The Ridge

07/19/2023

Residents of Pitt Meadows want farmland to be protected from industrial and residential use in the next 10 years. This is one of the many initial findings of the Agricultural Plan report which was presented to city council on Tuesday.

The engagement summary report data was collected through interviews, agriculture and agri-food sector surveys, community surveys, community events and open house events between May to June 2023.

One question in the community survey asked residents, “In your ideal world, what does agriculture in Pitt Meadows look like in 10 years?” out of the 53 responses received, more than half (59 per cent) said that they want to ensure farmland is protected from becoming commercial or residential.

Photo by Rahmanjoy via Flickr

After 22 years, the initial report for the Pitt Meadows Agricultural Plan was presented to the council on March 7, 2023

07/14/2023

During the council meeting on Tuesday, Maple Ridge city council approved two residential projects that will add a total of 227 units to the community along Lougheed Highway.

Two six-storey buildings, one residential on 22057 and 22083 Lougheed Highway and one mixed-use building on 21783 Lougheed Highway have been approved by council.

application for the residential building on Lougheed Highway was first submitted in 2018, according to July 4 council meeting record

07/13/2023

The Maple Ridge Community Foundation has raised approximately $25,000 through the fundraiser for the Brown Street condo fire.

The information was confirmed by Dan Ruimy, Mayor of Maple Ridge, during the council meeting on Tuesday, July 11.

In the next few weeks, the MRCF will decide how to distribute the funds collected so far, Ruimy added.

The fundraiser was announced by the city via social media on Friday, June 16.

https://buff.ly/3DdnRVT

07/12/2023

The City of Pitt Meadows has shared that filming in the Osprey Village area generated $58,793 in revenue for the municipality.

In a document set to be presented at the Tuesday, July 11 council meeting, the city noted that 19 days of filming generated more than $58,000 in revenue which included film permit fees for after-hours filming, highway/street use fee for sidewalks and community centre park fees.

https://mailchi.mp/readtheridge/osprey-village-filming?e=[UNIQID]

07/12/2023

After work, sipping on a cocktail at the restaurant with her mother, Taryn Stephenson thought: What if a summer cocktail was infused with tea?

Thus, the summer collaboration for Maple Ridge residents happened between Sammy J’s Bar and Grill and Once Upon a Tea Leaf.

The hope is to create a “whimsical summer indulgence” for people as they sip on five new exclusive cocktails infused with their teas, said Stephenson, co-founder of Once Upon a Tea Leaf.

The tea infused summer drinks will be available for the season at the restaurant with $1 off during happy hour

07/11/2023

The City of Maple Ridge is advising residents to avoid swimming in Whonnock Lake as E. coli has been detected in a recent water sample.

The cause of a higher level of E. coli is being attributed to algae blooms, geese and pet waste, according to a statement by the city.

The standard level of E. coli is 400/100 mL, however, the recent water sampling indicates the water currently contains 1,305 E. coli/100 mL.

“Further action should be initiated if either of these guideline values is exceeded. Minimum action should consist of immediate resampling of the site(s). In addition, a swimming advisory may be issued should the responsible authority identify that the area is not suitable for recreational water use,” according to the Government of Canada website.

https://buff.ly/43q8Xq2

07/07/2023

To help make things easier, we are back with another guide - this time it's for lakes in and around Pitt Meadows.

If you visit any of them, do send us your photos or tag us using

There are so many hidden gems (or lakes rather) in Pitt Meadows for you to enjoy this summer or even after!

07/05/2023

During the Tuesday council meeting, a non-profit organization presented what could be the next affordable housing project in Maple Ridge.

The organization, More Than a Roof Housing Society submitted an application to build an affordable housing project on 22083-22095 Dewdney Trunk Road.

Currently, these are empty lots owned by the city.

Although information related to the specific project was not shared in the meeting, here’s what we know so far.

The non-profit organization was one of many non-profits that submitted a proposal for affordable housing during the tenure of the last council.

Read more in our newsletter 📰

https://buff.ly/44rFrSl

04/02/2023

The City of Maple Ridge has announced that it will host a Climate Action Summit on April 13, 2023.

Part of the Leadership Summit Series, the first event will bring together stakeholders, community members and government officials to discuss climate action.

Participants will include Indigenous leaders, elected officials from local, regional and provincial levels of government, academics, community groups and residents interested in discussing climate change.

https://buff.ly/3G3BPvC

04/01/2023

What started as a gluten-free bread business quickly became one of the most popular gluten-free cafes in Metro Vancouver.

Now, Caffe Delish is ready to open its second location.

By June 2023, they will open doors in Pitt Meadows and the cherry on top? It will likely be a drive-thru.

But this decision happened by a mere fluke, said Jenna Fidanza, owner of Caffe Delish and Speciality Bakery.

On the way to find a location in Langley, she drove by Pitt Meadows and came across the space where Kellie's Bead Boutique was once operational.

She felt a “desperate need for a coffee shop” in the area and decided to make it happen.

Currently work is underway which could potentially make this the first gluten-free drive-thru cafe in the Lower Mainland

03/31/2023

During this week’s council meeting, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority requested the city of Pitt Meadows pay $49.6 million for the Harris Road underpass project to go ahead.

When the project was announced in 2018, the initial cost was estimated to be $63.3 million. However, due to inflation, material costs and seismic requirements, the cost has since tripled, now reaching $195 million.

Expanding active transportation facilities, building noise walls and adding a pump station design will also result in additional costs to the project.

The port authority shared that the Harris Road underpass project is at risk if the financial gap is not filled by the city

03/07/2023

A one billion dollar grant by the government of British Columbia will be distributed between 188 municipalities, including Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

Maple Ridge will receive $16.5 million while Pitt Meadows will receive $5.37 million from the Growing Communities Fund.

The one-time funding will provide monetary support for improvements and building local amenities and infrastructure to meet the demand of the growing population.

Hello everyone.  Is it just me who has been feeling extremely exhausted? Or is it just the cold weather? I don’t know what it is but if you have any tips, please share them with me.  After taking my 100th nap of the day, here’s the newsletter.  Today, funding for Ridge Meadows infrastructure,...

01/31/2023

In BC, certain opioids, including fentanyl and benzodiazepines are decriminalized till January 2026.

This is a story about loss, homelessness, the opioid epidemic and safe supply. If you or anyone needs help, resources are available https://buff.ly/3wFYBVf

Fentanyl has caused 81 per cent of deaths in the opioid crisis and is included in the decriminalization exemption in BC

01/18/2023

The Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue Services (RMSAR) raised $7,776.10 during its Annual Tree-Chipping Fundraiser over the first two weekends of January.

The funds will be used for team training and equipment to further support the team's response capabilities, said Ryan Smith, team manager RMSAR.

https://buff.ly/3iO61Cl

01/14/2023

Apple has designated Yennadon Elementary as a distinguished school for another five years.

The elementary school is one of three in British Columbia to receive recognition for using one-to-one technology in classrooms.

Grade 6 and 7 students as well as teachers have iPads they use throughout the school year.

https://buff.ly/3ZBr2AU

01/13/2023

During the council meeting on Tuesday, council discussed three new development projects that would add more residential and commercial units to the city.

Two residential and one multi-use development project were presented to the council for the first ready.

Two six-storey residential buildings on 11781 and 22076 Lougheed Highway, single-family homes on Battle Avenue and two multi-use buildings at the intersection of Lougheed Highway and Ridge Meadows Way.

Three development projects, two of which are residential, are awaiting first reading approval from the city council

11/22/2022

The Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce has announced the 19th Annual Business Excellence Awards.

Slated for March 23, 2023, at the Meadows Garden Golf Club, the awards honour and recognize local businesses.

"Our Business Excellence Awards are just one way that we recognize and reward your success, innovation and hard work," the Chamber wrote.

Hello everyone.  How have you been? I have decided to add one big question in each newsletter. Today, I want to ask you about motivation. How do you stay motivated to work hard? Are you team Work Hard or team Work Smart?  In today’s newsletter, I definitely worked smart! The Chamber of Commerce ...

11/21/2022

In 108 years, Pitt Meadows has only elected two female mayors. Nicole MacDonald is the second one.

Sitting at a conference table in front of mayor MacDonald felt comfortable. A woman sharing her excitement of achieving a milestone with another.

As an involved resident of Pitt Meadows for 17 years, she became especially concerned about the direction City Hall was taking prior to her election in 2018.

The Golden Ears Business Park and a former councillor who was criminally charged.

“There wasn't what felt like a healthy positive environment at City Hall for staff, community members and for council,” MacDonald said.

She believes her acclamation as mayor is a testament to how well the previous council performed in Pitt Meadows

11/05/2022

New members of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows were welcomed with a Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday.

A turkey dinner was served followed by a performance by the Mariachi Band, the highlight of the event, according to Carolina Echeverri, co-ordinator for Ridge Meadows Katzie Local Immigration Partnership.

“Newcomers shared words of gratitude. Most of them were grateful for their families and friends and thankful to be in Canada, and to be safe,” she said.

Hello everyone.  The Ridge wants to extend its condolences to the family that lost a member in last week’s collision.  Yesterday afternoon was particularly difficult as news of the funeral came in. Some days, writing news is heavier than usual.  Weather: Atmospheric river is forecasted and rain...

11/04/2022

New mayors and councillors were sworn in at the respective ceremonies in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows on Tuesday.

The ceremonies and council meetings were open for the public to attend in person and online.

The Maple Ridge inauguration took place at the ACT Arts Centre while the Pitt Meadows ceremony was held at the City Hall.

Katzie First Nation’s Chief Grace George and her husband Damian George welcomed the Pitt Meadows council with an Indigenous welcome song.

The Inaugural ceremony took place on November 1, 2022, when councillors and the new mayors took an oath for office

10/25/2022

The annual Disco Ball Gala event raised $219,000 organized by Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation (RMHF) on Oct. 15.

The 34th Annual Gala took place at the Meadow Gardens Golf Club. The money was raised through a live auction, silent auction and raffle tickets, according to a representative from RMHF.

The hospital foundation is slated to use the funds to add six vital sign monitors, a sonosite ultrasound machine, a fluid management system and a bronchoscope for respiratory therapy.

Happy 100.  Today is our 100th newsletter and I want to thank everyone who reads and supports The Ridge. You’ve helped us grow and become better.  Happy Diwali to all celebrating. I hope it’s a day filled with light, laughter and joy.  In today’s newsletter, a local hospital uses disco to r...

10/22/2022

https://buff.ly/3DlOpFg’s mid-October 2022, and water levels in the Alouette River are lower than normal for this time of the year.

Salmon have spawned but in lower numbers than expected.

The ecosystem appears to be disrupted amid a prolonged dry season in Metro Vancouver. But what is the impact of this climate change on Ridge-Meadows' local waterways?

After a late summer, employees at the Alouette River Management Society (ARMS) are expressing concerns about the impact of the ongoing drought on local salmon populations.

While the south Alouette River is getting water from the dam reservoir, the north arm is completely dry because of the drought

10/20/2022

The Maple Ridge Community Foundation(MRCF) is offering a total of 932,975 grant money to local nonprofit organizations.

The applications for the grant program are open till November 10 and will be awarded to charities that aspire to create innovative solutions for concerns faced by Maple Ridge residents.

https://buff.ly/3D4Qcyz

10/19/2022

With dry conditions persisting and no rain in the forecast, Maple Ridge has announced that fireworks for Celebrate the Night are being postponed.

The annual event will take place as per schedule on Friday, October 21, 2022, without fireworks.

“Please note that fireworks have been postponed due to the local Fire Ban and continuous dry weather. We are happy to report that the rest of Celebrate the Night will run as planned,” the city stated on social media.

https://buff.ly/3D4Qcyz

10/18/2022

The 32nd municipal elections saw a total of 21.87 per cent voter turnout in Maple Ridge, as per initial data.

In Maple Ridge, Dan Ruimy has been voted as the new mayor with 6,306 votes, as per preliminary results. Former mayor Mike Morden received 4,321 votes.

As Nicole MacDonald remained unopposed in her candidacy for Pitt Meadows mayor, she was acclaimed to the position after former mayor, Bill Dingwall decided to not re-run for election. MacDonald was a councillor during the 2018-2022 term.

Good morning or should we say hazy morning?  An air quality advisory has been issued yet again due to ongoing wildfires in BC and Washington. Ironically, everyone is praying/hoping for rain in Vancouver.  Oh, what a delight it was, to never know if a rain jacket would be enough or if you’d need ...

10/14/2022

Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows voters will go to polls for the 32nd municipal election on Saturday, October 15 to choose their next mayor, councillors and school board trustees.

Maple Ridge: During the 2018 Municipal Elections, the estimated number of eligible voters was 60,081 however, only 20,123 ballots were cast. Meaning, there was a 33.52 per cent voter turnout.

Pitt Meadows: During the 2018 Municipal Elections, the estimated number of eligible voters was 13866, however, only 5,575 ballots were cast. Meaning, there was a 40.21 per cent voter turnout.

Voters can cast ballots from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day at any location in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, respectively

09/28/2022

Harbour Air has announced that seaplane service will resume from Pitt Meadows to Victoria starting in October, according to a statement issued on September 14, 2022.

The seaplane service is slated to operate from Monday to Friday between Pitt Meadows and Victoria Harbour starting October 11.

“We are thrilled to be resuming service in the rapidly growing Fraser Valley community,” said Chad Wetsch, executive vice president of Harbour Air.

https://buff.ly/3rbt0bf]

09/26/2022

Will you help us bring you more analysis of candidate positions?

Our team is on the ground bringing you the election coverage you told us you wanted to read, but we need your support.

A message from reporter Ayesha Ghaffer Local news is disappearing across British Columbia. But we want to fix that. As a nonprofit outlet, we aren’t here to generate profit, we’re here to cover local issues, under-reported stories, and hold the powerful accountable. Every cent you donate will go...

09/25/2022

The City of Pitt Meadows has acquired an estate property for a future public garden and park space, according to a statement from the city released Wednesday.

The property located at 13895 Harris Road is owned by Rose Grabenhorst, a longtime resident of the city who cared for the property for 45 years.

https://buff.ly/3Su0yNf]

09/24/2022

A background in visual and fine arts, one of the three Ukranian artists exhibiting at ACT Arts Centre’s Labour and Memory - Ukrainian Canadian Contexts, is Ayla Dmyterko who has weaved her artwork with cultural and historical studies.

Her work is not born from moments that are visually aesthetic. Instead, they are representative of spaces she has created, where people from diverse backgrounds can come together and share their cultural stories.

As a Ukrainian-Canadian artist Ayla Dmyterko's work explores art through an eco-feminist lens, relying heavily on cultural studies