Maple Ridge launches B.C.’s first Velocity program to advance community-benefit developments

The City of Maple Ridge officially launched Velocity Enhanced Development Approvals on Sept. 23, 2026. The first program of its kind in B.C., Velocity is intended to help advance developments that support City priorities, including affordable and transit-oriented housing, local jobs, business investment and vibrant neighbourhoods. Eligible applicants receive a dedicated City contact and an integrated approvals team to help navigate complex planning processes such as rezoning, development permits, subdivisions and variances. The approach is designed to clarify requirements early, identify issues sooner, improve coordination across City departments and keep applications moving.

Mayor Dan Ruimy said Maple Ridge is one of the fastest-growing communities in British Columbia and needs housing, local jobs and services to keep pace. He described Velocity as one of several initiatives to modernize approvals, reduce red tape and make the City more competitive for investment. Bringing the right people together early, he said, can help move projects with meaningful community benefits forward more efficiently without lowering standards or community expectations.

Participating projects must still meet the City’s regulatory requirements and technical, environmental and safety standards. Velocity does not replace required project reviews, remove City Council oversight or guarantee approval. The program builds on a one-year pilot launched in 2025 that established eligibility, governance and performance measures. The full rollout will accept new projects, support them through the development process and track results to improve service over time.

The program is funded through a portion of the $16.6 million the City received from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund. There is currently no fee to participate. Developers do not need to apply separately: planning applications are screened for eligibility through the regular intake process. The City assesses projects based on strategic significance, complexity and coordination needs, value-add opportunities, applicant readiness and available capacity. It will contact applicants when a project may be a fit. Qualifying projects must demonstrate high community value, such as advancing strategic growth priorities, generating employment and investment, filling gaps in land use, or contributing to liveability and vibrancy. Eligible projects often include affordable or below-market housing; high-density residential development in priority growth areas; significant commercial and industrial development that supports jobs, investment and liveability; and mixed-use projects combining residential and commercial uses.

Program support includes a dedicated Development Concierge for strategic coordination; a project-specific approvals strategy outlining key considerations, responsibilities, decision points and sequencing; and an integrated staff team from relevant City departments and technical disciplines. Participants also receive coordinated support for complex planning approvals, including zoning amendments, development permits, subdivision approvals and variance approvals. Structured issue resolution and escalation are available where needed, with the aim of improving predictability and accountability throughout the process. The City and each participating applicant sign a Program Charter during intake, setting shared expectations for communication, transparency, timely information, mutual accountability and active participation in resolving issues. Details are at MapleRidge.ca/Velocity.

Velocity complements other City efforts to streamline and modernize planning and permitting, including the Certified Professional Program and the Development Services Optimization program’s online permit application portal. The City says these tools are intended to help accelerate building and construction.

The program will support Maple Ridge’s commitment to meet the Province of B.C.’s Housing Target Order of 3,954 new homes by June 2029. Designated a Housing Target Community under provincial legislation, the City is prioritizing projects that deliver affordable, below-market and new and diverse forms of housing. Its approach focuses on areas local governments can directly influence, including land use, zoning, development processes, infrastructure planning, customer service and partnerships. Market conditions, construction costs, interest rates and senior government funding also affect how quickly homes are built, while the City continues working to create conditions for housing, investment and community services to move forward.

James Stiver, the City’s Director of Planning and Building, said meeting the Province’s housing targets requires more strategic and collaborative work. He called Velocity a new way to support projects with meaningful community benefits by navigating the process more efficiently, without lowering standards or bypassing public and Council processes. The work aligns with the City’s Housing Action Plan and supports more housing options for current and future residents. Details are at MapleRidge.ca/HousingAction.