Maple Ridge council candidates discuss issues facing the city

A $393-million plan for three recreation projects was a central issue at a recent debate for Maple Ridge council candidates. Thirteen of the 16 people seeking six council seats attended the all-candidates meeting at Meadowridge School on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Voters will decide whether to approve a new aquatic centre, two additional rinks at Planet Ice Arena, and redevelopment of the Maple Ridge Golf Course for ball parks and other facilities. Candidates were asked what they would do after the referendum results are received. Most said they would honour the outcome, although they expressed differing views on the plan’s cost, tax implications, financing and use of the golf course.

Steven Muise said he hoped the referendum would fail, arguing that the previous council had done considerable work on the proposal but that it needed another perspective and review. Cindy-Lea Stephenson, a business owner and senior, said she was concerned about tax implications and that whichever council is elected will have to reduce the budget. Kristina Brown said she would respect the referendum result and, if a majority supports spending $393 million, would support it while trying to minimize the impact on taxpayers.

Leah Campbell said she would respect voters’ wishes but described the proposal as creating winners and losers, including people who could lose lifelong hobbies and those unable to afford the consequences of a nearly $400-million loan. Korleen Carreras said the community had discussed aquatic facilities for many years and that the plan had at least brought the matter to voters for a decision. Bob D’Eith said Maple Ridge has needed more ice for 20 years and that he would honour the public’s decision.

Judy Dueck said more recreation is needed, but voters should understand that the proposal would add three per cent to taxes on top of the general-purpose tax. Ken Holland opposed development on the golf course, calling it a historic, affordable and nearby facility. Bhupinder Johar said the three questions could receive mixed results and that he would accept the referendum outcome and follow the public’s wishes.

Leanne Koehn said City staff had considered past recreation plans and attempts and had worked on the proposal for three years, producing their best recommendation. Chelsa Meadus said she supports recreation but worries the plan relies heavily on future development; if projected revenue does not arrive, she said, taxpayers would pay 40 per cent more.

Inya Mitrovic said opposition to displacement of the golf course suggested the City had made a mistake, and questioned what would happen if the aquatic facility proposal passed while the golf-course proposal failed. Mike Morden said a 2022 parks and recreation plan would have provided one sheet of ice, and characterized the current proposal as a high-end project the city cannot afford.

Andrew Laity, Ryan Svendsen and Lou Jose were absent from the debate.