Maple Ridge mayor and councillors say goodbye at final council meeting

Maple Ridge Mayor Dan Ruimy and several councillors gave often emotional farewells at the outgoing council’s final meeting on Oct. 27. Ruimy lost the mayoral election to mayor-elect Jerry Kok on Oct. 17. He thanked the community for the opportunity to serve for four years, calling the trust placed in him one of the greatest honours of his life. He said the chapter had not ended as he had hoped, but the community had made its decision and he respected it.

Ruimy wished Kok and the incoming council success, saying their success would mean success for the community and that residents were counting on them to do their best. He said he was proud of the work council had done together and believed it had helped restore community pride and renew confidence in what Maple Ridge could accomplish through cooperation. He cited investments in public safety, the city’s first climate action plan, the opening of neighbourhood parks and progress on important transportation projects.

Ruimy also spoke about the toll of campaigning. He expected criticism and tough questions, he said, but sometimes the words went beyond the candidate. After a long pause to collect himself, he said those words reached candidates’ partners, children and other people who care about them. They can hurt, and that hurt does not disappear when an election is over. He hoped people could challenge one another’s ideas and decisions while remembering the people and families behind them, adding that everyone who puts their name forward deserves that consideration. He closed by thanking Maple Ridge for the privilege of serving as mayor.

Coun. Judy Dueck, re-elected to a seventh term, congratulated the incoming mayor and councillors and thanked her outgoing colleagues, saying their contributions would remain part of the community’s story. She said the evening was about more than bidding farewell to elected officials: it was also a chance to recognize people willing to step forward, take on great responsibility and dedicate part of their lives to serving the community. Public service is not always easy, she said, and asks much of those who choose it.

Coun. Jenny Tan called democracy very much a team sport. She spoke about council’s work, including building homes for families and laying the foundation for major transit projects and industry. Like the other councillors, she thanked her colleagues and supportive family. Coun. Sunny Schiller recognized the work of residents, first responders, community groups, business owners and city staff. Every day, people in Maple Ridge show up and play their own part, she said, and that is what makes the community what it is.

Coun. Korleen Carreras, who will also serve on the new council, described the outgoing group as a family that had its share of good tussles and debates. She said the four years were something she would never trade. She appreciated the good and not-so-good moments, as well as the tears—there were many, she said—but there were more smiles than tears around the council table.

Coun. Onyeka Dozie spoke about being born in Nigeria, surviving a civil war and deciding to move his family to what he called a beautiful place. He said he was filled with gratitude and could not thank Maple Ridge enough for what the community had done for him and his family.