City of Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada

The City of Maple Ridge is located on the traditional territory of the Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations north of the Fraser River between the Pitt River and Stave Falls in the shadow of the Golden Ears Mountain. Maple Ridge is one of the fastest growing communities in the region with a diverse population of over 100,000 people. Driven by Community Maple Ridge has a strong sense of community with a spirit of giving back. It's a place where cultural diversity and Indigenous relationships are valued and celebrated. With affordable and diverse housing, green spaces, recreational and cultural opportunities, and reliable services and infrastructure, Maple Ridge is a place to start, grow and prosper. City on the Move The City offers an exciting and dynamic future, filled with opportunities for investors, residents, and visitors. As an important regional hub that links Metro Vancouver to the Fraser Valley, Mape Ridge has an economic path aimed at establishing it as a key employment centre. Bold by Nature Maple Ridge takes pride in its stunning, natural environment and commitment to green living. Residents and visitors can enjoy an active lifestyle and experience an abundance of nearby forests, lakes, multi-use trails, parks, green spaces, and a wide range of sports and recreational facilities. Maple Ridge is connected to the south Fraser by the Golden Ears Bridge which puts the City within 45 minutes of the US border, Vancouver International Airport, Abbotsford International Airport and all points in between.

City Gateway Signs Redesign

Category: Creativity | Design | 343. Other _________ | Signage

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About Project

As part of Maple Ridge’s 150-anniversary celebrations and in time for the 2024 BC Summer Games, the City of Maple Ridge rolled our brand new gateway signs that include an Indigenous welcome, the City’s new logo, and it’s ‘Bold by Nature’ brand statement.

The contemporary signs are made of multi-layered powder coated aluminum for a tiered depth effect that reflect Maple Ridge’s iconic landmark, the Golden Ears Mountains. The signs carefully designed and constructed with the same rounded triangular design forms which are found in our brand identity and come in an impressive 142" large size and 48" small size. The brand icon and wordmark are partially pin-mounted, 3D raised lettering for added dynamic. The large gateway signs also feature backlighting on the logo for complete illumination and presence during dark hours. The signs are treated with an anti-graffiti clear coat. See uploaded before/after for comparison.

The new gateway signs also mark a significant step towards recognizing the history of the Katzie First Nation and Kwantlen First Nation and feature the greeting m̓i cepʷətxʷiləm, which translates to ‘Welcome - Welcome Everyone’ in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, their shared language. The city worked with 2 indigenous artists to create this complimentary messaging and the artwork at the base of the sign. Forming a symbolic foundation for the sign, this artwork (applied in frosted crystal vinyl which absorbs and reflects the aluminum base tone) represents the deep connection between first nations peoples have with the river which has provided sustenance and abundance for generations.

Two large illuminated signs are installed at the city entrances on the west side at Lougheed Highway and Maple Meadows Way and on the east side at Lougheed Highway and 287 Street. Two smaller signs are currently installed at Lougheed and Dewdney, and 113B Avenue and Kingston with two more to be installed by the end of 2024 at Jerry Sulina Park and Iron Mountain locations.

The community has received the signs very well and they have generated an immense sense of civic pride as evidenced by a myriad of positive feedback verbally and on social media.