FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 17, 2026

Team points to record of progress and major projects underway as it launches full council slate

MAPLE RIDGE, B.C. — A Better Maple Ridge launched its 2026 municipal campaign Sunday, pointing to four years of progress and a growing list of major projects underway as it unveiled its full council slate.

Over 100 supporters, volunteers and community members gathered at the Maple Ridge Seniors Centre for the launch, which brought together Mayor Dan Ruimy, Councillor Korleen Carreras and council candidates Dr. Bhupinder Singh Johar, Leanne Koehn and former MLA Bob D'Eith, who joins the team as ABMR's newest council candidate.

Over the past four years, the City has secured more than $16.6 million in federal housing funding, reduced permit processing times by as much as 73 per cent, added more than 80 safer street crossings, and increased staffing by more than 20 firefighters and RCMP officers. Those achievements reflect the direction the team wants to keep building on.

ABMR says the last four years have been about listening as much as building. From housing to transportation to public safety, the team points to a term shaped by resident input, and says today's launch is about the same thing: hearing directly from the community about what's working, what isn't, and what still needs to get done.

"I am here to reassure people that their voice is valued. Tentative statements are just as valid as those spoken loudly, repeatedly, and without space for questioning," Koehn said. "I look forward to hearing from residents we visit while door-knocking in the coming months, and carrying their voices and perspectives forward."

With major transportation, recreation and infrastructure projects now underway, ABMR says Maple Ridge has built strong momentum over the past four years and is well positioned for what comes next.

That includes advancing the Abernethy Way–240th Street corridor, advancing Recreation Ready initiatives, improving recreation access for families and seniors, and working with TransLink and the Province to improve transportation connections, including the proposed Bus Rapid Transit route between Haney Place and the new Langley SkyTrain.

That record of progress, combined with a collaborative approach to getting things done, will be an important part of ABMR's campaign this fall.

Council candidate Dr. Bhupinder Singh Johar, who has practiced veterinary medicine in Maple Ridge for nearly 25 years, said his campaign is about a city that plans ahead as it grows. 

"I am running because I believe our community deserves leadership that listens, plans ahead and puts residents first," Johar said. "Democracy does not mean agreeing with everyone. It means listening to everyone."

Former MLA Bob D'Eith, ABMR's newest council candidate, said long-term planning also requires a willingness to work across political and government lines.

"I've experienced the politics of anger and negativity, and unfortunately that can be a powerful political tool," D'Eith said. "I believe Dan, Korleen, Leanne, Bhupinder and I can build on the work this team has already done to make Maple Ridge a better place for our citizens."

D'Eith pointed to his years working alongside Ruimy across different levels of government, including their work to complete the four-laning of Highway 7 between Maple Ridge and Mission.

"Dan and I worked extremely well together and share many of the same values and goals for our community," he said. "Dan's leadership is about getting things done for the people of Maple Ridge, no matter what level of government you're working with."

Sunny Schiller, a former A Better Maple Ridge councillor who is not seeking re-election, said the strength of the team comes from its different perspectives.

"There is a magic that happens when people from different walks of life come together and are willing to commit to a common cause and the common good," Schiller said. "Having a group like this sitting at the council table creates an environment for true debate and good governance."

Ruimy said that the ability to work together is critical to keeping Maple Ridge moving forward.

"We've all seen what can happen in communities across this province when councils become divided and the infighting takes over," Ruimy said. "Because when you're fighting each other, you're not standing together for your city."

"We haven't agreed on everything. We shouldn't," Ruimy continued, "but we've shown that you can disagree without being disagreeable. You can debate an issue, cast different votes, and still come back the next day ready to work together for Maple Ridge."

"What I'm most proud of is bringing respect and civility back to council, and people's pride in saying they live in Maple Ridge," said Councillor Korleen Carreras. "We still have more to do, and the work isn't done yet."

Heading into the fall campaign, ABMR says its focus will be housing, transportation and affordability, built on a record of collaboration already underway across the community.

The full team working to build A Better Maple Ridge is Dan Ruimy for Mayor, and Korleen Carreras, Leanne Koehn, Dr. Bhupinder Singh Johar and Bob D'Eith for Council.

The team will campaign across Maple Ridge in the lead-up to the October 17 general local election.