The City of Maple Ridge is reminding residents and businesses that maintaining boulevards is a shared responsibility, that helps keep the community clean, safe, and accessible.
A boulevard is the strip of land between the edge of the road and property lines. This includes areas beside, in front of, or behind a property, including the space between the sidewalk and curb. Boulevards are public property but must be maintained by the adjacent property owner, according to local bylaws.
Property owners and residents are encouraged to beautify their boulevard with grass, but they are prohibited from doing anything that obstructs access or creates a safety hazard. It’s important to know where your property ends and the public boulevard begins.
Under the city’s Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw, property owners, tenants and occupants must:
• Keep grass trimmed below 30 cm, and free of weeds.
• Remove garbage, debris, and anything that blocks drainage.
• Ensure hedges and plants on private property do not block sidewalks, streets, or visibility.
To protect public safety and access, the following are not permitted on boulevards:
• Planting (only grass is allowed), or removing trees or shrubs.
• Building fences, walls, rockeries, or parking pads.
• Installing signage or dumping yard waste, vegetation, or debris.
Boulevards often contain underground and above-ground public infrastructure such as water lines, drainage systems, streetlights, sidewalks and signage. Keeping boulevards clear ensures safe pedestrian access, garbage collection, traffic visibility, and uninterrupted utility maintenance.
A Highway Use Permit may be required to access or work on a boulevard, including construction or landscaping near city property. Use the city’s Ridgeview mapping system for approximate property boundaries or consult a land surveyor for confirmation.
Concerns about boulevard conditions or unsightly properties can be reported at MapleRidge.ca/Report. For more information, visit MapleRidge.ca/BoulevardMaintenance or contact the city’s Bylaw, Licensing and Community Safety Department at Bylaws@MapleRidge.ca.
