Firefighter Ryan Svendsen to run for Maple Ridge council again

Former Maple Ridge councillor Ryan Svendsen is running as an independent candidate for Maple Ridge council in the Oct. 17 municipal election.

Svendsen served on council from 2018 to 2022 and has been a municipal firefighter since 2004. He is now a fire captain in North Vancouver. He moved to Maple Ridge with his family in 1993, grew up in Hammond and now lives in the Town Centre with his wife and two daughters.

He said the city’s growth will require careful decisions on growth management, infrastructure, services and taxpayer spending. His campaign will focus on respect for taxpayers, safe and welcoming neighbourhoods, financially responsible recreation investments, and growth that strengthens neighbourhoods while protecting Maple Ridge’s natural environment.

Svendsen also wants the city to work with the province on emergency and evacuation planning for Golden Ears Provincial Park. He said the single route that directs park traffic through residential neighbourhoods near Fern Crescent creates a vulnerability for visitors and residents, and he wants work advanced on a more direct emergency access route, including a possible second crossing nearer the park entrance.

He said running independently would allow him to consider each issue on its merits while remaining directly accountable to residents.