2019 City of Maple Ridge Citizens Report

MAYOR’S INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the 2019 Citizens Report. The purpose of this publication is to provide an overview of the City’s financial information for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. The report also highlights each Corporate Division’s accomplishments from the past year and the many community events held in the last twelve months. While work was underway to prepare this 2019 year in review, COVID-19 emerged and has had a huge impact on every aspect of our citizens’ lives. Our organization has adapted quickly to ensure we continue to deliver essential services with the added priority of health and safety for staff and citizens. It is a testament to the prudent financial planning that the City of Maple Ridge is able to maintain these essential services through this crisis. The City’s sound financial position has enabled us to meet the challenges of COVID-19 by providing resources and personnel to support the Provincial effort to slow the spread of this disease.

Council has established a strong Strategic Plan to guide our leadership team and their work as Maple Ridge evolves from a ‘small town’ to a fast growing urban City. In the latter part of 2019, Al Horsman joined the organization as our Chief Administrative Officer. Through his leadership and experience, he has, in a short time, restructured the organization to better tackle the challenges of today as well as ensure our City is well positioned to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow. I am confident that, in the fullness of time, implementation of Council’s Strategic Plan will move our City forward. Our future is bright! Everyone on Council is proud of our City and honoured to serve its citizens. I hope you find useful information throughout this publication.

Mayor Mike Morden

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