living
Chapter 10, Page 126 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
OCP DESIGNATION / CATEGORY ZONES
Medium and High-Rise Apartment
RM-3 High Density Apartment
RM-6 Regional Town Centre High Density Apartment
Residentfal
Flexible Mixed-Use C-3 Town Centre Commercial
Town Centre Commercial
C-3 Town Centre Commercial
Properties Designated Town Centre Commercial and
not identified as Ground Floor Commercial Required
on Schedule “G” of Zoning Bylaw 3510-1985 may
align with zones within the Low-Rise Apartment and
Medium and High-Rise Apartment land use category
of this Matrix and in compliance with the Town Centre
Area Plan.
Port Haney Heritage Adaptive Use
CRM Commercial / Residentfal
H-1 Heritage Commercial
Port Haney Multi-Family Commercial &
Waterfront
RM-1 Townhouse Residentfal District
RM-4 Multfple Family Residentfal District
RM-5 Low Density Apartment Residentfal
RM-2 Medium Density Apartment
CD-1-00 Assisted Living
CRM Commercial / Residentfal
H-1 Heritage Commercial
Institutional
P-1 Park and School
P-2 Special Instftutfonal
P-4 Church Instftutfonal
P4a Church Instftutfonal / Educatfonal
P-6 Civic Instftutfonal
Park
P-1 Park and School
P-2 Special Instftutfonal
P-4 Church Instftutfonal
P4a Church Instftutfonal / Educatfonal
P-6 Civic Instftutfonal
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