From left: Council candidate Korleen Carreras; Council candidate Sunny Schiller; Mayoral candidate Dan Ruimy; Council candidate Jenny Tan; Council candidate Onyeka Dozie.

Today, A Better Maple Ridge announced its long-term vision for the city which includes fostering stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples, taking action to address climate change and increasing youth engagement. Led by former Member of Parliament and mayoral candidate Dan Ruimy, A Better Maple Ridge includes Council candidates Sunny Schiller, Jenny Tan, Onyeka Dozie, and Korleen Carreras. 

“Taking meaningful action on reconciliation and repairing our relationship with local Indigenous peoples is a priority for our team.” said Mayoral candidate Dan Ruimy. “We want to ensure we are working hand in hand with the Katzie First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, Golden Ears Metis Society, and Fraser River Indigenous Society and including them in a greater more meaningful capacity going forward. Indigenous peoples have been the stewards of this land for thousands of years and play an integral role in moving forward, especially on climate action.”

“Climate change is here. In the last few years, we’ve experienced extreme flooding and heat events,” said environmental leader and Council candidate Sunny Schiller. “When elected, A Better Maple Ridge will support residents in developing a Climate Action Plan for Maple Ridge. A Climate Action Plan identifies clear goals to respond to a changing climate and identifies the actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare our community for the future. All communities need to play their part in addressing climate change, and it’s time for Maple Ridge to take action to create a more sustainable future.”

“Taking urgent steps to address climate change is not only good for the environment, but also increases our quality of life and is fiscally responsible,” said Council candidate Jenny Tan. “When we take steps such as advocating for more investment in public transit and speeding up approvals for affordable housing in the downtown core, we make it easier for people to drive less and reduce the time we spend in traffic delays.” 

“Our municipality needs to create programs that incentivise homeowners to adopt new green technologies into their homes. Whether it’s installing solar energy panels, using heat pumps, or implementing other technologies that reduce fossil fuel consumption; we need to support individuals and families to invest in a green future.” explained Onyeka Dozie. “Our city hall and building department should also be adopting the BC Energy Step Code, which by nature is designed to reduce emissions from new construction and create buildings that use less energy to heat and cool. Our City is sadly lagging behind many other municipalities in adopting the BC Energy Step Code.”

Council candidate Korleen Carreras explained “Creating a more sustainable future isn’t just about investing in green infrastructure, it is also about investing into our youth. We have heard that the youth of our city don’t feel heard or included in critical decision making that will directly impact them in years to come and we want to change that. Our youth are important, and we need to make space for them at the table. One simple solution is to bring back the dedicated youth representative space on Advisory Committees and work with the Youth Planning Table to further hear their voices.”

Highlights for A Better Maple Ridge’s platform for creating a city of the future, today are:

• Seek opportunities to work together and create a stronger relationship with Katzie First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, Golden Ears Métis Society, Fraser River Indigenous Society, and other Indigenous groups. 
• Start official meetings with land acknowledgements.
• Ensure all City of Maple Ridge committees have a seat reserved for a youth representative
• Create a Climate Action Advisory Committee to oversee the creation of an overarching Climate Action Plan, with specific goals and targets. The plan is to be developed through consultation with the community and actions identified will be carried out in an integrated manner by each City department.
• Expand infrastructure for active transportation, including sidewalks, streetlights, and safe road infrastructure for people who walk and bike. 
• Adopt the BC Energy Step Code.

The election is Saturday October 15, 2022. More information on A Better Maple Ridge can be found at ABetterMapleRidge.ca.

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