Maple Ridge invites building industry professionals to Nov. 18 forum

The City of Maple Ridge is inviting builders, developers, contractors and other industry professionals to its Builders Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the ACT Arts Centre. The free event, called “Building Better, Together,” will bring City teams and building industry professionals together to share opportunities, discuss challenges and hear about recent and upcoming improvements to the building and development process. Attendees can also learn about progress on streamlining permit approvals and speak directly with City staff about their projects. Mayor Jerry Kok said he looks forward to hearing about industry members’ experiences and discussing how to support responsible growth. He said making it easier, clearer and more predictable to build is a council priority, and the City is committed to improving its processes and supporting the delivery of businesses, homes and community spaces.

The forum is open to builders, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, consultants and other professionals involved in building and development in Maple Ridge and the surrounding region. Advance registration is required through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/maple-ridge-builders-forum-building-better-together-nov-18-tickets-2003612000429.

The agenda has two parts. From 4:30 to 7 p.m., interactive stations will cover building and development topics ranging from planning and engineering to trades permits and inspections. Attendees can ask City staff project-related questions, clarify requirements and discuss common challenges with City processes. From 5:30 to 7 p.m., Kok will offer remarks, followed by staff presentations with practical information on the Development Services Optimization Program, permit intake, plan reviews, inspections and other topics relevant to current and future building projects.

The City says it has introduced several initiatives over the past two years to improve efficiency and give applicants greater clarity and predictability during permit approvals. Process improvements have reduced average approval times across permit types, including a 77 per cent reduction in processing time for new home construction permits. More information is available at MapleRidge.ca/Build: https://www.mapleridge.ca/build-do-business/construction-development-permits.

Builders and property owners can now submit and manage a growing range of building and development permit applications digitally through the City’s online portal: https://www.mapleridge.ca/eservices/online-portal. Builders and developers can also hire a Certified Professional to help navigate the permitting process. Details are at MapleRidge.ca/CPP: https://www.mapleridge.ca/build-do-business/construction-development-permits/certified-professional-program. The City is continuing its industry engagement through events such as the Builders Forum and the Building Maple Ridge summit held in May 2026.

James Stiver, the City’s director of planning and building, said improving development approvals involves more than introducing technology or changing procedures; it also means working with the people who use the services. He said the forum gives the City an opportunity to provide updates directly to its customers and explore ways to make processes more effective.

The City noted that market conditions, construction costs and interest rates all affect how quickly development proceeds. Maple Ridge is continuing to advance ways to create conditions that help move projects forward faster.