Maple Ridge releases videos ahead of recreation borrowing vote

Maple Ridge has released an online video series to explain three proposed recreation projects before an assent vote during the Oct. 17 municipal election. Eligible voters will receive a separate yes-or-no question for each borrowing proposal.

The projects are a year-round Hammond Aquatics and Recreation Centre, the first phase of a 40-acre Hammond Multi-Use Community Park at the current Maple Ridge Golf Course site, and an expansion of the Albion Twin-Rink Arena and Event Facility.

Their preliminary combined cost is $393 million: $227 million for the aquatics and recreation centre, $23 million for the park’s first phase and $143 million for the arena expansion. The estimates are based on schematic design work and would be refined if voters approve borrowing.

The City says about 60 per cent of long-term borrowing would be repaid through property taxes and 40 per cent through Amenity Cost Charges on new development. It estimates an additional three per cent annual property-tax increase from 2027 to 2030 for all three projects; a $1-million home would pay about $90 more in 2027 and about $385 more by 2030.

Construction on the park could begin in 2027, with the arena expansion following in 2028 and the aquatics centre in 2029. Project information is available at MapleRidge.ca/RecreationReady.