Mayoral candidate Jerry Kok proposes a one-year business support plan for Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge mayoral candidate Jerry Kok says his plan would support businesses in the city. Kok, a former president of the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce, unveiled “Maple Ridge Means Business” at the first candidates’ debate night on Sept. 23 and has since released more detail. He described the one-year economic strategy as a way to ease the burden on local businesses, encourage new investment and measure the effect of pro-business policies on economic growth. Its main actions are no business property tax increase in 2027; no business licence fees for new businesses in 2027; faster city permits, applications and approvals; and measured results from the strategy.

Kok said many businesses are facing economic uncertainty, rising costs and growing regulatory challenges. He said his plan would provide immediate support to local entrepreneurs and create conditions for long-term economic success. “Businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” he said. “They create jobs, support community organizations, sponsor local events and generate the tax revenue that helps pay for essential services. Yet too often, they are treated as an afterthought. It’s time to put business growth back at the centre of our decision-making.”

Incumbent Mayor Dan Ruimy said he did not think Kok’s plan would make much difference to businesses deciding whether to open in Maple Ridge. “I don’t think those are the initiatives that will attract a lot of business,” Ruimy said. “Honestly, a business permit is not a lot of money.” He clarified that the base fee is $110 a year, though some businesses pay more.

Ruimy said council has focused on extending the Abernethy Way route to the 256th Street industrial park, which would open about 500 acres of land for new investment. The city has widened the route and is working to extend it from 232nd Street to 240th Street. “We need to open up land, in order for new businesses to come here,” he said.

Ruimy added that Kok’s plan would shift more of the tax burden to residential taxpayers to benefit businesses, saying, “I don’t think residents are going to be happy with that.” He said a property tax break would benefit owners of commercial buildings, but not necessarily businesses that rent commercial space. “Will those businesses see that money?” he asked.

Kok acknowledged that councillors would need to support his proposed plan. He also said the initiative depends on defeating all three parts of the proposed recreation referendum, which would authorize approximately $393 million in borrowing. “What I am hearing at the doors is that residents simply cannot afford this right now, and certainly businesses cannot either,” Kok said. “The proposed borrowing would place significant financial pressure on taxpayers and could result in higher taxes for years to come. If we are serious about helping businesses succeed and keeping Maple Ridge affordable, we must reject all three questions of the recreation referendum.”