Maple Ridge is a city in British Columbia, Canada, located in the northeastern section of Metro Vancouver between the Fraser River and the Golden Ears Mountains. In 2016, the City of Maple Ridge’s population topped 82,000 with approximately 22% of the residents being seniors. Maple Ridge continues to be the third fastest-growing community in Metro Vancouver.

The Age-friendly Communities Initiative is a collaboration between the City of Maple Ridge, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Katzie, Seniors Network (Planning Table), under the guidance of Maple Ridge Parks, Recreation and Culture and the Maple Ridge/ Pitt Meadows Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness. This Council endorsed initiative engages residents, stakeholders and City departments to optimize opportunities for health, participation and security to enhance the quality of life as our resident’s age.

In 2019, the City of Maple Ridge became a member of the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities.

Age-friendly Maple Ridge

The initial Age-friendly Inventory Assessment and Seniors’ Community Forum were held in 2009 and revisited in 2015, with over 200 residents, stakeholders, and city staff identifying the needs and priorities of our ageing community. Recommendations throughout the Age-friendly Action plan align with the eight key features outlined in the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities, along with a ninth local feature: Emergency Preparedness.

In June of 2016, the City of Maple Ridge received Age-friendly Community Status through the BC Healthy Communities Society and BC Ministry of Health. In December 2017, the City of Maple Ridge requested that the Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness, Age-friendly subcommittee prepare an implementation schedule for the Action Plan, previously endorsed, and in June of 2018, the Age-friendly Implementation Plan was endorsed by council.

The Age-friendly subcommittee continues their work to implement the action plan. Some of the work completed to date includes:
• Appointments to Municipal Advisory Committees;
• Supporting the Dementia Friendly Community Plan;
• Creating senior-specific emergency response print materials and video;
• Hosting senior-specific safety workshops;
• Hosted walkability studies with City staff; (and)
• Encouraging and supporting intergenerational learning opportunities.

The City of Maple Ridge has been working in collaboration with the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Katzie, Senior Network (seniors planning table) for many years on its Age-Friendly Community Initiative.  The Seniors Network has provided exceptional leadership and facilitation throughout the project.

As a designated Age-friendly Community, the City of Maple Ridge is committed to ongoing evaluation and implementation to ensure our citizens can age in place.