Maple Ridge, British Columbia

49°13′12.0″N 122°35′56.1″W

Location of Maple Ridge, British Columbia

Maple Ridge is a District Municipality in British Columbia, located east of Vancouver, on the Fraser River. It is also a member of the GVRD.

History

The District of Maple Ridge was incorporated 12 September 1874, and is British Columbia's fifth-oldest municipality (after New Westminster, Victoria, Langley, and Chilliwack.)

Recent growth

In the past 20 years, Maple Ridge has grown very rapidly, with a 12.5% population increase between the 1996 and 2001 censuses. The construction of new residential subdivisions has threatened many sensitive wildlife habitats as well as the District's limited agricultural land. About two-thirds of those who work outside the home commute into other suburbs or downtown Vancouver. Highlighting the trend towards a more urban attitude, Maple Ridge joined the GVRD in 1995, having historically been a member of the largely rural FVRD. The recently-started construction of the Golden Ears Bridge also signals growth.

Industry

The early settlers in Maple Ridge engaged in forestry and agriculture. Forestry companies continue to be the largest private-sector employers in the district. They include Interfor (whose Hammond mill employs more than 300) as well as companies that manufacture building materials, yachts and poles. The soil and climate are not well-suited to the production of traditional food crops, but the Maple Ridge agriculture sector generates upwards of $40 million annually (2001), largely from berry crops, nurseries, and horse breeding. The biggest challenge for the District is to attract commercial and industrial investment while trying to preserve the "close to nature" feel that is Maple Ridge's biggest asset.

Demographics

Demographics according to Statistics Canada 2001 census.

• Population: 63,169
• Annual Growth Rate : 3%
• Area: 265.69 km².
• Density: 237.8 people per km².
• Location: 49°13′12.0″N 122°35′56.1″W

Famous People From Maple Ridge

• Brent Hayden, swimmer
• Andrew Ladd, NHL ice hockey player for the Carolina Hurricanes
• Greg Moore, race car driver
• Robert Mundell, economist
• Helen Mussallem, nurse
• Cam Neely, ice hockey player
• Molly Parker, actress
• Rick Tippe, country singer
• Larry Walker, baseball player

External links

• District of Maple Ridge Local government home page
• History of Maple Ridge A variety of information on the history of Maple Ridge, including historical images, information on heritage buildings, and more.