Maple Ridge voters reject $393 million in borrowing for recreation projects

Maple Ridge voters roundly rejected a referendum on borrowing $393 million for three recreation projects during the 2026 municipal election. The projects were a new aquatics centre, an arena expansion and redevelopment of the Maple Ridge Golf Course.

Newly elected Mayor Jerry Kok said he liked the result and that his council would begin new recreation planning with a clean slate. “My campaign started on saving the golf course, so for me I love these results,” he said on election night. “We’re going to find a proper solution for the community — still having recreation, but finding the right location, and finding the right price for it, because people can’t afford this $400 million package.”

The $227 million aquatics centre borrowing proposal was rejected, with 14,218 votes against and 6,841 in favour. The $143 million arena expansion was the closest to passing, but was also voted down, with 11,553 votes against and 9,501 in favour. The $23 million proposal to convert the Maple Ridge Golf Course lands was rejected, with 14,797 votes against and 6,209 in favour.

With borrowing for all three projects rejected, city staff will seek direction from the new council on next steps.