FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JULY 22, 2026

MAPLE RIDGE, BC — Long-time Maple Ridge veterinarian, community leader, and community advocate Dr. Bhupinder Johar has officially announced his candidacy for Maple Ridge City Council, pledging to bring more than two decades of local experience, community service, and practical leadership to City Hall.

Born and raised in a farming family in the Punjab, Dr. Johar developed a lifelong appreciation for agriculture, animals, and strong community connection. After immigrating to Canada in 1999 and obtaining his veterinarian license, he opened his own veterinary practice in Maple Ridge, where he has served local families and their pets for the past 23 years.

"I am proud to have built my family life in Maple Ridge," said Dr. Johar. "Who I am today is because of the people of Maple Ridge and the support I have received from this community. Now, I believe it is my turn to give back—to contribute my time, experience, and dedication to the place I call home, and to continue working for the betterment of the community that has given me so much.”

Dr. Johar’s community service extends beyond his veterinary practice. He has served as a Director with the Ridge Meadows South Asian Cultural Society since its inception, helping organize community events and charitable fundraising initiatives, including the city's first-ever Vaisakhi Celebration, which welcomed more than 4,000 attendees. He has also volunteered his services to the BC SPCA and Katie's Place, supported the Ridge Meadows Cricket Association, and served as both a member and Chair of Maple Ridge's Agriculture Advisory Committee.

If elected, Dr. Johar says he will focus on improving transportation, strengthening the local economy, and investing in community amenities.

To address growing traffic congestion, he will advocate for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and support the completion of Abernethy Way. "For me, BRT isn't just a traffic solution," said Dr. Johar. "I think about the seniors in our community who can no longer drive, whose children and grandchildren, whose whole family, might be in Surrey or Langley. A reliable transit connection means they can still get to a family dinner, a doctor's appointment, or their place of worship without depending on someone else to take a day off work to drive them. That's true for a lot of families in Maple Ridge, not just mine. Good transit is how we keep people connected to the people and places that matter most to them." 

He is also committed to fostering a strong local economy by supporting existing businesses, attracting new investment, creating employment opportunities, and expanding the municipal tax base. In addition, Dr. Johar will champion investments in parks, recreational facilities, and community sports to enhance the quality of life for residents and attract more tourism to the city.  

“Building a better Maple Ridge means bringing together people who have already shown their commitment to our community. Dr. Johar has done that for years through his work as a veterinarian, as a local business owner, and through his support of countless community organizations and fundraising efforts. I’m proud to have him on our team and know he’ll bring that same spirit of service to Council.”

"I believe Maple Ridge has tremendous potential," said Dr. Johar. "By investing in our infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and creating more opportunities for recreation and community connection, we can build an even stronger future for everyone who calls Maple Ridge home."

Dr. Johar says he looks forward to connecting with residents throughout the campaign, listening to their concerns, and earning their trust to represent them on Maple Ridge City Council.