Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association 2026 Nominees
Up for Re-Election:
John Thomson
Treasurer
John has lived and worked in Maple Ridge since 2007.
A CPA since 2012, he became a partner in the accounting firm EPR Maple Ridge Langley, Chartered Professional Accountants in 2016. EPR changed it's name to Empire CPA in 2022.
A firm believer in giving back to the community he works and lives in. John has been involved with the Maple Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Ridge Meadows Ministries Community Council, and the Maple Ridge 2020 BC Summer Games.
The father of 3 young children, he is also very involved in their various sports and arts activities. John looks forward to bringing his community spirit and support to the board of the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association.
To learn more about Empire CPA and their services, go to their website.
Lyle Perry
Secretary
Lyle Perry was admitted as an attorney in South Africa in 2010 and called to the B.C. Bar in 2018.
Lyle is now a lawyer and partner at MHWP Law, located in the heart of Downtown Maple Ridge, focusing on business law, real estate and wills & estates.
To learn more about MHWP Law and their services, go to their website.
Ellie Jubene
Director
MealsAWeight started out because owner, Ellie, had a knack for creating one-of-a-kind healthy recipes from scratch. Her love for food paired with her passion of fighting diseases caused by poor nutrition and bad eating habits is why we are here today.
For Ellie, being busy and overwhelmed while in university led to poor dietary choices, but the real wake-up call was seeing her mother go through breast cancer. Seeing how integral health is, and realizing how nutrition is the root of it all, she started eating healthy, meal prepping, and making better lifestyle choices. Quickly Ellie realized her family and close friends all wanted to get onboard a healthier journey. Realizing she wasn't alone in the struggle to find time to prioritize her health, what started as a hobby job during university turned into a wonderful career.
Food is the greatest medicine we have, and if you invest in your health today you will save money in the future. Now MealsAWeight is a family-run business in a 1600sqft custom built commercial kitchen and has fed people over 700,000 nutritious meals. They truly believe healthy eating does not have to be bland, boring or restrictive. They HATE fad diets and will always encourage their customers to eat a well-balanced and nutrient dense meal that they will love.
Over 10 years in business - owner and operator, Ellie has big goals in store. Besides healthy individual meal prep, she wants to be your go-to for all of your ordered family meals, catering and corporate lunches. They truly believe feeding your loved ones a healthy and nutritious meal is the best way to show love!
So please share their story with someone you know and love!
To learn more about MealsAWeight and their services, go to their website.
Andrew Nemeth
Director
Andrew is the co-owner of The Therapeutic Collective with his good friend and business partner Karl Dahan. It is a boutique style Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy Clinic in the heart of Downtown Maple Ridge.
Andrew was born and raised in Vancouver and grew up in North Burnaby where he went to High school and University.
Andrew has the privilege to live and work all over the world which has allowed him to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of many different cultures.
Around 12 years ago Andrew and his wife found an amazing acreage in Whonnock where they now call it home with their dogs, goats and cats and the occasional Bear! Andrew is passionate for our community and the people of Maple Ridge, and love taking in all this wonderful city has to offer.
To learn more about The Therapeutic Collective and their services, go to their website.
New Nominees
Cindy-Lea Stephenson
Nominee
Cindy-Lea Stephenson is a long-time Maple Ridge resident, community builder, and co-founder of Once Upon a Tea Leaf, a tea company and boutique she opened with her daughter in 2007.
After moving to Maple Ridge in 1978, Cindy-Lea raised her family as a single mother, grounded in the strength of the local community. That same spirit shaped Once Upon a Tea Leaf, which has grown from a small mall shop into a beloved destination on 224th Street, alongside a wholesale division serving cafés, restaurants, and a retail line found in boutiques across Canada.
Her approach to business is rooted in kindness, resilience, and connection. Today, she remains an active supporter of the downtown core, championing small business and contributing to the community that has supported her for decades.
Crystal Winterton
Nominee
I am a local business owner and entrepreneur, and the founder of Sugar & Spice Bath and Bodycare. For 15 years I've built my business from a small kitchen table operation to a regular farmers market presence, and finally into a recognized Canadian brand. This experience gave me a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses today. I was also born here and raised my five children here, which gives me a strong sense of connection and long-term investment in our local businesses' success.
As a board member, I would bring a collaborative mindset, a passion for supporting fellow business owners, and a genuine commitment to helping Maple Ridge continue to grow as a vibrant place to shop, work, and live.