Real Ridge Podcast

About Real Ridge Podcast

Maple Ridge is sharing the stories behind the headlines with our all-new Real Ridge Podcast. Listen in on candid conversations with community leaders, subject-matter experts, City staff, and Mayor Dan Ruimy about the issues our community cares about most.

Publisher

City of Maple Ridge

Category

government

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Mar 2026

Latest episode

31 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

4 of 10 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   31 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   10 | The Recreation Reality

   Host Dan Ruimy interviews City of Maple Ridge Recreation and Parks team members Christa Balotti and Chad Neufeld about planning new recreation facilities to meet growing demand.

2. 

   28 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   09 | Beyond the Sirens

   Mayor Dan Ruimy and Maple Ridge Fire Chief Dave Samson discuss the evolution and comprehensive readiness of Maple Ridge Fire & Rescue's essential public services.

3. 

   23 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT

   08 | Moving a Growing City

   Mayor Dan Ruimy interviews TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn about building a transportation system that supports Maple Ridge's growth, economic vitality, and livability.

4. 

   1 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT

   07 | Building A Community For All – Faster!

   Mayor Dan Ruimy interviews James Stiver, Director of Planning and Building, about Maple Ridge's strategies for faster housing development while preserving community livability.

5. 

   18 May 2026

   06 | Water: The Hidden System Under Pressure

   You turn on the tap and water is there. But behind that simple moment is a complex system under growing pressure. So what does it take to keep safe, reliable drinking water flowing in a growing city like Maple Ridge? In this episode Mayor Dan Ruimy sits down with Davin Wilson, Manager of Water Utility for the City of Maple Ridge, to talk about how our water system works, the planning and maintenance it takes to support it, and why conservation is a shared responsibility. Davin explains how growth, aging infrastructure, and hot summer conditions can put pressure on the system. From understanding where our water comes from to recognizing the role residents play in using it wisely, this episode highlights why we need to maintain this essential service.

6. 

   4 May 2026

   05 | When Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Ready?

   The forests, rivers, and landscapes that make our community beautiful also bring unique disaster risks. So how can you prepare to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in an emergency? In this episode Mayor Dan Ruimy sits down with Edd Bennett, Emergency Response Program Manager for the City of Maple Ridge, to talk about local hazards, community resilience, and why preparedness is a shared responsibility. Edd explains how emergency planning helps protect residents, reduce pressure on first responders, and strengthens the city’s ability to respond and recover when major events happen. From knowing your risks and building a household plan to attending workshops and signing up for alerts, this conversation highlights the practical steps people can take to be more ready. It’s a timely reminder that while emergencies can’t always be prevented, preparation can make all the difference.

7. 

   20 Apr 2026

   04 | Business Misses (and Opportunities!)

   What does it really take to start and grow a business in Maple Ridge? Where are owners and entrepreneurs leaving opportunities on the table and how does mindset matter? Mayor Dan Ruimy dives into entrepreneurship, local momentum, and business growth opportunities with Kristi Maier, CEO of the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce. Kristi shares how positivity is integral for business owners and the community alike, highlights the growth of several local small and medium businesses, and explains how the Chamber supports startups and established companies. From networking and advocacy to community pride, this conversation spotlights why Maple Ridge is becoming a place where businesses—and people—can truly thrive.

8. 

   13 Apr 2026

   03 | Why We Need Industrial Lands

   When you hear “industrial lands,” you might imagine smokestacks, heavy pollution, and outdated factories—but that picture no longer reflects today’s reality. In this episode of The Real Ridge, Dan is joined by Eric Aderneck, Industrial Lands Program Manager for the City of Maple Ridge, to unpack what modern industrial development actually looks like and why it should matter to every resident. The conversation explores how cleaner, quieter, light‑industrial uses can coexist with environmental stewardship and strong urban design, while playing a crucial role in supporting local jobs, strengthening the tax base, and easing pressure on residential property taxes. Eric walks through the vision for the North 256 Street Industrial Lands Area Plan, explaining how thoughtful, phased development—paired with infrastructure and transportation upgrades—can help Maple Ridge remain economically resilient. The episode also tackles common concerns around traffic, growth, and location, and looks ahead to emerging opportunities in advanced manufacturing, technology, and digital industries. Whether you’re a homeowner, commuter, or business owner, this episode offers a clearer picture of how industrial lands help build a more balanced, complete, and sustainable Maple Ridge.

9. 

   23 Mar 2026

   02 | Tax Mythbusters

   If services feel the same, why do taxes go up? In episode two of the Real Ridge Podcast, Mayor Dan Ruimy and City finance leadership tackle “myth vs math” on property taxes: Where each dollar goes (services vs capital) What actually drives increases (labour, construction, regulations, growth) How residents can get clear info and have real input. Plus: the truth about Maple Ridge’s garbage pickup and why engagement matters!

10. 

    7 Mar 2026

    01 | Community Safety, Feeling vs Reality

    In this exciting first episode, Ridge Meadows RCMP's Officer-in-Charge, Superintendent Adam Gander and Mayor Dan Ruimy unpack why community safety in Maple Ridge can feel worse than the numbers show - including how social media shapes perception and what local crime data is actually indicating. Discover how modern policing is evolving toward mental health and crisis response, and what residents can do (reporting, prevention, and partnership) to support safer neighbourhoods in Maple Ridge ------------------------------------------------ The Real Ridge Podcast is the City of Maple Ridge's official municipal podcast. We host candid conversations between Mayor Dan Ruimy, City staff, regional leaders, community champions, and subject matter experts to uncover the stories behind the headlines on topics our residents care most about.

Inside a recent episode

10 | The Recreation Reality

Published 31 Jul 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] And so we're building for today, but we're also recognizing with the growth of Maple Ridge and in two decades will be 40% more population that we need to look to servicing our residents now and those that will be coming in the decades now. Yeah, I guess we're not really a small town anymore. And so it's about finding that balance. And the longer that we wait, I'm sure other councils have come up with their own plans of what they wanted to see. But unfortunately, we haven't seen a lot of plans come to fruition. So what could have been done a decade ago would have been a heck of a lot cheaper to do than it is today. […]

Who has been a guest on Real Ridge Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Christa Balotti
• Chad Neufeld
• Dave Samson
• Kevin Quinn
• James Stiver

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Contact Real Ridge Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Real Ridge Podcast