Following a successful community festival to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Maple Ridge, the city is asking for the public's help in planning future events.
The city is inviting the community to share ideas and feedback by Feb. 5 to help shape its Major Events Development and Attraction Plan. This roadmap will guide future large-scale events, building on insights from the 2024 BC Summer Games, the Our Neck of the Woods festival, which welcomed over 15,000 attendees, and increased tourism marketing efforts.
"We are excited to hear from residents, visitors, and tourism organizations as we develop an event strategy that reflects Council’s Strategic Plan and the unique spirit of our community,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “Major events not only provide us with the opportunity to celebrate our city but also offer significant benefits for residents, visitors, and our local economy. By gathering input from those who live and visit here we can ensure that Maple Ridge remains a vibrant place for both community pride and growth.”
Major events, such as large music festivals and multi-day adventure races, can deliver significant economic, social, and reputational benefits to the community by drawing thousands of attendees. The goals are to:
• Provide diverse entertainment opportunities for residents.
• Foster stronger community connections and pride.
• Support local businesses and tourism growth.
• Enhance overall quality of life in Maple Ridge.
The city is providing the following opportunities for residents, event industry professionals, businesses, and community groups to help shape future of major events.
A community survey is open until Feb. 5, everyone is invited to share their thoughts online at Engage.MapleRidge.ca or request a printed copy by contacting Engage@MapleRidge.ca or calling 604-466-4300 (dial 4, ext. 5305).
A community input workshop (registration required) is a facilitated session to share ideas and discuss event priorities. The online workshop will be held Jan. 28 from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Event industry workshops (registration required) will be designed for event professionals to provide specialized insights. The in-person workshop will be held Jan. 23, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Greg Moore Youth Centre, and an online workshop on Jan. 30, from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Send written comments or questions to Cassandra@ExpeditionConsulting.ca by Feb. 5.
To complete the survey, register for a workshop, or learn more about the city Major Events Development and Attraction Plan visit Engage.MapleRidge.ca/MajorEventPlan or contact Amaka George–Shobo, tourism coordinator, at AGeorgeShobo@MapleRidge.ca.
