Real Ridge Podcast

A rapidly growing population and aging infrastructure means the pressure on our parks, arenas, fields, and pools will continue to increase - this is the recreation reality for Maple Ridge. The solution? A proposal for bold action now that will benefit current and future residents for decades to come.

In this episode, Dan Ruimy is joined by Christa Balotti and Chad Neufeld from the City of Maple Ridge Recreation and Parks teams to do a deep dive on Recreation Ready, including the studies, community feedback, and long-term planning that have shaped the three proposed new recreation facilities.

The conversation digs into details on site selection, transportation planning, funding strategy, public engagement, and the assent/referendum process, providing listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at how major recreation infrastructure projects are planned, prioritized, and delivered.

Still want to learn more? Visit MapleRidge.ca/RecreationReady

In an emergency, every second matters - but how do you prepare to be ready for ANYTHING?

In this episode, Mayor Dan Ruimy and Maple Ridge Fire Chief Dave Samson go beyond the sirens to explore one of the City’s most essential public services. From medical emergencies and wildfire response to disaster preparedness, public education, and community risk reduction, the diverse work of Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue helps ensure both short and long-term readiness for crisis and emergency response.

Hear the evolution of Maple Ridge Fire & Rescue from volunteer group to modern staffed fire service, how real incidents have generated adaptive responses, and how proactive collaboration between firefighters, City staff, partner agencies, community organizations, and residents helps keep Maple Ridge ready for whatever comes next.

As Maple Ridge grows, transportation is becoming much more than the daily commute - it shapes how residents connect, work, recreate, and access local businesses, as well as key factorss like affordability and livability.
 
In this episode, Mayor Dan Ruimy sits down with TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn to talk about what it really takes to build a transportation system that works for a fast-growing community like Maple Ridge. Together, they unpack the role of regional collaboration, updates on the long awaited Golden Ears Way 4-lane widening, the long-term nature of infrastructure planning, and why investments like Bus Rapid Transit, road improvements and active transportation can benefit everyone - not just transit users.
 
The conversation also explores how reliable mobility supports economic growth, helps businesses attract customers and employees, and reduces the risks that come with growth outpacing transportation investment.

What does it really take to build housing in Maple Ridge? How do you support developers to move projects forward faster while still protecting the infrastructure, livability, and long-term planning that residents count on? 

In this episode Mayor Dan Ruimy dives into housing, growth, and development with James Stiver, Director of Planning and Building for the City of Maple Ridge. James shares how the City is streamlining approvals through Development Services Optimization, highlights new tools like the Certified Professional Program and Velocity Concierge service, and explains how policy, infrastructure, and planning must work together to support complete communities.  

From digital permitting and faster reviews to transit-oriented growth and community planning, this conversation spotlights how Maple Ridge is working to support builders, respond to housing demand, and ensure growth is intentional, managed, and designed to benefit the whole community.

You turn on the tap and water is there. But behind that simple moment is a complex system under growing pressure. So what does it take to keep safe, reliable drinking water flowing in a growing city like Maple Ridge? 
In this episode Mayor Dan Ruimy sits down with Davin Wilson, Manager of Water Utility for the City of Maple Ridge, to talk about how our water system works, the planning and maintenance it takes to support it, and why conservation is a shared responsibility. Davin explains how growth, aging infrastructure, and hot summer conditions can put pressure on the system. 
From understanding where our water comes from to recognizing the role residents play in using it wisely, this episode highlights why we need to maintain this essential service.