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| As part of on-going work related to the Development Approvals Process Review as well as the City’s efforts to meet our housing targets —particularly in the areas of affordable housing, new rental housing, housing for seniors, and non-market supportive/recovery projects—a set of Development Prioritization Criteria has been developed. These criteria are intended to guide staff in identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing projects that most directly contribute to the City’s housing goals, especially in the context of time-limited funding programs and resource capacity.
The criteria emphasize projects that deliver:
- Residential development in key growth areas
- Affordable housing units, particularly those secured through agreements or operated by non-profits.
- Purpose-built rental housing, to increase long-term rental supply.
- Housing for seniors, with accessible, age-friendly design features.
- Non-market or supportive recovery housing, including partnerships with government or health agencies.
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| There are five initiatives related to this key result as multiple projects contribute to the overall goal of increasing housing. Two of the five initiatives are now complete with the remaining three initiatives underway. The Housing Needs Assessment was endorsed by Council on September 10, 2024, to identify areas of specific need, ensuring policies support housing growth and affordability. Mandated by provincial legislation, this report was due by the end of 2024. The Housing Strategy, prepared by Urban Matters and received by Council on September 24, 2024, informs planning efforts to enhance affordability and meet housing targets, underpinning the city’s strategic goals.
The Incentive Program Feasibility Assessment is ongoing, focusing on residential development in key areas. Staff are evaluating potential incentives as outlined in the 2024 Housing Needs report, with recommendations expected in 2025 to 2026 to increase the housing stock. The Pre-Approved Site Plans initiative aims to facilitate "missing middle" residential development by streamlining infill housing processes. This includes developing a Standardized Housing Design Catalogue in collaboration with the Province and CMHC. Designs are being curated for compliance with Maple Ridge’s Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing regulations. The City Wide Density Bonusing Programs are being updated to align with new provincial legislation. This work addresses provincial compliance and aims to better meet housing needs as per the 2024 report. | |
| The target for this key result has now been met through the establishment of housing agreements that will generate an additional 30 below-market housing units. Two related initiatives are linked to this key result.
The Concierge Service initiative has been completed. This service facilitates affordable housing developments within the city, enhancing incentives beyond provincial mandates. Developed through a collaboration between Planning, Engineering, and Building Departments, the pilot model of the Concierge Program is complete, with rollout underway. The program collaborates with select developers/builders to streamline the permitting and approval process, addressing information gaps and improving efficiency for community-prioritized housing projects.
The Inclusionary Zoning Options initiative is in progress, focusing on exploring the integration of inclusionary zoning requirements for mixed-use developments around transit corridors. This effort aims to expand housing choices in key growth areas, aligning with both community needs and provincial mandates. The study on feasibility, scope, and applicability in key growth areas in Maple Ridge informs future planning decisions.
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| The Wrap Around Servicing Assessment involves evaluating the Lougheed Transit Corridor Area Plan through a low-carbon resiliency lens, focusing on land use, development, and street connectivity. This assessment emphasizes Transit-Oriented Development Nodes and incorporates an equity perspective on resident mobility.
The City's Parking and Mobility Requirements are being addressed through a comprehensive review of the City's Off-Street Parking and Loading Bylaw. This review is set to update parking and mobility standards, with Council consideration planned for Q4 2025. | |
| Work continues to progress as indicated. As we get more data on how our process improvements have improved our delivery, we will continue to revise our published targets of 12 weeks for a new home application permit. | |
| Due to legislative changes, local governments must update regulations for small-scale multi-unit housing by June 2024. This involved aligning the City’s housing policies with provincial mandates.
On June 25, 2024, Council approved amendments for Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) and designated transit-oriented areas (TOA) around key transit hubs, such as Haney Place Transit Exchange, Maple Meadows Station, and Port Haney Station. These amendments fulfill provincial housing legislation and align with the Homes for People strategy. This item is complete. | |
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| This project is complete with submission of cycling infrastructure requests for a complete All Ages and Abilities Cycling Connection as part of the 2025-2030 5-year Capital Plan. Projects for this route will be implemented based on available funds in consideration of competing priorities and available funding. | |
| This project is complete with installation of 5 secure bike lockers located outside of the RCMP building near the transit exchange and 5 secure bike lockers located adjacent to the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre. Staff will monitor occupancy of these locations and put forth a request to Council for additional secure bike lockers when these are near capacity for peak hours of the day (if needed). | |
| Projects that support the expansion of the cycling network in Maple Ridgehave been finalized in the capital planning process. The City is on track to make significant improvements to the cycling network and reach the goal of an additional 3 kms by the Spring of 2026.
There are three projects related to this key result. One is completed and two are in progress. These include:
- Thorne Avenue Bikeway project - between 203 Street and 207 Street where it connects with 117 Avenue
- Donovan to Selkirk - between 216 Street and 222 Street, that includes, a pathway on the east side of 216 Street adjacent to the current bike lane and an All Ages and Abilities Neighbourhood Bikeway where cyclists will travel on the roadway. This project also has a speed limit reduction to 30 km/h and speed humps evenly spaced roughly every 100 metres.
- One project is completed - 123 Avenue - between Laity Street and 216 Street
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| This key result is progressing well.
Items completed under the asset management strategy initiative are as follows:
- Data submission on existing assets and gap analysis
- State of maturity assessment
- Workshops for water, sewage, drainage, and roads assets
- A final Lifecycle and Risk report for the City's water assets
Lifecycle and Risk reports for the City's sewage, drainage, and road assets are currently being drafted.
Asset management risk analysis has begun to be incorporated into the capital planning process. | |
| A drinking water, sewage and drainage servicing plan has been developed for the Lougheed Transit Corridor Area Plan (LTCAP). The servicing plan will continue to be refined as additional information is identified. This work now moves into an operational phase, and this initiative is completed.
The City will focus on building the LTCAP in 2025 and other servicing plans for two more additional growth areas will be considered in future years. | |