09/25/2026
📰 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Last month, Bob D'Eith KC announced his run for council with A Better Maple Ridge.
— MAPLE RIDGE NEWS —
The team of council candidates led by incumbent Maple Ridge Mayor Dan Ruimy announced major changes at a launch event on Sunday, Aug. 16, including being joined by former MLA Bob D’Eith.
D’Eith was twice elected (2017 and 2020) to represent the riding of Maple Ridge-Mission in the provincial legislature with the BCNDP.
He joins Ruimy’s A Better Maple Ridge slate, along with incumbent Coun. Korleen Carreras and new candidates Dr. Bhupinder Singh Johar, and Leanne Koehn.
A Better Maple Ridge launched its campaign Sunday, highlighting what it calls four years of progress and a growing list of major projects underway. Over 100 supporters, volunteers and community members gathered at the Maple Ridge Seniors Centre for the launch.
D’Eith said long-term planning requires a willingness to work across political and government lines.
“I’ve experienced the politics of anger and negativity, and unfortunately that can be a powerful political tool,” he said. “I believe Dan, Korleen, Leanne, Bhupinder, and I can build on the work this team has already done to make Maple Ridge a better place for our citizens.”
ABMR said the last four years have been about listening as much as building. From housing to transportation to public safety, the team points to a term shaped by resident input.
D’Eith pointed to years working alongside Ruimy at different levels of government – as Ruimy served as the member of parliament for Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge before becoming mayor. That work indluced the expansion of Hwy. 7 between Maple Ridge and Mission.
“Dan and I worked extremely well together, and share many of the same values and goals for our community,” he said. “Dan’s leadership is about getting things done for the people of Maple Ridge, no matter what level of government you’re working with.”
Three incumbent councillors on ABMR will not run again – councillors Onyeka Dozie, Sunny Schiller and Jenny Tam will not seek re-election after just one term in office.
The remaining five team members are about to begin campaigning in earnest for the Oct. 17 election.
“I am here to reassure people that their voice is valued. Tentative statements are just as valid as those spoken loudly, repeatedly, and without space for questioning,” Koehn said. “I look forward to hearing from residents we visit while door-knocking in the coming months, and carrying their voices and perspectives forward.”
With major transportation, recreation and infrastructure projects now underway, ABMR saids Maple Ridge has built momentum over the past four years, and is well positioned for what comes next. That includes advancing the Abernethy Way–240th Street corridor, building $393 million in recreation projects, and working with TransLink and the province to improve transportation connections, including the proposed Bus Rapid Transit route between Haney Place and the new Langley SkyTrain.
Johar, who has been a vet in Maple Ridge for nearly 25 years, said his campaign is about a city that plans ahead as it grows.
“I am running because I believe our community deserves leadership that listens, plans ahead and puts residents first,” Johar said. “Democracy does not mean agreeing with everyone. It means listening to everyone.”
Ruimy said the ability to work together is critical to keeping Maple Ridge moving forward.
“We’ve all seen what can happen in communities across this province when councils become divided and the infighting takes over,” he said. “Because when you’re fighting each other, you’re not standing together for your city.”
Heading into the fall campaign, ABMR says its focus will be housing, transportation and affordability.
“What I’m most proud of is bringing respect and civility back to council, and people’s pride in saying they live in Maple Ridge,” said Carreras. “We still have more to do, and the work isn’t done yet.”
🔗 Link to the full release in the comments below
