Sunny Schiller

It’s been a privilege and a really positive experience serving as part of A Better Maple Ridge this term. Being part of a group that supports and encourages each other has allowed all of us to be better at this work and to make real progress on the issues that matter the most to us as individuals.

The support I’ve gotten from my ABMR teammates this term has allowed me to do this work in a way I would not otherwise have been capable of. I’ve gotten support and encouragement to raise ideas and questions. Working in an environment where you are encouraged to share your opinions honestly has led to better decisions at the Council table this term.

It’s been such a privilege to serve on the A Better Maple Ridge team this term. Everyone at the Council table and in the room is treated with respect. I’ve seen how City staff have responded to this and how they’ve been able to do their best work in this type of environment.

Stephen Von Sychowski

Every parent in Maple Ridge who has had a child in swimming lessons knows the struggle. My daughter has been in lessons since she was a baby, and it's been the same every time. When 6 am rolls around, I'm already at the computer ready to click "register". I learned my lesson the hard way about a year ago when I overslept my alarm one morning by about fifteen minutes. When I got to the registration page, my heart sank. Every timeslot that could fit within our work schedules was full. There would be no swimming lessons for that session. Maple Ridge is a growing community. We have to catch up to the needs of our residents and prepare for the needs of the future. I want everyone to vote yes on this year's assent questions so that we can ensure that all of our residents have access to the high-quality sports and recreation facilities that we need and deserve.

Maria J., Community Member

On behalf of our diverse multicultural communities, we are proud to support the Better Maple Ridge Team. Their commitment to inclusive leadership, equitable municipal services, and active engagement with immigrants ensures that every resident, regardless of background, culture, or heritage, has a voice in shaping our city's future. A Better Maple Ridge understands that our cultural diversity is our strength, and we trust them to build a vibrant, welcoming, and united community for all.

Pam B., Community Member

I really appreciate how you've worked to increase our sense of community, as well as your commitment to making more walkable communities. I've lived here for 17 years and I've seen more done for Maple Ridge during your term than under any previous mayor. So thank you for all you've done so far. Hopefully you'll be back.

Simon Challenger

As a member of the performing arts community in Maple Ridge, I really appreciate the approach this council has taken to supporting and promoting the arts. The City had taken a much more inclusive approach to local artists and performers when organizing events. The changes to the operation of the Act will result in greater access for performing arts groups and more opportunity to showcase these wonderful artists to our community. Truly a breath of fresh air!

Graham Vanstone, Community Organizer

As a citizen of this community, I strongly support the work Mayor and Council have done and the progress we have seen under their leadership. I believe our community benefits from experienced leaders who understand our local needs, listen to residents, and are committed to moving Maple Ridge forward. I am confident that maintaining this experienced leadership will provide the stability and continued progress our community needs. I hope to see the majority of our current council members returned to office.

Sharmeen Punjwani, P.Eng, M.Eng

As someone who works in construction and development, I recognize the value of candid communication and a pragmatic, collaborative relationship between the development community and the City.

Over the past four years, my experience working with the City of Maple Ridge has been encouraging. I have observed a genuine effort to refine processes, navigate challenges thoughtfully, and cultivate a more constructive dialogue with those responsible for delivering new housing and development.

In my interactions with Mayor Dan Ruimy, I have found him approachable, receptive, and prepared to engage with the realities our industry encounters. As Maple Ridge continues to evolve, this willingness to listen, understand different perspectives, and maintain meaningful dialogue is valuable in navigating the opportunities and complexities that accompany growth.

Dr. Shiraz Mawani, Family Physician

I write this as a resident of Maple Ridge for 50 years, as a physician, a member of the Canadian Physicians for the Environment, and as a citizen who is concerned about climate change and its many devastating effects on our health and on our economy and finances.

I had been dismayed by the lack of action by all levels of government, including at our local municipal level, to mitigate these effects. That is until Maple Ridge finally voted in a mayor and council who have taken bold action to confront these challenges.

I thank Mayor Ruimy and his Council for showing long delayed leadership in protecting Maple Ridge citizens by adopting the award winning “Resilient Future 2050: Moving Boldly Towards Low-Carbon Resilience”, with its “5 bold moves” to lower greenhouse gases and protect our community against extreme heat, drought, flooding and slides.

Under the current inflation and economic hardships, it can be politically expedient to put such measures on the back burner for some future council to take care of and to forget that they are needed urgently right now.

Lest we forget:

We remember too well the heat dome of 2021 causing 619 deaths in BC (disproportionately more in Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows), and costing $12 million in increased health care costs.

We remember too well, too, the $11 billion to $17 billion in economic costs to the BC economy, workers losing $2 billion in wages and $675,000 in damages from the atmospheric river flooding, the loss of agricultural lands and more than 600,000 farm animals dying and the resulting financial and mental health ruin of thousands of people.

So I am gratified that Mayor Ruimy’s Council has taken bold action and laid out the plans for mitigating and adapting to these effects of climate change.

Moving forward, we need to see these plans put into concrete action with regular monitoring and transparent reporting to ensure the goals set are met, to keep our community safe.

Young British Columbians for Better Governance

Young British Columbians need leaders that are making the long-term investment that allows us to have a real shot at a future. In Maple Ridge, those leaders are A Better Maple Ridge led by Mayor Dan Ruimy.

New West District Labour Council