The Better Maple Ridge Team announced today that when elected, its members will focus on securing a new aquatic centre as well as more recreation spaces to accommodate the growing population in Maple Ridge.

Led by mayoral candidate and former Member of Parliament Dan Ruimy, the Better Maple Ridge Team includes council candidates Sunny Schiller, Jenny Tan, Korleen Carreras and Onyeka Dozie. 

“We hear time and time again that parents can’t get their children into swim lessons and seniors can’t access their aqua fit classes. Our community deserves better.” said Korleen Carreras, council candidate and past School Board Chair, “A healthy community is important to me and I’m glad our team will immediately start looking for opportunities to move forward with a new accessible recreation and aquatic centre.”

“I want to see our City taking action to provide the facilities and services that support Maple Ridge residents in enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle” said Council candidate and community leader Sunny Schiller. “With smart planning, more people are able to stay in Maple Ridge to enjoy recreational activities - which saves time, money and emissions.”

“A new recreation centre makes sense for families and for our local businesses,” said economist and Council candidate Jenny Tan. “By giving residents recreation opportunities in Maple Ridge, residents have the chance to spend more of their evenings and weekends in our city and support local businesses. Making smart choices is how we build a Better Maple Ridge.”

A Better Maple Ridge also wants to bring back one-hour free parking during the week and free parking on the weekends at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre, as well as at other city facilities.

"The current mayor has chosen to keep taxes on developers the lowest in the region, and passed that cost on to the residents of Maple Ridge. We have better ways of balancing our budgets than charging people for parking while exercising,” said business advocate and Council candidate Onyeka Dozie. “We hear from residents every day that they want a Council with a long-term vision for building a Better Maple Ridge.”

Highlights for A Better Maple Ridge’s mandate for new recreation facilities include:

• Build a new accessible recreation/aquatic facility to accommodate the growing population of Maple Ridge.
• Eliminate pay parking on the weekend and bring back one-hour free parking at all City facilities, including City Hall, the library and the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre.
• Explore new ways to recruit and retain staff to operate our aquatic centres, facilities and community programming.

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

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