
History of Maple Ridge, BC
Maple Ridge, located in British Columbia, Canada, has a rich history that stretches back over a century. Here are some key details about its history, geography, demographics, and more:
History:
Maple Ridge was incorporated as a district municipality on September 12, 1874. In the beginning, it covered an area of 33,000 acres and was home to only around 50 families. Maple Ridge is British Columbia’s fifth-oldest municipality, after New Westminster, Victoria, Langley, and Chilliwack. From 1965 until 1995, it was part of the Dewdney-Alouette Regional District with the City of Pitt Meadows and District of Mission. On March 26, 2014, Maple Ridge residents voted to change the community’s status from a district municipality to a city. The status change became official on September 12, 2014, coinciding with Maple Ridge’s 140th anniversary of municipal incorporation.
Geography and Communities:
Maple Ridge is located in the northeastern section of Greater Vancouver, between the Fraser River and the Golden Ears. The city is made up of various historical areas, including Albion, Haney, Iron Mountain, Kanaka Creek, Port Hammond, Ruskin, Silver Valley, Thornhill, Webster’s Corners, Whonnock, and Yennadon. These areas have diverse cultural backgrounds and historical influences.
Climate:
Maple Ridge exhibits an oceanic climate, with average high temperatures ranging from 5.0°C in January to 24.1°C in August. The area experiences both rainy and snowy days, with precipitation levels varying throughout the year.
Demographics:
In the 2021 Census, Maple Ridge had a population of 90,990, living in approximately 34,254 total private dwellings.The city’s population density was around 339.7/km² (879.9/sq mi) in 2021.The population includes a diverse range of ethnicities, with European being the largest panethnic group, followed by East Asian, South Asian, Indigenous, and other groups.
Religion and Language:
The religious landscape of Maple Ridge is diverse, with a significant portion identifying as irreligious, followed by Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, and other faiths. The majority of residents speak English as their mother tongue, while other languages like Chinese, Punjabi, Tagalog, Persian, Spanish, and Korean are also spoken.
Economy:
Early settlers in Maple Ridge engaged in forestry and agriculture, with forestry companies being major employers. The city has also gained prominence as a location for feature films and television series, with The Ridge Film Studios being a notable production site.
Arts and Culture:
Maple Ridge boasts venues for performing arts, including the Arts Centre and Theatre (ACT) and various theaters in local secondary schools. The city hosts various festivals, parades, and events, including the Santa Claus Parade, Earth Day celebrations, Canada Day festivities, and more.
Notable People:
Maple Ridge has been the hometown of notable individuals such as baseball player Larry Walker, race-car driver Greg Moore, musicians like Matthew Good, athletes like Cam Neely and Karina LeBlanc, and actors like Tyler Labine.
Is it Safe to Live in Maple Ridge, BC
With its unique demographic composition, educational institutions, and diverse recreational offerings, Maple Ridge in British Columbia is commonly recognized as a community that maintains a moderate level of safety. The city’s overall sense of safety for its residents is shaped by several factors:
- Demographics: Maple Ridge’s diverse population, including European, East Asian, South Asian, Indigenous, and other ethnic groups, contributes to its safety through cultural exchange and social cohesion. The city’s language diversity, with English as the mother tongue for 78.5% of residents and various other languages spoken, fosters communication and community engagement, enhancing safety awareness and responsiveness. Additionally, the religious diversity, including irreligious, Christian, Islamic, Sikh, Hindu, and other faiths, promotes tolerance and understanding, creating a harmonious environment that contributes to overall safety.
- Education: The city is known for its diverse community and educational institutions. Public schools are overseen by School District 42 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, which includes elementary and secondary schools such as Thomas Haney Secondary School, Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary School, Garibaldi Secondary School, Westview Secondary School, and Maple Ridge Secondary School. The city also hosts private schools like Meadowridge School and Maple Ridge Christian School. Notable individuals from Maple Ridge include musicians Matthew Good and Susan Jacks, as well as athletes Larry Walker and Tyler O’Neill.
- Low Crime Rates: Protected by several police stations and fire departments. With specific police stations like the Maple Ridge RCMP detachment and vibrant fire departments like Maple Ridge Fire & Rescue. Also, Fire Hall 2 to 4 are nearby.
- Recreation: Maple Ridge, BC offers a diverse range of recreational activities. Residents can enjoy cultural venues like the Arts Centre and Theatre, engage in outdoor festivities at Memorial Peace Park, and explore nature in areas like Kanaka Creek.
- Community: Maple Ridge, BC boasts a vibrant community with diverse cultural and recreational offerings. Residents can engage in festivities at Memorial Peace Park, enjoy performing arts at the Arts Centre and Theatre, and explore heritage buildings in Port Haney
Maple Ridge appears to provide a relatively secure living environment. However, it is advisable to adopt standard safety precautions and stay vigilant about the local circumstances to safeguard your well-being.

Things to do in Maple Ridge, BC
Maple Ridge, located in British Columbia, Canada, is a charming city nestled in the northeastern section of Greater Vancouver. It offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities that make it an appealing destination for residents and visitors alike. Here are some of the notable attractions and things to do in Maple Ridge:
- Memorial Peace Park: This park serves as a central gathering place for the community. It features a beautiful bandstand, walking trails, and lush green spaces. The park hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including Earth Day celebrations, Canada Day festivities, and outdoor concerts.
- Arts Centre and Theatre (ACT): The ACT is a hub for performing arts in Maple Ridge. It houses a main stage theatre, a studio theatre, and exhibition spaces for local artists. The ACT presents a diverse range of musical, theatrical, and cultural performances that cater to all ages.
- Haney Farmers Market: Held every Saturday from May to October at Memorial Peace Park, this vibrant farmers market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, crafts, and more. It’s a great opportunity to support local vendors and discover unique products.
- Golden Ears Provincial Park: This picturesque park features stunning landscapes, hiking trails, camping sites, and serene lakes. The Alouette Lake is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. The park offers a great escape into nature.
- Ridge Meadows Hospital Museum: This museum showcases the history of the Ridge Meadows Hospital and the healthcare industry in the area. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the past and the progress of medical care over the years.
- Maple Ridge Concert Band: If you’re a music enthusiast, catch a performance by the Maple Ridge Concert Band. This community concert band has been active for over 50 years and is known for its lively and engaging performances.
- Local Festivals and Parades: Maple Ridge hosts a variety of annual festivals and parades, including the Santa Claus Parade, Earth Day celebrations, Caribbean Festival, and more. These events provide opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate.
With its rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene, Maple Ridge offers a diverse array of attractions and activities that cater to residents and visitors of all interests. Whether you’re interested in arts and culture, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Maple Ridge has something to offer everyone.
Maple Ridge, BC, is located to the east of Vancouver and southwest of Mission, nestled amidst the scenic Fraser River and the Golden Ears Mountain Range.