A modern new look, improved navigation, and better viewing on all devices are among the improvements of the City of Maple Ridge’s new website unveiled today.
The new, customer-focused website - MapleRidge.ca - is designed to enhance user experience, improve accessibility, and increase community engagement.

“Our website is the first point of contact people often have with our City and this is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to keep our residents engaged and informed,” said Mayor Ruimy. “Our site had over 2 million page views last year, reflecting its importance to our residents. Putting our customers first and making it easier for residents to find information any time, on any device helps us achieve our goals of openness and transparency.”

The new website makes it easier for users to navigate the site with an improved site map structure, enhanced search function, and updated content. It also includes enhanced accessibility features consistent with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 level AA standard.

Key features of the new website include:

• Streamlined navigation that is aligned with how visitors typically search for information
• Amalgamates three stand-alone department sites into one City website
• A responsive design that provides consistent viewing on any device
• Improved online form functionality, including a one-stop place to report concerns
• Dynamic accessibility tool for residents with diverse abilities to personalize settings and for users to translate content to multiple languages
• A more prominent ‘I want to’ service feature section and direct links to e-services
• Comprehensive community calendar showcasing local events
• Dynamic homepage featuring the latest City news and announcements
• Easier to search for information on City facilities and bylaws

“The City is committed to providing a website accessible for all users,” said Zvi Lifshiz, Director of Strategic Development, Communications and Engagement. “This is a key step forward to improving our online services and our customer experience across all our services areas. I encourage everyone to try out the new website and share your feedback. This will help us with planning for future enhancements to the website and our online services.”

New Platform Sets Foundation for Ongoing Improvements

The project moves the City’s website onto a modern, secure open-source content management system used by public and private agencies globally. The new platform lays the foundation for future improvements, including new interactive and innovative online services and the future use of automated tools to help our customers navigate key information, such as bylaws and application processes, and plan activities and event participation.
Developing the new site included:

• Review of best practices
• Engagement with the public, staff, and community partners through an online survey
• Extensive content review and consolidations
• Internal testing and staff training
• Public user testing 

As part of the continuous improvement process for the website, the City will seek ongoing feedback to inform future enhancements.
Share Your Feedback
The City is inviting the public to check out its new site at MapleRidge.ca and provide feedback through a short survey by June 30 at Engage.MapleRidge.ca/Website for a chance to win one of ten $25 gift cards to a local business. Residents can also email communications@mapleridge.ca if they need any support with the new site.

Background

The last website update was undertaken in 2018.  Following a rigorous and competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, the City contracted Upanup, an industry leader specializing in the development of municipal websites. The City leveraged Upanup’s experience in delivering websites for other similar and larger-sized communities.
The website is one of the many projects the City is undertaking to improve communications and engagement with residents.