This new partnership creates the opportunity for local business to welcome customers, and their dogs, to their place of business. The program, funded through a grant from the provincial government, is a joint venture between the City, the Downtown Maple Ridge BIA and the Chamber of Commerce Serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
Business owners can opt into the pilot project and decide how to implement it in their retail space. This program will also allow participating food or beverage operators to host dogs and their owners on outdoor patios in compliance with all relevant public health guidelines and regulations.
Any local business in Maple Ridge can apply to join the program. Applications will be assessed based on ability to offer dog-friendly experiences to customers. Once approved, owners will receive a special decal to place on their storefront to indicate participation. In addition, businesses will have their location placed on a special map that can be found at this link Google Map.
The success of the program will depend on the business owners and you, as a dog owner. Those who sign up for the program are encouraged to display the ‘Dog Friendly Maple Ridge’ sticker at the entrance of your building and to develop marketing materials and retail ideas to attract dog owners.
Dog owners are expected to ensure that their dogs are well-behaved when visiting a participating business and ensure that both you and your pet are complying with the relevant public health orders. If your dog is young and not well-socialized, you may want to wait until they can be comfortable in these new and distracting environments.
The City has six off-leash dog parks and citizens are reminded that dogs have to be on leash in all other areas. There are many great natural spaces and urban areas that you can take your dog along to, and these new ‘dog friendly’ business locations can be a destination as you explore the City with your furry friends.