As homeowners living near the Albion Ball Park and Planet Ice parking lots in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada, we are constantly battling with dust. Our vehicles, houses, and outdoor furniture are perpetually covered in a layer of dust due to the unpaved parking lots. With the population growth comes increased usage of these lots. This costs us financially as we are constantly having to wash our vehicles, power wash our home's exterior/ windows/outdoor furniture and pay to have our air ducts cleaned to decrease dust in our homes. This issue is not only about cleanliness but also about health. Those among us with respiratory issues find it increasingly difficult to breathe during bouts of dry weather when dust levels rise significantly. At times the dust cloud is so bad that you cannot see into the parking lot from down the street.

Unpaved roads and parking lots contribute up to 40% of all particulate matter emissions - a form of air pollution - in some areas (source: Environmental Protection Agency). In addition to causing potential health problems such as asthma attacks or other respiratory issues (source: World Health Organization), this constant exposure can lead to increased cleaning costs and decreased quality of life.

We urge the city officials of Maple Ridge to take immediate action by paving these parking lots. By doing so, they will not only improve our living conditions but also potentially reduce health risks associated with airborne dust particles. With the increased property tax income from increased high density housing being built and the from the revenue from filming, surely there is enough funds to pave (concrete or asphalt) these lots.

It's time for us all to breathe easier and live cleaner lives. Please sign this petition if you support our cause!