Mayor & Council

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Since 1874, when the District of Maple Ridge was first incorporated, the responsibility for local government has vested in a Mayor and Council. The primary functions of Council are to establish administrative policy, to adopt bylaws governing matters delegated to local government through the Community Charter, Local Government Act and other Provincial statutes for the protection of the public, and to levy taxes for these purposes. Council is also empowered to manage, acquire and dispose of District assets. The day-to-day operation of the District is delegated by Council to the Chief Administrative Officer and District Staff.

 

 

Mayor Gordy Robson

A lifelong resident of Maple Ridge, Gordy is the son of Les and Kit Robson, who moved to Maple Ridge in the early 1940's. Les was the manager of the local feed and seed store, Buckerfields, and Gordon's mom was a registered nurse with a feisty spirit and a passion for the environment. Gordon was schooled locally - attending Mountainview Crescent, Hammond Elementary, Haney Central, Webster's Corners Elementary, Garibaldi Senior Secondary and Maple Ridge High School.

Gordy's business reputation brought him a stable of high profile financial institutions and clients seeking his expertise in asset management, financial restructuring, legal issue management and international marketing.  He also garnered success as a political consultant in the provincial and federal political arena and is a past member of the International Association of Political Consultants. An engaging public speaker, he has travelled throughout North America lecturing on politics.

Parents of nine grown children, Gordy and Mary live in Webster's Corners, on property next door to his family home.

grobson@mapleridge.ca

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Councillor Ernie Daykin

Ernie Daykin's family's roots in Maple Ridge go back to the late 1870's when his great-grandfather Hampton arrived with his family. Ernie says he has been fortunate to live in Maple Ridge for 52 of his 55 years. He and his wife Judy owned and operated a Windsor Plywood franchise in Maple Ridge for 23 years. He is now working for the Baptist Housing Society in an administrative role, giving oversight to a Maple Ridge senior's building, as well as being involved in two new construction projects for the Society.

Ernie and Judy have two grown children, Christine (married to Ryan) and Michael as well as two really cute grandsons to spoil. They enjoyed raising their children in Maple Ridge and watching them attend the same schools as he did. In his spare time, Ernie likes to read and play golf.

Ernie believes strongly in giving back to the community we live in and striving to make it a better place for all. He has always strived to do that with both his business and personal life.  Ernie has served as a volunteer member for a variety of not for profit boards both in the business community as well as the social services community.

Ernie's Council liaison roles are: Fraser Valley Regional Library Board, Metro Vancouver Waste Management Committee, Ridge Meadows Recycling Society, Maple Ridge Economic Advisory Commission, and the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission.

edaykin@mapleridge.ca

"I consider it a privilege to serve Maple Ridge, in the role of Councillor. 
Please feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail with any concerns or ideas you may have. 
I believe by working together Maple Ridge will be the winner!"

 

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Councillor Judy Dueck

A resident of Maple Ridge since 1975, Judy is married to Ron and they have two grown children and a grandson on the way.

Judy has a long history of community involvement, which includes being a past member of the Meadow Ridge Rotary Club, the District Parent Advisory Council, Past President of Alouette Addictions Service Society, and director of the BC Summer Games.

Political Experience:

• Councillor 2002 - Present
• School Board Chair 1999 - 2002
• School Board Vice Chair 1997-1999
• School Trustee 1993 - 2002
• Past Chair B.C. Council of School Districts

Judy Represents Council on the following committees:

• Metro Vancouver (GVRD)
• Youth Justice Advocacy
• Social Planning Advisory

Council Alternate for:

• Parks & Leisure Services
• Fraser Valley Library Board
• Emergency Operations
• Tourism MR & PM

jdueck@mapleridge.ca

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.
I believe Maple Ridge is a wonderful community to live in and
I feel honoured to have the opportunity to represent you on Council."

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Councillor Al Hogarth

Al is proud to be a lifelong resident of Maple Ridge and has been privileged to work locally for most of his career. Al has been a licensed realtor since 1979, primarily in residential sales. He also provides rental property management and development consulting services. During this time he has volunteered thousands of hours to many different causes. His many life experiences are rooted in Maple Ridge, attending school, running a business, his marriage to Deb, and the raising of their daughter Aleesha. These life lessons have given Al a deep appreciation for Maple Ridge and what it means to grow with a community.

Al believes that his involvement in the early 70's in the Municipal Advisory Planning Commission through to the present has given him tremendous insight into the evolution of local planning issues. During the time Al was attending U.B.C. in the early 90's, where he received a certificate in Site Planning, the movement towards balanced growth was evolving. Al's fascination and commitment to socially, economically, and environmentally balanced communities continues to this day. In his spare time, Al enjoys golf, curling, and camping.

Maple Ridge is a desirable place to live. Our rural character, geographical location and diversity add to the challenges of balanced growth. We are all proud of our community which we hope to share with future generations.

ahogarth@mapleridge.ca

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Councillor Linda King

Linda is serving her fifth term as a municipal Councillor in Maple Ridge.  She has been active in the community for many years, having served on the boards of several non-profit organizations: Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services Council, Family Education and Support Centre, Ridge-Meadows Recycling Society, Maple Ridge Art Gallery, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council, and the United Way of the Lower Mainland.  She has worked locally as a high school teacher, a social worker, and an elementary school counsellor.

Born in Montreal, Linda grew up there, as well as Halifax and Winnipeg.  She has a BA from Dalhousie University and an MEd from the University of British Columbia.  She has lived in Maple Ridge since 1967 and is the parent of three grown daughters: Gabrielle, Allyson, and Jennifer.  In June 2007, Linda retired from her job with School District No 42 and is glad to have some extra time to spend on municipal work.

A long-time environmentalist, and deeply committed to the welfare of children, Linda is most concerned about all the issues related to climate change and global warming.

Maple Ridge is a very special place within Metro Vancouver.  It has managed to retain and enhance its downtown core, and to keep a small town feel despite rapid growth.  It has developed beautiful parks, partnered to create an extensive trail network and is a pioneer in watershed protection.  It provides a wide range of opportunities for socialization and recreation for people of all ages.  It is a wonderful place in which to raise children, and a place for aging with grace.

Please contact Linda with your issues, your concerns, your ideas. Citizen involvement is essential for a healthy and vibrant community; for good government.

lking@mapleridge.ca

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Councillor Craig Speirs

Councillor Speirs is committed to making our community a better place by growing in ways that respect and sustain our social, natural, and economic environments. There are many challenges being faced by our community every day, one of the most difficult is residential growth and the pressures it places on taxes, infrastructure, and the services we all depend on.

Neighbourhood planning is the key to Smart Growth. All neighbourhoods in our community must be involved in creating a shared vision that takes a snapshot of what we want our neighbourhoods to look and feel like in the future. We need to know where we are going in order to get there.

Craig, an environmental and social activist, has been a resident of Maple Ridge since 1973 and has been married for over 20 years to Diane. He has two children Adlayna and Rory, and is currently retired after 34 years with the Liquor Distribution Branch.

Among Craig's accomplishments:

• Director with the Lower Mainland Local Government Association
• Director with the Municipal Insurance Association
• Past-Director of the Ridge-Meadows Recycling Society
• Past-Director of the Fraser Information Society
• Past-Chair of the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Fundraising Committee for BC's Children's Hospital. For service to B.C.'s Children, Craig is the recipient of the "CANADA 125" Medal and has received the Outstanding Service Award from Golden Ears Kiwanis Club
• Received the Cash Initiative Award for creating a recycling system for the Liquor Distribution Branch

In his spare time, Craig enjoys photography, organic gardening, hiking our fantastic local trails, and is a wine and food consultant.

cspeirs@mapleridge.ca

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Councillor Ken Stewart

Ken was born in Maple Ridge in 1955. He and his wife Sherry have four children and they live on a 100 year old family farm in Maple Ridge. From 1974 to 1984, Ken worked for the Attorney General's ministry before moving on to the private sector as a senior manager for a national company. In 1987, Ken pioneered the BC deer farm industry.

Ken has a long history of community involvement which includes, sports, search and rescue, Chamber of Commerce, youth work, agriculture, and wildlife conservation.

Ken was first elected to Maple Ridge Council in 1996 and was the MLA for the riding of Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows from 2001 - 2005. Ken has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business and Leadership from SFU.

kstewart@mapleridge.ca

 

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