Skip to content

Final two downtown blocks due for makeover in Maple Ridge

Public invited to see designs Wednesday at city hall
10966136_web1_180312-MRN-M-road-renos
Final stage of fix up on Lougheed Highway between 224th and 226th streets now in the works. (Contributed)

The final piece of the road renovation puzzle for downtown Maple Ridge is set to fall into place this year when two blocks of Lougheed Highway, between 224th and 226th streets, are dug up, repaved and rebuilt.

New sidewalks, street furniture and lighting are all part of the work, intended to be harmonized with that already completed in the last few years on 224th Street and west of that on Lougheed Highway.

People can take a look at what’s proposed for the final portion of the Downtown Enhancement Project by dropping into city hall this Wednesday, March 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Design boards will be on display and city staff, as well as the design consultant will be available to answer questions.

The project, along with a schematic design, is also being previewed on the city’s Facebook page, where people are already commenting.

“This is all very interesting, but again, council after council is narrowly focused on enhancing the downtown core, but where is the majority of our shopping needs provided?” asks Howard Allan.

He says that shopping is provided in Pitt Meadows and Port Coquitlam, along with most of the jobs for Maple Ridge residents, while the city focuses on making downtown look pretty and livable.

“Where are the local new local jobs so we can bus, ride and drive to work in our own community? Where are the shops to offer us a variety of choices with competition in prices?” Allan asks.

According to the city, the objectives of the Downtown Enhancement Projects include increasing the livability of the town centre, supporting business growth and encouraging future investment, while enhancing the street experience for pedestrians and shoppers and the safety of road users.

Previous downtown enhancement projects focusing on Lougheed Highway and 224th Street took place in 2011, 2013, and 2014.