Maple Ridge, British Columbia
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Template:CoorHeader Image:Maple Ridge, British Columbia Location.png Maple Ridge is a District Municipality in British Columbia, located east of Vancouver, on the Fraser River. It is also a member of the GVRD.
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History
The District of Maple Ridge was incorporated 12 September 1874, and is British Columbia's fifth-oldest municipality (after New Westminster, Victoria, Langley, and Chilliwack.)
Recent growth
In the past 20 years, Maple Ridge has grown very rapidly, with a 12.5% population increase between the 1996 and 2001 censuses. The construction of new residential subdivisions has threatened many sensitive wildlife habitats as well as the District's limited agricultural land. About two-thirds of those who work outside the home commute into other suburbs or downtown Vancouver. Highlighting the trend towards a more urban attitude, Maple Ridge joined the GVRD in 1995, having historically been a member of the largely rural FVRD. The recently-started construction of the Golden Ears Bridge also signals growth.
Industry
The early settlers in Maple Ridge engaged in forestry and agriculture. Forestry companies continue to be the largest private-sector employers in the district. They include Interfor (whose Hammond mill employs more than 300) as well as companies that manufacture building materials, yachts and poles. The soil and climate are not well-suited to the production of traditional food crops, but the Maple Ridge agriculture sector generates upwards of $40 million annually (2001), largely from berry crops, nurseries, and horse breeding. The biggest challenge for the District is to attract commercial and industrial investment while trying to preserve the "close to nature" feel that is Maple Ridge's biggest asset.
Demographics
Demographics according to Statistics Canada 2001 census.
- Population: 63,169
- Annual Growth Rate : 3%
- Area: 265.69 sq. km.
- Density: 237.8 people per sq. km.
- Location: Template:Coor dms
Famous People From Maple Ridge
- Rick Tippe, country singer
- Helen Mussallem, nurse
- Larry Walker, baseball player
- Molly Parker, actress
- Robert Mundell, economist
- Cam Neely, hockey player
- Greg Moore, race car driver
- Fred Grisolm, Comic Artist (Hate Song)
Surrounding Municipalities
External links
Template:Mapit-Canada-cityscale
- District of Maple Ridge Local government home page
- History of Maple Ridge A variety of information on the history of Maple Ridge, including historical images, information on heritage buildings, and more.
