Real Ridge Podcast

The forests, rivers, and landscapes that make our community beautiful also bring unique disaster risks. So how can you prepare to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in an emergency?  In this episode Mayor Dan Ruimy sits down with Edd Bennett, Emergency Response Program Manager for the City of Maple Ridge, to talk about local hazards, community resilience, and why preparedness is a shared responsibility. Edd explains how emergency planning helps protect residents, reduce pressure on first responders, and strengthens the city’s ability to respond and recover when major events happen.  From knowing your risks and building a household plan to attending workshops and signing up for alerts, this conversation highlights the practical steps people can take to be more ready. It’s a timely reminder that while emergencies can’t always be prevented, preparation can make all the difference. 

What does it really take to start and grow a business in Maple Ridge? Where are owners and entrepreneurs leaving opportunities on the table and how does mindset matter? Mayor Dan Ruimy dives into entrepreneurship, local momentum, and business growth opportunities with Kristi Maier, CEO of the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce. Kristi shares how positivity is integral for business owners and the community alike, highlights the growth of several local small and medium businesses, and explains how the Chamber supports startups and established companies. From networking and advocacy to community pride, this conversation spotlights why Maple Ridge is becoming a place where businesses—and people—can truly thrive.

When you hear “industrial lands,” you might imagine smokestacks, heavy pollution, and outdated factories—but that picture no longer reflects today’s reality. In this episode of The Real Ridge, Dan is joined by Eric Aderneck, Industrial Lands Program Manager for the City of Maple Ridge, to unpack what modern industrial development actually looks like and why it should matter to every resident.The conversation explores how cleaner, quieter, light‑industrial uses can coexist with environmental stewardship and strong urban design, while playing a crucial role in supporting local jobs, strengthening the tax base, and easing pressure on residential property taxes. Eric walks through the vision for the North 256 Street Industrial Lands Area Plan, explaining how thoughtful, phased development—paired with infrastructure and transportation upgrades—can help Maple Ridge remain economically resilient. The episode also tackles common concerns around traffic, growth, and location, and looks ahead to emerging opportunities in advanced manufacturing, technology, and digital industries. Whether you’re a homeowner, commuter, or business owner, this episode offers a clearer picture of how industrial lands help build a more balanced, complete, and sustainable Maple Ridge.

If services feel the same, why do taxes go up?In episode two of the Real Ridge Podcast, Mayor Dan Ruimy and City finance leadership tackle “myth vs math” on property taxes:Where each dollar goes (services vs capital)What actually drives increases (labour, construction, regulations, growth)How residents can get clear info and have real input.Plus: the truth about Maple Ridge’s garbage pickup and why engagement matters!

In this exciting first episode, Ridge Meadows RCMP's Officer-in-Charge, Superintendent Adam Gander and Mayor Dan Ruimy unpack why community safety in Maple Ridge can feel worse than the numbers show - including how social media shapes perception and what local crime data is actually indicating.Discover how modern policing is evolving toward mental health and crisis response, and what residents can do (reporting, prevention, and partnership) to support safer neighbourhoods in Maple Ridge------------------------------------------------The Real Ridge Podcast is the City of Maple Ridge's official municipal podcast. We host candid conversations between Mayor Dan Ruimy, City staff, regional leaders, community champions, and subject matter experts to uncover the stories behind the headlines on topics our residents care most about.