Maple Ridge, British Columbia

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.

Related Topics:
British Columbia - Vancouver - Fraser River - GVRD

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Demographics (according to Statistics Canada 2001 census)

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Population: 63 169

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Growth Rate (1996-2001): 12.5%

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Total Private Dwellings: 23 168

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Area: 265.69 sq. km.

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Density: 237.8 people per sq. km.

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Mayor: Kathy Morse

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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.)

Related Topics:
12 September - 1874 - New Westminster - Victoria - Langley - Chilliwack

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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 food crops, but the Maple Ridge agriculture sector generates upwards of $40 million annually (2001), mostly from horse breeding and the sale of trees and garden plants into the Vancouver market.

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In the past 20 years, Maple Ridge has grown very rapidly. 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. 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.

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