Maple Ridge mayoral candidates debate recreation, safety and business growth

Maple Ridge mayoral candidates Dan Ruimy and Jerry Kok debated recreation projects, public safety and economic development before more than 100 people at Meadowridge School on Wednesday night, Sept. 23. The event, hosted by the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce and moderated by former mayor Ernie Daykin, included 11 questions and was often feisty but respectful.

A central issue was a proposed $393-million borrowing plan for a new aquatic centre, two new rinks at Planet Ice and redevelopment of the Maple Ridge Golf Course. Voters will cast separate votes on the three projects and on the borrowing. Ruimy said the decision belongs to the community and argued that the city lacks sufficient ice, rink and pool time. Kok said he recognizes the need for recreation facilities but believes the city cannot afford the cost. He said residents value the golf course’s history and Larry Walker Field, and that existing facilities should not be removed to build new ones. Both candidates said they would respect the referendum results.

Ruimy said his council has added firefighters and police officers after earlier councils stopped hiring for those positions, noting that no full-time firefighter had been hired since 2012 and RCMP hiring had stopped in 2018. He cited downtown foot and bike patrols and programs aimed at issues such as shoplifting. Kok said concerns centre on safety in the downtown core, where some residents and small businesses face conditions that discourage them from visiting or opening their doors. He proposed considering security cameras, more lighting and a review of community safety officer priorities.

Kok introduced a proposed “Maple Ridge Means Business” initiative that would offer businesses a zero per cent tax increase in 2027, waive first-year business-licence fees for new businesses and speed up approvals. Ruimy said the city has modernized its approval processes and that downtown events, including the annual Our Neck of the Woods festival, are helping draw visitors and investor interest. Kok argued that one-day festivals would not be enough to attract hotels or sustained business activity, suggesting recreation facilities at Albion Flats could support sports tournaments and overnight visitors.

Daykin said afterward that it was a good event and that both candidates’ passion was evident.