FAQs

When the draft Lougheed Transit Corridor Area Plan was brought to Council in December of 2021, staff were directed to review the land use designation of properties in the Town Centre next to the Lougheed Transit Corridor to ensure appropriate transitional land uses between these areas. This work initially focused on properties along Cliff Avenue between 221 Street and the Haney Bypass. In March of 2022, Council directed staff to also review the land use designations for properties to the north along Selkirk Avenue and 119 Avenue.

Land use planning is a process that helps guide the growth of communities by creating policies for what types of land uses (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, park) and what types of built form (e.g., single-detached houses, townhouses, apartments) are appropriate in certain areas based on factors such as roads, infrastructure, the environment, and neighbourhood character.

An Official Community Plan is a key document that guides the growth and development of a municipality and is based on principles that have been identified by the community. It contains details about land use planning, housing, community services, natural features, transportation, infrastructure, and more.

An Area Plan is specific to a unique area in the city and provides a greater level of detail about land use, density, form, and character. Each Area Plan is unique based on the issues, characteristics, and objectives for the area. Examples of Area Plans in the City of Maple Ridge are the Town Centre Area Plan and draft Lougheed Transit Corridor Area Plan.

The Town Centre Area Plan (TCAP) guides the growth and development of the downtown area, which includes the historic Port Haney and the lively commercial area surrounding Haney Place Mall. The Plan sets the long-term vision for the Town Centre and aims to create more housing, mixed-uses, and greenspace while creating a pedestrian-oriented environment.

The Lougheed Transit Corridor Area Plan (LTCAP) is a draft plan under development for the area along Lougheed Highway and Dewdney Trunk Road to the west of the Town Centre. The Plan aims to develop complete communities with a higher density of housing and services along the Lougheed Corridor while providing efficient transit service that connects people to other areas of the city and beyond.

Every property in Maple Ridge has a land use designation that provides high-level guidance on how the land could be used in the future and what type of built form would be appropriate. Land use designations are established within the City’s Official Community Plan and Area Plans and help shape what zones are allowed for a given property.

Every property in Maple Ridge has a zone that provides more detailed site requirements than land use designations. Zones are established within the City’s Zoning Bylaw and set requirements on how the land can be used today.

Changing a land use designation does not alter what uses are allowed on a property today, as those details fall under the specific zone. Instead, it helps support the long-term vision for the area by changing what land uses may be allowed in the future as an area continues to transform and develop over time.

The properties of interest are located on Cliff Avenue, Selkirk Avenue, and 119 Avenue between 221 Street and 222 Street. Please click here for more information about the specific properties.

These properties were identified because they are currently designated Single-Family Residential in the Town Centre Area Plan and are located in a key transitional area next to the Lougheed Transit Corridor, which is expected to experience future growth.

Changing a land use designation does not have an immediate impact on a property and does not guarantee that redevelopment will occur. If redevelopment is pursued at some point in the future, the new land use designation would change what the property could potentially be used for if an application for a Zone Amending Bylaw is submitted. This process requires approval from Council.

After the survey closes, staff will review all feedback and include a summary of what was heard in an outcomes and recommendation report to Council discussing the potential land use changes for this group of properties. There is also to the opportunity to share your thoughts with Council at the public hearing that is required before an Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw is formally adopted.

Please contact Jeff White, Community Planner, at jwhite@mapleridge.ca or 604-467-7383 with any additional questions you may have.