Published by City of Maple Ridge
Maple Ridge is sharing the stories behind the headlines with our all-new Real Ridge Podcast. Listen in on candid conversations with community leaders, subject-matter experts, City staff, and Mayor Dan Ruimy about the issues our community cares about most.
Listen on Apple Podcasts54 min
A rapidly growing population and aging infrastructure means the pressure on our parks, arenas, fields, and pools will continue to increase - this is the recreation reality for Maple Ridge. The solution? A proposal for bold action now that will benefit current and future residents for decades to come. In this episode, Dan Ruimy is joined by Christa Balotti and Chad Neufeld from the City of Maple Ridge Recreation and Parks teams to do a deep dive on Recreation Ready, including the studies, community feedback, and long-term planning that have shaped the three proposed new recreation facilities. The conversation digs into details on site selection, transportation planning, funding strategy, public engagement, and the assent/referendum process, providing listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at how major recreation infrastructure projects are planned, prioritized, and delivered. Still want to learn more? Visit MapleRidge.ca/RecreationReady
52 min
In an emergency, every second matters - but how do you prepare to be ready for ANYTHING? In this episode, Mayor Dan Ruimy and Maple Ridge Fire Chief Dave Samson go beyond the sirens to explore one of the City’s most essential public services. From medical emergencies and wildfire response to disaster preparedness, public education, and community risk reduction, the diverse work of Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue helps ensure both short and long-term readiness for crisis and emergency response. Hear the evolution of Maple Ridge Fire & Rescue from volunteer group to modern staffed fire service, how real incidents have generated adaptive responses, and how proactive collaboration between firefighters, City staff, partner agencies, community organizations, and residents helps keep Maple Ridge ready for whatever comes next.
43 min
As Maple Ridge grows, transportation is becoming much more than the daily commute - it shapes how residents connect, work, recreate, and access local businesses, as well as key factorss like affordability and livability. In this episode, Mayor Dan Ruimy sits down with TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn to talk about what it really takes to build a transportation system that works for a fast-growing community like Maple Ridge. Together, they unpack the role of regional collaboration, updates on the long awaited Golden Ears Way 4-lane widening, the long-term nature of infrastructure planning, and why investments like Bus Rapid Transit, road improvements and active transportation can benefit everyone - not just transit users. The conversation also explores how reliable mobility supports economic growth, helps businesses attract customers and employees, and reduces the risks that come with growth outpacing transportation investment.
45 min
What does it really take to build housing in Maple Ridge? How do you support developers to move projects forward faster while still protecting the infrastructure, livability, and long-term planning that residents count on? In this episode Mayor Dan Ruimy dives into housing, growth, and development with James Stiver, Director of Planning and Building for the City of Maple Ridge. James shares how the City is streamlining approvals through Development Services Optimization, highlights new tools like the Certified Professional Program and Velocity Concierge service, and explains how policy, infrastructure, and planning must work together to support complete communities. From digital permitting and faster reviews to transit-oriented growth and community planning, this conversation spotlights how Maple Ridge is working to support builders, respond to housing demand, and ensure growth is intentional, managed, and designed to benefit the whole community.
41 min
You turn on the tap and water is there. But behind that simple moment is a complex system under growing pressure. So what does it take to keep safe, reliable drinking water flowing in a growing city like Maple Ridge? In this episode Mayor Dan Ruimy sits down with Davin Wilson, Manager of Water Utility for the City of Maple Ridge, to talk about how our water system works, the planning and maintenance it takes to support it, and why conservation is a shared responsibility. Davin explains how growth, aging infrastructure, and hot summer conditions can put pressure on the system. From understanding where our water comes from to recognizing the role residents play in using it wisely, this episode highlights why we need to maintain this essential service.
42 min
The forests, rivers, and landscapes that make our community beautiful also bring unique disaster risks. So how can you prepare to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in an emergency? In this episode Mayor Dan Ruimy sits down with Edd Bennett, Emergency Response Program Manager for the City of Maple Ridge, to talk about local hazards, community resilience, and why preparedness is a shared responsibility. Edd explains how emergency planning helps protect residents, reduce pressure on first responders, and strengthens the city’s ability to respond and recover when major events happen. From knowing your risks and building a household plan to attending workshops and signing up for alerts, this conversation highlights the practical steps people can take to be more ready. It’s a timely reminder that while emergencies can’t always be prevented, preparation can make all the difference.
36 min
What does it really take to start and grow a business in Maple Ridge? Where are owners and entrepreneurs leaving opportunities on the table and how does mindset matter? Mayor Dan Ruimy dives into entrepreneurship, local momentum, and business growth opportunities with Kristi Maier, CEO of the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce. Kristi shares how positivity is integral for business owners and the community alike, highlights the growth of several local small and medium businesses, and explains how the Chamber supports startups and established companies. From networking and advocacy to community pride, this conversation spotlights why Maple Ridge is becoming a place where businesses—and people—can truly thrive.
37 min
When you hear “industrial lands,” you might imagine smokestacks, heavy pollution, and outdated factories—but that picture no longer reflects today’s reality. In this episode of The Real Ridge , Dan is joined by Eric Aderneck, Industrial Lands Program Manager for the City of Maple Ridge, to unpack what modern industrial development actually looks like and why it should matter to every resident. The conversation explores how cleaner, quieter, light‑industrial uses can coexist with environmental stewardship and strong urban design, while playing a crucial role in supporting local jobs, strengthening the tax base, and easing pressure on residential property taxes. Eric walks through the vision for the North 256 Street Industrial Lands Area Plan, explaining how thoughtful, phased development—paired with infrastructure and transportation upgrades—can help Maple Ridge remain economically resilient. The episode also tackles common concerns around traffic, growth, and location, and looks ahead to emerging opportunities in advanced manufacturing, technology, and digital industries. Whether you’re a homeowner, commuter, or business owner, this episode offers a clearer picture of how industrial lands help build a more balanced, complete, and sustainable Maple Ridge.
48 min
If services feel the same, why do taxes go up? In episode two of the Real Ridge Podcast, Mayor Dan Ruimy and City finance leadership tackle “myth vs math” on property taxes: Where each dollar goes (services vs capital) What actually drives increases (labour, construction, regulations, growth) How residents can get clear info and have real input. Plus: the truth about Maple Ridge’s garbage pickup and why engagement matters!
37 min
In this exciting first episode, Ridge Meadows RCMP's Officer-in-Charge, Superintendent Adam Gander and Mayor Dan Ruimy unpack why community safety in Maple Ridge can feel worse than the numbers show - including how social media shapes perception and what local crime data is actually indicating. Discover how modern policing is evolving toward mental health and crisis response, and what residents can do (reporting, prevention, and partnership) to support safer neighbourhoods in Maple Ridge ------------------------------------------------ The Real Ridge Podcast is the City of Maple Ridge's official municipal podcast. We host candid conversations between Mayor Dan Ruimy, City staff, regional leaders, community champions, and subject matter experts to uncover the stories behind the headlines on topics our residents care most about.