2019 City of Maple Ridge Annual Report

Services Provided by City Departments

Recreation & Community Engagement Director of Recreation & Community Engagement – Danielle Pope

Planning & Development Services General Manager – Christine Carter

The Planning & Development Services (PDS) Division provides leadership in the implementation of services including development processing, the issuance of building permits and business licenses. In addition, the division attends to enquiries and requests for assistance from the public. The division continues to work with its partners such as the Urban Development Institute, and Greater Vancouver Homebuilders Association and the Downtown Business Improvement Association to ensure its processes align with Best Practices. The Division sees public consultation being at the forefront of its activities and continues to build a successful public consultation process to engage and inform residents. The Division consists of four departments: Building, Licenses & Bylaws, Planning and Economic Development. The Building Department contributes to the corporate vision by ensuring that all construction works carried out within the City comply with the conditions detailed within the Maple Ridge Building Bylaw by providing excellent customer service. The Department works closely with development and building communities through participation on the Development Liaison Committee and hosting Builders Forums. Building Chief Building Officer – Stephen Cote-Rolvink

Recreation & Community Engagement (RCE) provides recreational, cultural and social programs, services and spaces for residents and visitors of Maple Ridge. RCE prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, investing in valued partnerships and opportunities that enhance the quality of life of citizens and that support a healthy community. Our work is guided by a number of strategic documents including the Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan, Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, Youth Strategy, Culture Plan and the Age Friendly Action Plan. In addition to these local strategies, PRC also aligns service delivery with the priorities set in the National Framework for Recreation in Canada (the Framework). The Framework defines recreation as the experience that results from freely chosen participation in physical, social, intellectual and creative pursuits that enhance individual and community wellbeing. Recreation has the potential to address barriers in sedentary behaviour, decreased contact with nature and inequities that limit participation. The Framework for Recreation in Canada provides 5 Goals to support meaningful, accessible recreation experiences: 1. Active Living 2. Inclusion & Access 3. Connecting People & Nature 4. Supportive Environments 5. Recreation Capacity In cooperation with the Parks & Facilities Department, services are delivered directly through the operation of facilities such as the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre and Greg Moore Youth Centre or through community partners such as Planet Ice, the ACT and the Fraser Valley Regional Library. Recreation and Community Engagement works with community networks and partners to ensure that there is an abundance of opportunities for citizens of all ages to connect, engage and participate that meet community needs.

The Building Department helps ensure that construction in the City of Maple Ridge meets or exceeds all building codes. This helps protect the investment that our citizens make in their homes and businesses. Licenses & Bylaws Manager of Bylaw & Licensing Services: Michelle Orsetti The Licenses & Bylaws Department contributes to the corporate vision by identifying policy initiatives that enhance Maple Ridge’s “business friendly” approach by pursuing compliance of City bylaws in a fair and consistent manner. The ultimate goal is to gain voluntary compliance whenever possible. The department works closely with the Economic Development Department, issuing business licenses and providing enhanced customer service. The department also administers the dog license program and collaborates with the BC SPCA with animal welfare and legislation.

Accessibility and inclusion are a core value in the development of recreation programs and facilities at the City of Maple Ridge. All citizens benefit from having spaces and activities that promote healthy living.

20 City of Maple Ridge - 2019 Annual Report