Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge District Municipality in British Columbia, located east of Vancouver, on the Fraser River. Population (2001 census) 63,169

Demographics (according to Statistics Canada 2001 census)
Growth Rate (1996-2001): 12.5%
Total Private Dwellings: 23168
Area: 265.69 sq. km.
Density: 237.8 people per sq. km.

Mayor: Kathy Morse

The District of Maple Ridge, incorporated in 1874, is British Columbia's third-oldest municipality. It is located directly across the Fraser River from Fort Langley, which was a Hudson's Bay Company fur trading post and British Columbia's first capital, and it was settled originally by retired employees from the fort. These included a number of Hawaiians, or "Kanakas", after whom Kanaka Creek in Maple Ridge is named.

The early settlers in Maple Ridge engaged in forestry and farming. Forest products operations continue to be the largest private-sector employers in the district. They include the Interfor cedar mill as well as companies that manufacture building materials, yachts and poles. The soil and climate are not suited to the production of food crops, but the Maple Ridge agriculture sector generates upwards of $40 million annually (2001), mostly from horse breeding and the sale of trees and garden plants into the Vancouver market.

In the past 30 years, Maple Ridge has grown rapidly, especially through the construction of new residential subdivisions. About two-thirds of those who work outside the home commute into other suburbs or downtown Vancouver. 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.

Surrounding Municipalities:
Pitt Meadows
Langley, British Columbia
Mission, British Columbia