Maple Ridge launches program to speed approvals for priority development projects

The City of Maple Ridge has launched Velocity Enhanced Development Approvals, a program intended to speed projects that support city priorities: affordable and transit-oriented housing, local jobs, business investment and vibrant neighbourhoods. The city calls it a first-of-its-kind program in British Columbia. Eligible applicants receive a dedicated city contact and an integrated approvals team to help navigate processes such as rezoning, development permits, subdivisions and variances.

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 part of a suite of initiatives to modernize approvals, reduce red tape and make the city more competitive for investment.

Jerry Kok, a former chamber of commerce president who is running for mayor against Ruimy, said smaller builders should not be pushed aside. He said he has no issue with more coordination for a complicated $25-million project, but wants to ensure builders of fourplexes, homeowners adding secondary suites and small businesses expanding their premises do not become second-class applicants. Kok also called for transparency about the program’s baseline, targets and when residents can expect to see results. He would like the city to publish average days from application to decision before and after Velocity, along with the number of participants, completed projects and the program’s cost.

The city said developers must still meet regulatory requirements and technical, environmental and safety standards. Velocity does not replace required project reviews, remove council oversight or guarantee approval. The program builds on a one-year pilot launched in 2025 and is funded through part of a $16.6-million grant from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund. Developers currently pay no fee to participate and do not have to apply separately for Velocity.

Projects are screened for eligibility during the regular planning application intake process. The city considers their strategic significance, complexity and coordination requirements, value-add opportunities, applicant readiness and available capacity, and will contact applicants when a project may be a fit. 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. More information is available at MapleRidge.ca/Velocity.