Maple Ridge, B.C., February 3, 2026 — The City of Maple Ridge is advancing the North 256 Street Industrial Lands Area Plan to increase the supply of industrial land and support long-term economic growth locally and across the region. 

At its January 27 meeting, Council gave third reading to the Official Community Plan bylaw amendments for North 256 Street and directed staff to make the necessary referral to Metro Vancouver Regional District for their approval. 

“The North 256 Street Industrial Lands Area Plan provides a clear roadmap for how this area can develop over the long term,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “There is a significant shortage of industrial lands across Metro Vancouver, and unlocking the potential of these lands will help attract new businesses, create local jobs, and diversify Maple Ridge’s tax base. This kind of coordinated planning supports our economy while giving residents, existing businesses, and developers greater certainty and ensuring infrastructure investment keeps pace with growth.” 

In addition to this long-term planning framework for North 256 Street, the City is prioritizing transportation and other infrastructure improvements to promote safe traffic flow in the area. Any future development that takes place will be required to meet strict design and environmental standards. 

The plan establishes: 

The proposed Area Plan has been informed by technical analysis and three phases of community and interest holder engagement, including a Public Hearing held on January 20. Feedback received will continue to inform future infrastructure planning, environmental reviews, and implementation. 

The North 256 Street Industrial Lands, located north of 128 Avenue at the end of 256 Street, are currently home to some existing industrial businesses and institutional users and have long been identified for future industrial expansion. The Area Plan will provide a structure to guide the further development of a modern, light industrial employment area while recognizing the existing uses, environmental features, and recreational activities. 

Through implementation, the area plan will: 

The Area Plan proposes amendments to the City’s Official Community Plan, Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy (Metro 2050), and the Fraser Sewerage Service Area, to enable coordinated development. Environmentally sensitive lands will be protected, with all future development subject to detailed, site-specific technical reviews and regulatory approvals. 

Community Input 

Community feedback from three phases of engagement and the public hearing helped shape the plan’s vision, land use approach, infrastructure planning, and environmental considerations. Residents and interest holders expressed support for local job creation and tax base diversification, while raising concerns related to road safety and traffic congestion, the need for transportation and infrastructure upgrades, and the protection of natural features. 

“We greatly appreciate the feedback we received from the community which has been considered in the development of the Area Plan,” said James Stiver, Director of Planning and Building. “While this Area Plan establishes a long-term planning framework, transportation and other infrastructure improvements will continue to be advanced through the City’s capital program and the Maple Ridge Moves transportation plan. All future development will also be required to meet strict design and environmental standards.” 

Transportation Planning and Infrastructure Improvements 

Confirmed and planned transportation projects in this area include: 

Any future development must demonstrate that appropriate road, water, sewer, and storm infrastructure is available or upgraded as part of the approval process. Environmentally sensitive areas are intended to be protected, with regulatory oversight applied at each stage of development. 

Next Steps 

For more information, visit Engage.MapleRidge.ca/256AreaPlan or contact Eric Aderneck, Industrial Lands Program Manager, at EAderneck@MapleRidge.ca or 604-721-5528.