Maple Ridge High Tech Investment Attraction Strategy Report
March 12, 2009
Maple Ridge Well Positioned to Attract Additional High Tech Investment
The District of Maple Ridge has just released a new report [PDF, 470KB] on investment attraction strategy that was commissioned late last year by its Economic Advisory Commission (EAC). The 57 page report which was prepared by Ference Weicker & Company and involved interviews with high tech companies both in and out of Maple Ridge, presents an upbeat outlook for attracting high tech firms to Maple Ridge.
"This report identifies that Maple Ridge is in a good position to capitalize on business opportunities that will generate direct economic impacts including high value local jobs," said Mayor Daykin. "The combination of available land and some of the most affordable prices in the lower mainland along with the opening of two bridges makes Maple Ridge a highly attractive place to set up a new business."
The report indicates that the high tech sector is undergoing rapid growth and is one of the largest economic industries in the province. It also points out that Maple Ridge is an attractive location for such firms for a number of reasons. Significant investments in transportation infrastructure, affordability and availability of land, competitive development costs and its high quality of lifestyle all combined provide Maple Ridge with important competitive advantages.
The report indicates that Maple Ridge has a range of housing options along with a strong home-based business sector making up almost 50% of all businesses registered in the District. Maple Ridge is also recognized as "film friendly" attracting a great deal of movie and television business. There is already a range of high tech companies that call Maple Ridge home with plenty of room for more.
Findings from the report, which can be found on the District's Economic Development website at www. investmapleridge.ca, will be used by the EAC and Council to develop a strategy to attract more high tech firms to Maple Ridge. Details will also be announced in the near future regarding an all day High Tech Summit being organized by the District for June 25 that will involve keynote speakers and business representatives from the high tech sector.
About Maple Ridge
The District of Maple Ridge is situated on the shores of the Fraser River and nestled against the Coast Mountains. Located 45 kilometers east of Vancouver, the District is a progressive community well-known for its beautiful countryside and spectacular scenery. To learn more, please visit www.mapleridge.ca/
View [PDF, 470KB] the Maple Ridge High Tech Investment Attraction Strategy.