Recognition highlights City’s bold vision and strategic direction for the future

Maple Ridge, B.C., Oct 30, 2025— The City of Maple Ridge is proud to be recognized with an Award of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Canada for its Brand Strategy in the Communication Management – Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication category of the 2025 Silver Leaf Awards.

The brand strategy is a cornerstone initiative of Council’s long-term vision to strengthen civic pride, support economic development, and unify communications across the organization.

The IABC Silver Leaf Awards are Canada’s premier professional awards program celebrating excellence in strategic communication. They recognize outstanding work by communicators across the country who influence and integrate best practices in communications and public relations.

This national honour recognizes the City’s multi-year journey to develop and launch a bold, community-driven brand strategy that captures the spirit, vision, and momentum of Maple Ridge.

A Strategic Foundation for the City’s Future

Launched in October 2023 following significant community engagement and research, the brand reflects Maple Ridge’s natural beauty, entrepreneurial drive, and progressive outlook.

“Maple Ridge is one of the fastest growing cities in the region and this award is a reflection of the incredible journey we’re on together,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “Our brand tells the story of who we are — we’re bold by nature, driven by community, and a city on the move toward an exciting future. I’m incredibly proud of our Council, staff, businesses and residents who helped shape this vision and bring it to life.”

Using a phased and fiscally responsible approach, the City has implemented the brand across digital platforms, signage, tourism campaigns and major community events, including the 2024 BC Summer Games and 150th anniversary celebrations. The brand has become a framework for communication and decision-making, aligning how the City tells its story with how it delivers on its strategic priorities.

A Brand That Defines the Future

The brand’s three pillars — Bold by Nature, Driven by Community and City on the Move — define Maple Ridge’s identity and its strategic direction for growth and investment. From economic development and tourism to strategic narrative, advocacy and public service, the brand has become a catalyst for pride, connection and progress.

“This recognition underscores the strength of our brand strategy as a framework that reflects our values, amplifies our voice, and positions Maple Ridge as a leader among growing Canadian cities,” added Mayor Ruimy. “This brand is more than a logo. It tells our story of transformation and sets the tone for the next chapter of growth and opportunity.”

The City’s rebrand has also garnered international accolades, including five MarCom Awards, four Viddy Awards, and four Hermes Creative Awards, and has been featured as a best practice at the 2025 Local Government Communications and Engagement Forum.

Recognition of Excellence

The IABC Award of Excellence recognizes Maple Ridge’s achievement in strategic brand communication, placing the City among Canada’s top communicators. The entry was submitted under Division 1: Communication Management, Category 7: Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication, which celebrates strategies that reposition brands, build awareness, and motivate engagement among internal and external audiences. This year, 33 recipients were honoured from 85 entries nationwide, including 16 Award of Excellence winners and 17 Award of Merit recipients. Full details are available in the news release.

About the IABC Silver Leaf Awards

The IABC Canada Silver Leaf Awards celebrate excellence in strategic communication across Canada. Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Canada, the program recognizes projects that demonstrate innovation, strategic thinking and measurable impact across diverse disciplines, including communication management, research and digital media.

Entries are evaluated by a panel of industry experts using rigorous criteria ensuring that winning submissions demonstrate innovation, strategic thinking and measurable results. This year’s winning projects were recognized at the IABC Canada Conference in Ottawa, Oct. 28–30, 2025.

About the City of Maple Ridge Brand

Unveiled in 2023, the Maple Ridge brand strategy was developed through extensive research, consultation, and collaboration with residents, Indigenous partners, and community interest holders. The brand captures Maple Ridge’s unique combination of natural beauty, community strength, and forward-looking ambition positioning the City as Bold by Nature, Driven by Community, and a City on the Move.

For more information about the City’s award-winning brand strategy, visit MapleRidge.ca/Brand.

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Media Contact

Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249 E media@mapleridge.ca