HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009Photo courtesy of Kim Kamstra
Maple Ridge and Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge and Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge and Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
www.mapleridge.ca
www.pittmeadows.bc.ca
www.youthservices.ca
www.recreg4u.ca
Commission 2
General Manager’s Report 3
Administration 3
Community Services 6
Children’s Recreation Services 8
Youth Services 10
Neighbourhood Development 12
Parks & Facilities 14
Parks & Open Space 14
Cemetery 15
Maple Ridge Golf Course 15
Recreation 16
Community Festivals &
Special Events
20
Volunteer Services 21
Museums 22
Seniors 26
Arts & Culture 27
Table of Contents
The Parks and
Leisure Services
Commission will direct
its efforts toward
achieving the greatest
“public good” possible
consistent with avail-
able resources.
The public good will
be defined as benefits
to everyone in the
Maple Ridge and Pitt
Meadows area.
The Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission consists
of 15 voting members with three representatives from each of Maple Ridge Council,
Pitt Meadows Council, and the Board of Trustees of School District No. 42. In addi-
tion, there are four Citizen-At-Large Members from Maple Ridge and three from Pitt
Meadows. The Commission met monthly except for March and August and we thank
the following members for their dedicated service in 2009.
Maple Ridge:
Mayor Ernie Daykin, Councillors Judy Dueck & Craig Speirs
Pitt Meadows:
Mayor Don MacLean, Councillors Doug Bing & Gwen O’Connell
School District No. 42 Trustees:
Ms. Kathie Ward, Chair, Mr. Mike Huber and Mr. Dave Rempel
Maple Ridge Citizens-at-Large:
Mr. Ian Brown, Mr. Mandeep Bhuller, Mr. Geordie Craig & Ms. Angie Rowell
Pitt Meadows Citizens-at-Large:
Mr. Neil Pukesh and Ms. Christine Smith
COMMISSION
Page 2 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Commission Highlights
• Conducted Parks, Recreation & Cultural Plan research
• Acquired land for the Cemetery, North Alouette Greenway, Coniagas Trail, and
Silver Valley Neighbourhood Park
• Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Spirit Squares completed
• Maple Ridge Public Art Committee and Volunteer Coordinator’s Network
established
• Hosted the 2009 BC Disability Games
Maple Ridge Mayor
Ernie Daykin
City of Pitt Meadows
Mayor Don MacLean
& School Trustee
Chair Kathie Ward
2009 BC Disability
Games Opening
Ceremonies
GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
ADMINISTRATION
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
have just completed a year of ex-
tensive research with involvement
from well over a thousand resi-
dents answering random sample
surveys, participating in focus
groups and providing written input
to our most recent Parks, Recrea-
tion and Cultural Plan. Once com-
pleted the plan will provide a long
term blueprint to ensure current
and future residents enjoy an ex-
ceptional quality of life….good
health and inspired lifestyles….we
look forward to working as closely
with our residents as we did during
the research phase to make this
vision become a reality.
Division Administration staff pro-
vide policy advice to Pitt Mead-
ows and Maple Ridge Councils
and administrative support and
advise to the Parks & Leisure
Services Commission. Senior
staff participate in senior man-
agement functions for both mu-
nicipalities and serve in a liaison
capacity with: School District No.
42, the Fraser Valley Regional
Library, Metro Vancouver Parks
and Cultural Committees, Katzie
and Kwantlen First Nations and
with other community groups
and agencies.
ity of opportunities our citizens have
come to expect.
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Master Plan update that began in
2008 will continue in 2010 to com-
pletion and will provide the guid-
ance needed to make the best pos-
sible investments in our citizens’
future. We look forward to continu-
ing our work with citizens in the pro-
vision of leisure services generally
(many volunteers are involved
through hundreds of organizations)
and in the completion of this plan
with a view to making both Maple
Ridge and Pitt Meadows healthy
communities.
Both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
(with whom we share the Parks and
Recreation function) are experiencing
growth in terms of their populations
and use of recreation and park facili-
ties and programs.
Some facilities like the Maple Ridge
Leisure Centre are approaching capac-
ity and, consequently, there is a need
to address a “space crunch” over the
next few years. Needless to say we are
very pleased at the level of public in-
volvement in active living reflected in
the increasing use of the opportunities
we are providing. That said we need to
focus some attention on the future to
ensure our citizens’ needs do not out-
strip our capacity to deliver and to con-
tinue to provide the breadth and qual-
Page 3 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Maple Ridge and Pitt
Meadows Parks & Leisure
Services is committed to
creating opportunities for
community pride, per-
sonal enjoyment, and
healthy lifestyles in both
Pitt Meadows and Maple
Ridge, and to striving for
continuous improvement
in the processes and ser-
vices which will achieve
that end result.
Highlights:Highlights:Highlights:Highlights:
• Commission Support/Reports (i.e. community bylaw, dog off leash locations, fees
and charges, RMSS and other agreement renewals)
• Parks, Recreation and Cultural Plan
• Spirit Squares in Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows
• 2009 Disability Games
• Management and Council involvement in both Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows
• Maintaining working relationships (School District No. 42, First Nations, Commu-
nity Organizations, etc.)
• Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Spirit of BC Community Committee Support
• ARMS
• KEEPS
• The Agricultural Association
• Haney Horsemen
• Maple Ridge Historical Society
• Pitt Meadows Heritage & Museum So-
ciety
• Meadowridge Rotary
• Haney Rotary
• Eagles Club
• Maple Ride and Pitt Meadows Lions
I would like to extend my thanks to the
staff and community contributors for
our collective success.
Thanks to our partners:
• School District No. 42
• Metro Vancouver Parks
• Ridge Meadows Seniors Society
• Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Arts
Council
ADMINISTRATION (cont’d)
Acknowledgements
late 2009 and early 2010 to review the
draft plan.
The draft 2010 Master Plan is available
through the Parks & Recreation Admini-
stration office.
Parks Recreation & Cultural Master Plan
Catherine Berris and Associates in part-
nership with Asbell Management Inno-
vations were awarded the contract to
develop the 2010 Master Plan. Sur-
veys, stakeholder group meetings and
a public open house took place in the
fall of 2008 to gather initial input.
Drafting of the plan occurred in 2009.
Several follow up meetings were held in
Page 4 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Acknowledgements (cont'd)
Grants Received in 2009
• Royal Canadian Legion
• Amateur Sports Organizations
• Community Associations
• Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows
Foundations
• Greg Moore Foundation
• United Way
• Fraser Health Authority
• Katzie First Nation
• Kwantlen First Nation
• The many festival organizers including
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows 2009
BC Disability Games Society and
Mainstage BC Theatre festival organ-
izers.
• Community Corrections and,
• General private sector partners.
Finally, we thank both senior levels
of Government for their financial
contributions and partnership initia-
tives in 2009. (Commitments made
to Pitt Meadows Secondary Artificial
Turf Field and the Pitt Meadows up-
grade).
Page 5 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
GrantGrantGrantGrant $ Amount$ Amount$ Amount$ Amount FromFromFromFrom
Mental Health Coordinator 8,209 Fraser Health Authority
Age Friendly Community Planning 1,925 UBCM
Mental Health Coordinator 8,209 Fraser Health Authority
Everybody Active Grant 1,500
Jumpstart (funding youth activities) 4,103 Canadian Tire
Summer Day Camps 39,210 CLBC
Easter Pitt Meadows 2,148 Pitt Meadows Lions
Active Kids Club 4,800 Min. of Children and Family Development
Canada Day (Youth Event) 1,000 Province of BC
Canada Day 1,500 Heritage Canada Grant
Active Kids Club Staff 10,658 Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living
Active Kids Club 14,000 BC Council of Families
Seniors Network Seed Grant 2,500 BC Healthy Communities
Mental Health Coordinator 8,453 Fraser Health Authority
Youth Centre Grant 11,622 Greg Moore Foundation
CEED Centre Society Grant 2,000 Canadian Tire
Student Summer Placement Grants 77,505 HRDC
Summer Programs 65,245 Service Canada
Mental Health Coordinator 8,702 Fraser Health Authority
Jumpstart (funding youth activities) 4,578 Canadian Tire Community
Active Kids Club 13,800 Links
Active Kids Club to support children with special needs 6,164 Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living
Child care operating funds for Active Kids Club 8,705 Min. of Children and Family Development
TotalTotalTotalTotal 306,536306,536306,536306,536
The Community Services Department is
comprised of three functions with Parks
and Leisure Services: Preschool and
Children’s Recreation Services; Youth
Services; and Neighbourhood Develop-
ment.
Children’s Recreation Services provides
recreational program services for pre-
school aged children (0 to 5 years) and
school aged children (6 -12 years)
throughout Maple Ridge and Pitt Mead-
ows. Programming utilizes a benefit-
based approach with a focus on active
living and leadership development. As
concerns grow regarding inactivity lev-
els and the effects of the growing num-
ber of children living in poverty, partner-
ships have been developed to offer pro-
gramming within a collaborative frame-
work increasing the department’s abil-
ity to respond to the growing needs of
these age groups.
Youth Recreation Services oversees
programming for youth aged 13 to 18
years, including the operation of the
Greg Moore and the Pitt Meadows
Youth Centres, and the operation of the
Thomas Haney Youth Action Park
known as “The School Yard”. The
Youth area continued to focus on ex-
panding active and nutritional educa-
tional opportunities within the youth
recreation programs. Support to the
Youth Action Park Leadership Steering
Committee continued, supporting the
focus of expanding the Youth Mentor-
ship Program and planning for the Pitt
Meadows Youth Action Park in 2011.
Under a grant through the UBCM
Healthy Communities program a Listen
to Us project took place that included
extensive consultation with youth to
identify community strengths in meet-
ing their needs and to highlight priori-
ties for addressing gaps in community
resources and programming. Staff sup-
ported youth in the development of a
Pitt Meadows Youth Engagement Proc-
ess Team that conducted the Listen To
Us project consultation surveys and
processes, evaluated feedback, and
presented key findings to community
decision makers.
The department continued to recognize
and promote the importance of the role
that neighbourhoods play in overall
community health and wellness.
Neighbourhood Development Services
supports neighbourhood development;
neighbourhood network development;
and neighbourhood input to community
planning processes. This work is en-
hanced by the development of partner-
ships and through the contribution to
community-wide initiatives and network
development. Through the work of the
Neighbourhood Development Coordina-
tor, the Community Services Depart-
ment supported the growing number of
community initiatives that relate to
building healthy sustainable neighbour-
hoods in our communities.
Page 6 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Listen To Us
Page 7 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Banner Ad Campaign
Children’s Services experienced high
attendance rates in pre-school and
youth leadership programs. Summer
day camps were well attended particu-
larly the larger Mega (6 to 12 years)
and Mini-Mega Kids (preschool aged)
camps. Well over forty youth partici-
pated in the summer-long Youth Fu-
tures leadership program which fo-
cuses on building leadership skills and
providing opportunities to contribute to
community through volunteering. Chil-
dren’s Services continued to work with
many community partners to deliver
services throughout the community;
the strength of these partnerships en-
hanced the quality and variety of pro-
grams.
Parent and child recreation opportuni-
ties were very popular throughout
2009. The Parent and Tot Drop-in
Gym at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre
and Pitt Meadows Family Recreation
Centre were extremely well attended.
This low cost opportunity provided chil-
dren aged 0-6 and their parents, a
chance for free play in a safe and de-
velopmentally appropriate setting.
Public Health staff visited the Parent
and Tot Drop-in several times to pro-
vide health and developmental screen-
ing. Parent and Tot registered pro-
grams like soccer and t-ball were also
very well attended throughout the year.
The strength of the partnership with
School District No. 42 afforded the op-
portunity to offer a number of leader-
ship programs at local schools. “Jedi
Training” was open to children 7- 12
years of age at Eric Langton and High-
land Park Elementary Schools. This six
week program based on the tenets of
experiential education provided chil-
dren with an opportunity to learn about
leadership, chivalry, stewardship, and
the environment. These programs were
so popular that they will run again in
2010.
Children’s and Youth Services also par-
ticipated in the Hearts at School event
held at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre
and Greg Moore Youth Centre. This
event, organized by a committee made
up of local sport’s businesses and ser-
vice providers, was attended by well over
200 grade six students. The students
were able to visit a variety of activity sta-
tions each with a focus on health. The
stations included information on smok-
ing cessation, activity, stress manage-
ment and nutrition. The event created a
lasting impression ending with a visit
from the Olympic mascots.
The Active Kids Club, a School District
No. 42 program operated by Parks and
Leisure Services, expanded to include
Albion Elementary. This popular after
school recreation program is currently
available at Yennadon, Eric Langton,
Davie Jones, Hammond, Maple Ridge,
and Highland Park Elementary Schools.
A number of the Active Kids Club pro-
grams operated at capacity. The Pitt
Meadows Kids Drop-in Gym program
continued to be a popular active choice
for children 7 to 12 years of age. The
number of children attending on a daily
basis continued to grow with numbers at
capacity most days.
Children’s staff and volunteers provided
interactive activities at a variety of com-
munity special events throughout the
year. Environmental sustainability was a
key theme at all events where the activi-
ties provided an educational component
as well providing lots of fun and excite-
ment. One popular activity was the mini
worm composter that children could
make to take home.
Children’s Recreation Services
Page 8 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Worm Composting
Easter Egg Hunt,
Pitt Meadows
Active Kids Club
Children’s Recreation Services (cont’d)
The annual Pitt Meadows Lions Easter
Egg hunt was a huge success due in
part to a large number of Pitt Meadows
youth volunteers. One of the biggest
events, Canada Day, was a great kick
off to the summer!
Children and youth services continued
to recognize the emerging capacity of
children to make choices that promote
their own well being through youth initi-
ated recreation programs. Ongoing
partnerships with community agencies
enabled Children’s and Youth to pro-
vide a wide variety of quality, affordable
and developmentally appropriate rec-
reation opportunities for youth and chil-
dren in our community.
Page 9 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
2009 was another very
exciting year for Youth
Services. The Youth Ac-
tion Park at Thomas
Haney, known as The
School Yard Action Park,
completed its first full
year of operation with in-
credibly high participation
rates and plenty of posi-
tive feedback from partici-
pant, parents and com-
munity partners.
This was also the second
year of The Youth Action
Park Mentorship Program.
The program provides
leadership opportunities
for youth ages 15-18
years old at the Action
Park. The goals of the
program are to have
young people mentor their
peers at the Park by being
positive role models, help
keep the park clean and
safe, support a positive
rewards program
(donated discount cards
are awarded to young
people who are recog-
nized for wearing hel-
mets, being positive role
models, or even working
hard at perfecting their
skills). Through their term
the mentors gain certifica-
tions such as First Aid,
De-escalation training and
Leadership training. They
also earn honorariums
based upon volunteer
hours.
There has been a tremen-
dous rise in both interest
and in the numbers of
youth participating in the
skateboarding opportuni-
ties at the Greg Moore
Youth Centre since the
Action Park opened. This
is a clear result of the in-
creased opportunities cre-
ated by the development
of the Action Park with
more people being intro-
duced and excited about
the sport of skateboard-
ing. One of the goals of
the Action Park was to
capture the interest of
youth and motivate them
to become active. Clearly
this addition to our com-
munity has successfully
achieved the original goal.
In 2009 Youth Services
focussed on youth-
initiated recreation with
an emphasis on providing
active opportunities, on
inspiring learning and un-
derstanding of environ-
mentally sustainable prac-
tices, and on healthy nu-
trition. Some highlights
include multi-sports
nights, weekly hikes and
camping trips, the con-
tinuation of the worm
composting program at
each youth centre, reus-
able supplies for pro-
grams, and healthy choice
menus at the youth oper-
ated concessions. Drop-
in sport opportunities at
the two youth centres ex-
perienced an all time high
participation rate. Sports
such as Ball Hockey, Bas-
ketball and Dodge-ball
were extremely popular
and the participation
numbers in active drop-in
programs steadily in-
creased. This was as a
direct result of the active
focused programming
introduced in 2008.
Youth Council participa-
tion in both communities
continued to grow in num-
bers and diversity provid-
ing meaningful leadership
opportunities for all par-
ticipants through contrib-
uting to both planning and
implementation of a num-
ber of initiatives including
the operation of the con-
cession in the Greg Moore
Youth Centre.
Youth Services continued
to support youth in partici-
pating in leadership roles
in a growing number of
special events. Some
highlights include: Pitt
Meadows Easter Egg
Hunt, Youth Week, Pitt
Meadows Youth Fest, and
Canada Day celebrations
in both communities.
The Youth Summer Park
program with Youth Work-
ers in Maple Ridge Memo-
rial Park experienced an-
other successful year en-
gaging youth in positive
park activities and events.
Youth Services commu-
nity partnerships contin-
ued to grow and expand
with some of the most
notable being the comple-
Youth Services
Page 10 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Youth Centre
Pitt Meadows
Youth Services (cont'd)
tion of the first year of
operation of the School
District No. 42’s Store
Front School in the Greg
Moore Youth Centre. The
Greg Moore Youth Centre
was also pleased again to
host the annual District
Schools Students Advisory
Council’s Conference. A
long term partnership
with the Maple Ridge Pitt
Meadows Youth Centre
Society continued with the
Society’s ongoing efforts
to raise and distribute
funds for community
youth related initiatives.
New in 2009 was a Youth
Bursary recognizing Youth
who contribute to commu-
nity in a positive way. The
bursary was made possi-
ble through a partnership
between the Youth Coun-
cils, the Youth Centre So-
ciety, and the District of
Maple Ridge Social Plan-
ning Advisory Committee.
Page 11 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Registered and Children’s Services ProgramsRegistered and Children’s Services ProgramsRegistered and Children’s Services ProgramsRegistered and Children’s Services Programs 2009200920092009 2008200820082008 2007200720072007
No. Participants 3,208 3,734 3,605
No. Programs 432 462 354
Youth Outreach Initiative:Youth Outreach Initiative:Youth Outreach Initiative:Youth Outreach Initiative: 2009200920092009 2008200820082008 2007200720072007
Youth Lounge Drop in Hours 2,172 2,228 2,265
Youth Lounge User Hours ^68,126 77,434 76,347
^ Note: The 2009 Youth Lounge hours are down due to a number of factors. The annual shutdown was ex-
tended due to staff vacancies which had a direct impact for the month of January (closed 15 days in 2009 vs 4
days in 2008).
The shutdown of the Leisure Centre in September, due to boiler replacements, also impacted the GMYC result-
ing in a closure for 8 additional days in 2009.
Lastly, at the GMYC each month in 2009 was slightly slower than previous years, as more outside programming
was supported.
Neighbourhoods matter!
They are the places where
we raise our children,
walk our dogs and often
make the biggest finan-
cial investment of our
lives. Recent research
demonstrates that the
strength and cohesion of
a neighbourhood can
have a profound impact
on the quality of life, par-
ticularly in early childhood
and later on as individu-
als’ age. Creating oppor-
tunities to build and
strengthen neighbour-
hoods is essential to the
health of a community
and its residents. In 2009
we continued to move
forward in our three
neighbourhood goal ar-
eas:
• Enhancing quality of
life by supporting the de-
velopment of neighbour-
hoods;
• Supporting meaning-
ful input by neighbour-
hoods to community plan-
ning; and
• Building capacity that
will lead to the develop-
ment of a network fo-
cused on creating a long
term community garden
plan.
2009 was an extremely
successful year for the
encouragement of
neighbourhood connec-
tion through an increased
number of neighbourhood
celebrations. Neighbour-
hood Associations as well
as individual neighbour-
hood champions organ-
ized and implemented a
wide range of activities
which provided citizens
with opportunities to get
to know one another
through fun and festive
events. Christmas carol-
ling, movie nights in the
school gym or hall, picnics
and festivals in
neighbourhood parks, ball
hockey and kick the can
games, plant swaps,
Easter Egg hunts, barbe-
ques, bicycle parades,
Mexican Fiestas, and Can-
ada Day Celebrations are
just some of the ways that
“Champions” are making
their neighbourhoods a
better place to live.
On January 29, the first
ever Neighbourhood Fu-
tures Workshop took
place. At the workshop,
neighbourhood groups
and individuals were en-
gaged in a fun and pro-
ductive manner, cele-
brated neighbourhood
successes, and provided
input, in regards to
Neighbourhood Develop-
ment, to update the
Parks, Recreation and
Culture Master Plan. Par-
ticipants stressed the
need to utilize a variety of
strategies to increase op-
portunities for people to
feel connected in their
neighbourhoods. Sugges-
tions included providing
opportunities for sharing
information and re-
sources, providing
neighbourhood centres,
parks and gardens. At
subsequent meetings fol-
lowing the Futures Work-
shop, neighbourhood
champions created a list
of resources available to
neighbourhoods for host-
ing events, shared tips
with one another for suc-
cessful events and identi-
fied some opportunities to
do joint events in Maple
Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
The Haney Farmer’s Mar-
ket had a very successful,
productive, and fun filled
year. In addition to provid-
ing fresh, local produce,
the Market provided an
opportunity for non-profit
organizations, artists,
theatre groups and local
musicians to participate
each market day. The
goals of creating a place
for people to connect; of
providing education on
the importance of nutri-
tion; and of eating locally
were recognized through
the hard work and dedica-
tion of the Market staff
and volunteers. The Mar-
ket has become recog-
nized as a community
connecting place on Sat-
urdays from May to Octo-
ber averaging 1,400 visi-
tors weekly.
“The HIVE Neighbourhood
Centre” at Eric Langton
Neighborhood Development
Page 12 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Residents who become
involved in their
neighbourhood have told
us they…..
• Enhance their leader
ship skills;
• Improve their ability to
communicate in
groups;
• Gain the respect of
their neighbours;
• Increase their sense of
community and sense
of belonging;
• Become excited about
what they CAN do;
• Feel heard and
listened to;
• Learn from the
perspective of others;
• Feel a renewed sense
of civic pride and
consciousness;
• Actively work to bring
about change;
• And have increased
their hope for the
future.
Neighborhood Development (cont’d)
Elementary School contin-
ued to develop over the
year with the grand open-
ing held in November. In-
dividuals and community
groups have worked col-
laboratively to ensure that
neighbourhood activities,
enrichment, educational
and support service pro-
grams will be available to
the community at the Hive.
The official opening,
hosted in early December,
introduced a number of
partners to the neighbour-
hood that will be offering
programs and services at
the Hub starting in 2010.
Both Glenwood and Blue
Mountain Elementary
Schools had very success-
ful Neighbourhood School
Gardens which provided
children, parents, teach-
ers, neighbours and com-
munity groups many op-
portunities to share knowl-
edge, resources and most
importantly access to fresh
produce. Maple Ridge Sec-
ondary School and Harry
Hooge Elementary began
the planning process in
2009 and will be building
school/Neighbourhood gar-
dens in the spring of 2010.
In addition to supporting the
existing garden committees,
the School Neighbourhood
Garden Steering Commit-
tee’s focus in 2009 was on
developing resources to
support other schools who
are interested in starting a
garden. Once developed,
these resources will be
posted on the School Dis-
trict website for all to use.
The Neighbourhood Devel-
opment Coordinator pro-
vided support to a Food Se-
curity Task Force which cre-
ated a strategic plan to ad-
dress the needs of the com-
munity, and has since
formed Golden Ears FEAST
(Food, Education & Action
Strategy Table). The strategic
plan has several neighbour-
hood specific actions includ-
ing: securing funding to sus-
tain the neighbourhood
based community kitchens;
promoting urban agriculture;
and encouraging and support-
ing the development of com-
munity/neighbourhood gar-
dens in higher density areas.
The Neighbourhood Develop-
ment Coordinator supported
the Maple Ridge Multicultural
Canada Day Celebration Com-
mittee in planning the July 1st
event. Volunteer committee
members and numerous
event day volunteers hosted
an extremely successful and
very well attended Canada
Day Celebration which pro-
vided numerous activities for
both young and old with a
record attendance of approxi-
mately 7,000 people!
Page 13 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Apple Day at the Farmers Market
The Parks & Facilities De-
partment maintains a to-
tal of 218 hectares of
parkland including sea-
sonal displays throughout
Maple Ridge and Pitt
Meadows.
The Department also
maintains landscaped
boulevards, park sites,
playgrounds, soccer
fields, ball diamonds,
cemeteries, major trail
systems, tennis and sport
courts, and administers
the lease for the Maple
Ridge Golf Course.
Facilities oversees the
maintenance of all Mu-
nicipal facilities including
Municipal Hall, fire halls,
and public safety build-
ings as well as rental and
leased properties.
The functions carried out
include janitorial services,
elevator, boiler, heating,
air handling service con-
tracts, and energy man-
agement.
PARKS & FACILITIES
Parks & Open Space Reservations
• Reg Franklin Park
opened
• Maple Ridge Park, Ea-
gle Park, and other
play equipment re-
placed
• First Silver Valley mini-
park completed.
• Dog off leash park con-
sultation completed
Highlights 2009
• 136 Avenue trail and
Pitt Meadows Senior
Secondary artificial turf
field grants obtained
• Design completed for
Pitt Meadows Arena
and South Bonson
Community Centre.
• Whonnock Lake com-
pensation planting
completed
Park & Boulevard
Inventory:
• 52 municipal
boulevards (includes
bulb outs and
medians
• 70 park sites
• 46 playgrounds
• 31 soccer fields
• 46 ball diamonds
• 17 tennis courts
• 16 sport courts
• 2 synthetic fields
In addition there are
287.95 ha of parkland
including
neighbourhood and
community park
components on school
sites.
Page 14 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
1,273
1,352
1,273
5,252
5,712
5,493
2009
2008
2007
Fairground Facilities Hours Booked
Camp Sites Occupied
Golf Course RevenueGolf Course RevenueGolf Course RevenueGolf Course Revenue:
2009 $193,815
2008 $153,960
2007 $115,897
2006 $122,314
2005 $129,968
Cemetery
Maple Ridge Golf Course
Parks & Facilities oper-
ates two Municipal ceme-
teries by maintaining the
grounds and by providing
interment, associated re-
cord keeping and public
assistance
long overdue mainte-
nance functions where
bunker #7 was com-
pletely rebuilt, and the
remaining bunkers were
re-cut and filled with new
sand.
Additional aeration on
the greens and tees has
also greatly improved
Region View Services,
who has been operating
the Maple Ridge Golf
Course since 2007, have
completed upgrades to
the clubhouse, caretaker
residence as well as the
maintenance building.
During 2009 the focus of
attention has been on
catching up on some
playability, which has
been positively com-
mented on by regular
players at the course. An
extensive tree pruning
program was carried out
in 2009 and completed
in the fall.
Page 15 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
183 192 192
109
89
132
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
2009 2008 2007
Markers
Interments
Maple Ridge and Whonnock Cemeteries
The Recreation Department offers a
wide range of recreation services in
both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows,
delivering recreation programs in mu-
nicipal, community and school facilities.
The level of recreation service provided
to the community is enhanced by part-
ner service providers such as local
businesses, non-profit groups and
neighbourhood associations. The de-
partment recognizes the benefits that
these groups bring to the community
and support their efforts by facilitating
their development toward a mutual
goal to provide enhanced levels of ser-
vice to the community.
The 2009 business plan emphasized
active community initiatives; programs
that support access to facilities and
services; facility cleanliness; and over-
all service quality. Active communities
initiatives included support for promo-
tional campaigns spearheaded by the
active community network, and the de-
velopment of a sport tourism strategy.
Accessibility was enhanced by the addi-
tion of entry level programs and infor-
mation sessions for citizens who are
new to regular physical activity, age-
friendly community research, technol-
ogy improvements to the Recreation
Access Program, and improvements to
facility accessibility in preparation for
the 2009 Disability Games. Facility
cleanliness was enhanced by the devel-
opment and implementation of a train-
ing program for Building Service Work-
ers, and continuation of green cleaning
and other programs.
In 2009, the Department also devel-
oped its first services marketing plan,
which will drive improvements in overall
service quality now and in the future.
This process measured customer-
driven service standards that can be
used as a benchmark to measure and
improve facility and service issues that
enhance customer satisfaction.
Within the Recreation Department, pro-
grams and services are provided to the
community through three operating
streams:
The Community Connections staffThe Community Connections staffThe Community Connections staffThe Community Connections staff de-
velops systems and programs that sup-
port the development of individual vol-
unteers and of board of directors for
groups that provide a recreation service
to the community. In addition Commu-
nity Connections manages and over-
sees achievement of criteria identified
in major fee for service agreements.
Some examples of accomplishments in
2009 include:
• Worked with the Municipal Advisory
Committee on Accessibility to de-
velop Universal Design Guidelines
for Outdoor Spaces.
• In partnership with Community Liv-
ing BC provided youth and children
with 2,419 integrated day camp sup-
port hours.
• Supported the Maple Ridge Pitt
Meadows BC Disability Games Soci-
ety to host a successful event.
• In partnership with Ridge Meadows
Association for Community Living,
P&LS presented ‘The Boy Inside’ –
Asperger community project at the
ACT. This educational event was
attended by 475 community mem-
bers.
• In partnership with the Maple Ridge
Mental Health Centre – Group Ther-
apy Services; developed and facili-
tated a new 10 session program
with a relaxation and leisure focus.
• In partnership with the Seniors Net-
work oversaw the implementation of
Age-Friendly Community Research.
RECREATION
Page 16 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
RECREATION (cont’d)
• Launched new Volunteer Software
that enables local volunteers to log
hours and find volunteer information
more easily.
• Planned National Volunteer Week in
partnership with the Maple Ridge /
Pitt Meadows Volunteer Centre.
• Participated in the Volunteer Job Fair
at Maple Ridge Library.
• Offered an Introduction to Volunteer
Management Workshop.
• Developed an electrical safety policy
for special events.
• Assisted Festival Society with the
purchase of a portable sink.
• Worked with new Bonson event com-
mittee to plan summer events.
• Developed an Active Living section
for the volunteer handbook available
on-line.
• Hosted a number of community
workshops including: Financial Plan-
ning, Superhost, Emergency Social
Services Volunteering, First Aid train-
ing, and Non-Violent Crisis Interven-
tion, Long Term Planning and Intro-
duction to Volunteer Management.
• Collaborative Planning with Christ-
mas Festival/Santa Parade and
Safety Personnel.
• Software training sessions organized
by Festivals and completed by vari-
ous staff/departments.
• Recreation staff also supported the
development of a number of commu-
nity special events such as the Spirit
of Wood event, Remembrance Day
events in Maple Ridge and Pitt
Meadows, the First Annual Christ-
mas in the City in Pitt Meadows
Spirit Square, Christmas Haven and
a Lantern Festival, along with many
other large and small grassroots
community events.
The Health and Wellness staffThe Health and Wellness staffThe Health and Wellness staffThe Health and Wellness staff group
plans and implements all recreation
and wellness programming within facili-
ties and in the community including
drop-in fitness, aquatics, skating, fit-
ness, and others. These services are
offered through a variety of structures
including direct delivery, and contracts
with service providers such as not-for-
profits and local businesses. Some ex-
amples of accomplishments in 2009
include:
• Oversaw the development of a Draft
Sport and Outdoor Recreation Strat-
egy for Maple Ridge and Pitt Mead-
ows.
• Reconfigured the Spin Bike set-up,
stretch area in Weight Room at the
Leisure Centre. Changes improved
wheelchair accessibility and cus-
tomer satisfaction.
• Promoted Spirit Week by hosting a
Spirit Bash and a visit from the
2010 Olympic Mascots.
• Implemented a new electronic mes-
saging board to promote a broad
range of community activities.
• Established a Maple Ridge and Pitt
Meadows Sport and Outdoor Rec-
reation Council and assisted in host-
ing an Inaugural Fall Sport Summit.
• Participated in Gamestown 2010
contest and as part of our participa-
tion, won two Bronze Medal Curling
Event Olympic tickets that were
awarded to a community participant
in the Gamestown contest.
• Hosted another very successful Dog-
gie Dash with over 80 dogs and their
owners participating.
The Support Services staffThe Support Services staffThe Support Services staffThe Support Services staff group pro-
vides front-line customer service for
admissions, program registrations, fa-
cility operations, ice, field and facility
bookings. This area also develops and
implements systems that support the
entire department such as emergency
Page 17 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
and evacuation plan development, cus-
tomer feedback systems, technology
projects and the administration of
leases. Some examples of accomplish-
ments in 2009 include:
• Installed new lockers in the Leisure
Centre pool change rooms, imple-
mented a bait locker program, high
security wallet lockers and a security
access gate to improve customer
and staff safety and security.
• Improved ability to serve participants
who face a financial barrier to ac-
cessing recreation services through
the use of Subsidy Management
Software.
• Set up of Quick Rez Facility Booking
software that will enhance service to
customers by enabling them to
schedule their own racquet court
and park shelter bookings.
• Supported the planning and design
of pool deck replacement and boiler
replacement to improve energy effi-
ciency of the Leisure Centre facility.
• Completed a vending audit and tran-
sitioned to 100% healthy choices.
• Completed the design for the South
Bonson Community Centre.
• Implemented self scanning station
at the Leisure Centre and other
changes designed to improve the
flow of customers into the facility.
• Negotiated new and renewed a num-
ber of rental leases for tenants in a
variety of recreation facilities.
Recreation Access Recreation Access Recreation Access Recreation Access
• Ensuring Accessibility
Financial AccessFinancial AccessFinancial AccessFinancial Access
• Support provided to 2,052 custom-
ers to access leisure opportunities at
a reduced rate through the Participa-
tion Program.
• Loonie drop-in, Sundays at the Ma-
ple Ridge Leisure Centre.
• Toonie Tuesdays at the Pitt Meadows
Family Recreation Centre.
• Increased participation in low cost
opportunities such as Parent and
Child Playtime.
• Partnership with Canadian Tire Jump-
start valued at $6,900 enabling chil-
dren and youth in financial need to
participate in organized sport and
recreation.
• Through the Tzi Chi fund, School Dis-
trict No. 42 contributed $2,500 to
recreational programs for children.
Municipal Advisory Committee on Acces-Municipal Advisory Committee on Acces-Municipal Advisory Committee on Acces-Municipal Advisory Committee on Acces-
sibility Issues (MACAI)sibility Issues (MACAI)sibility Issues (MACAI)sibility Issues (MACAI)
• Hosted the 6th annual awards cere-
mony, recognizing community busi-
ness, agencies and citizens making a
difference to assist persons with dis-
abilities.
• Worked with engineering to increase
the number of accessible bus stops
and curb cuts.
• Published Universal Design Guide-
lines for Outdoor Spaces - PLAN and
DESIGN for CHOICE.
Integrated Summer Day CampsIntegrated Summer Day CampsIntegrated Summer Day CampsIntegrated Summer Day Camps
• Received grant dollars from Commu-
nity Living British Columbia.
• Provided over 2,400 hours of direct
service delivery, created a safe and
inclusive environment ensuring a fun
and memorable summertime experi-
ence for 35 children and youth with
disabilities.
Community AccessCommunity AccessCommunity AccessCommunity Access
• Hosted Age Friendly Community Fo-
rum at the Ridge Meadows Senior
Society.
• Received Everybody Active Grant
through the BC Recreation and Parks
Association and the Heart and Stroke
Foundation to examine barriers con-
RECREATION (cont’d)
“While easier access to
recreation and physical
activity opportunities
may not change their
economic circumstance,
it will help improve
health and reduce
stress, anxiety and
loneliness. It can
connect people to the
broader community- and
improve physical health
and social well being.”
British Columbia
Recreation and Parks
Association-Physical
Activity Strategy
Page 18 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
6th Annual MACAI
Awards Ceremony
RECREATION (cont’d)
tributing to adult inactivity in recrea-
tion.
• Provided support to the BC Disability
Games.
Leisure Wellness ProgramLeisure Wellness ProgramLeisure Wellness ProgramLeisure Wellness Program
• Through the support of Fraser Health-
Mental Health Services provided 1:1
support to individuals living with
mental health issues.
• Provided weekly leisure education
sessions at the Maple Ridge Mental
Health Centre.
• Began co-facilitation of relaxation
and leisure group in the fall.
• Weekly Monday morning walking
group logged over 1,510,000 steps,
approximately 545 miles.
Page 19 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Special Services StatisticsSpecial Services StatisticsSpecial Services StatisticsSpecial Services Statistics
2009200920092009 2008200820082008 2007200720072007 _ _ _ _
Participation Program Members 2,052 1,848 1,856
Leisure Education Sessions 545 561 604
Leisure Centre AdmissionsLeisure Centre AdmissionsLeisure Centre AdmissionsLeisure Centre Admissions
2009 *2009 *2009 *2009 * 2008200820082008 2007200720072007 _ _ _ _
357,755 371,560 360,328
Does not include lease partner clients using dedicated space, children
attending the Golden Ears Preschool or rental group attendance, i.e.
Judo, Archery, etc.
* The annual Leisure Centre maintenance shutdown was extended to
six weeks from two to accommodate a significant mechanical and pool
deck retrofit.
Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre AdmissionsPitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre AdmissionsPitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre AdmissionsPitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre Admissions
2009200920092009 2008200820082008 2007200720072007 _ _ _ _
36,372 33,395 39,535
Leisure Centre RescuesLeisure Centre RescuesLeisure Centre RescuesLeisure Centre Rescues
2009200920092009 2008200820082008 2007200720072007 _ _ _ _
Rescues of children 6 yrs & under 12 13 11
Rescues of children 7 or 8 yrs old 6 7 10
Rescues people over 9 yrs old 10 9 2
Total 28282828 29292929 23232323
These stats do not include first aid or medical emergencies
Program RegistrationsProgram RegistrationsProgram RegistrationsProgram Registrations
2009200920092009 2008200820082008 2007 2007 2007 2007
No. of programs 3,386 3,133 2,826
No. of participants 22,319 20,296 15,651
Note:
Total program registrations includes programs offered through partner-
ships
18% of total program participants are Pitt Meadows residents, 79% for
Maple Ridge residents and 3% are non-residents
HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:
• Department support to 40 commu-
nity events, including new events
(Korean Veteran’s Day, Spirit
Square openings, South Bonson
grassroots events) and weekend
Haney Farmer’s Markets.
• Evaluated festival support funding
applications with the Parks Commis-
sion sub-committee.
• Implemented CLASS equipment
booking system.
• Researched and purchased new
event equipment: water unit, trol-
leys, cord covers.
• Developed new storage areas for
equipment .
• Developed electrical safety guide-
lines in collaboration with Mainte-
nance staff.
• Expanded Event Resource Guide to
include an Active Living events sec-
tion and other general event re-
source information.
• Supported young adults in producing
safe, drug & alcohol free events (e.g.
Adstock, Breastfest).
• Developed event maps for Memorial
Park, Pitt Meadows Civic Square and
South Bonson Park.
• Encouraged green events (e.g. recy-
cling, bike lock ups, compostable
cutlery).
• Supported new events, including
grassroots events in Pitt Meadows.
• Event Kit Trailer booked 12 times.
Community Festivals and Special Events
Community Festivals:
68 68 68 68
Participants at Festivals:
136,839136,839136,839136,839
Page 20 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Pitt Meadows Canada Day
Maple RidgeMaple RidgeMaple RidgeMaple Ridge
• Lantern Parade & Celebration
• Adstock
• Bard on the Bandstand
• Breastfest
• Caribbean Festival
• Celebration of Neighbourhoods
• Christmas Festival/Parade
• Christmas Haven
• Community Info and Resource Fair
• Country Fest
• Earth Day
• Eric Langton Hub-Hive Open House
• Eric Langton Neighbourhood Event
• Family Movie Night
• Haney Farmer’s Market
• Heritage Day
• Home Show
• Jazz & Blues Festival
• Korean Veterans Assoc.
• MACAI Awards Event
• Mainstage
• Mountainview Neighbourhood Assoc.
Easter Egg Hunt
• Neighbourhood Hockey Night
• Neighbourhood Movie Night
• Pathfinders Carnival
• Plant Swap
• Rivers Day
• Silver Valley Festival
• Webster’s Day
• East Ridge Good Neighbour Christ-
mas Caroling
• Wheels in Motion
Pitt MeadowsPitt MeadowsPitt MeadowsPitt Meadows
• Christmas in the City
• Spirit of Wood Festival & Community
Carving Unveiling
• Doggy Dash
• Hangar Dance
• Pitt Meadows Day
• Pitt Meadows Day—Youth Fest
• Pitt Meadows Air Show
• South Bonson Movie Night
• Winter Wonderland
Maple Ridge & Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge & Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge & Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge & Pitt Meadows
• 2009 BC Disability Games
• 2010 One Year countdown
• Spirit of BC Week Events
• Canada Day
• Remembrance Day
Maple Ridge Canada Day
Volunteer Services—From Compassion to Action
The Volunteer Services program aligns
with community development and rec-
reation principles to:
• Build the leadership capacity of the
volunteers, boards and organiza-
tions in the our communities.
• To empower individuals and groups
to be responsible for their needs
and make effective decisions.
• To encourage active and healthy
involvement and engagement in
programs, services and events in
the community.
Highlights:Highlights:Highlights:Highlights:
• Used Volunteer Software to support
Board recruitment for committees.
• Volunteer program development
provided support to community
groups (e.g. minor hockey).
• Community Volunteer Centre with,
for example, planning, promotion,
and volunteer recognition sup-
port. Began partnering in planning
workshops.
• Rolled out new volunteer software
and encouraged full use across
various departments (e.g. RCMP,
Arts Centre).
• Reviewed Volunteer Recognition
Week celebrations.
• Supported Volunteer Recruitment
Fairs in secondary schools.
• Hosted 6 volunteer workshops
• Developed General Event Day vol-
unteer job position.
• Two additional staff trained in ESS
walk-in volunteer coordination.
• Trained 10 staff to use Volunteer
Squared software.
Volunteer Programs:
54545454
Volunteer Hours:
23,848 23,848 23,848 23,848
P&LS Volunteer Hours:
2,136 2,136 2,136 2,136
Page 21 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
The Maple Ridge Museum is open to
the public six hours a week during the
winter and fifteen hours a week during
the summer. The role of the community
archives in information acquisition, or-
ganization and access is steadily in-
creasing and the community history
assets are accessible six days a week
by appointment as well as during open
hours and by phone or email.
HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:
• Volunteers contributed more than
1,000 hours on events, programs,
open hours, collection manage-
ment.
• One community volunteer took over
the management of the critical re-
search file collection – a huge and
on-going task with over 1,000 sepa-
rate files on community history top-
ics.
• Hosted 16 tours, completed 7 off-
site presentations and 13 displays,
and participated in 11 community
events.
• Hired a new curator – Allison White
– after sadly saying good-bye to Jor-
dana Kerry who left for Delta Com-
munity Museum & Archives.
• Installed all four cases at the Maple
Ridge Library showcasing the schools
and their students through the dec-
ades. In order to make the most of
new displays, the material was con-
verted to panels which were again
shared with the community at the
Maple Ridge Historical Society’s an-
nual Heritage Tea in April and at Heri-
tage Day on the BC Day weekend in
August.
• The Museum & Community Archives
established its presence on the Web
at www.mapleridgemuseum.org.
• Using the resources of the web the
Museum began a process of adding
sets of their photographic images to
the Flickr website. This nearly unlim-
ited resource is helping museums
worldwide to share their images with
our communities and the wider
world. Look for them at http://
www.flickr.com/photos/
mrcommunityarchives/sets/
Haney House is open to the public six
hours a week during the winter and fif-
teen hours a week during the summer.
Activities at the house include guided
tours, Sunday Teas in summer, Canada
Day event, seasonal-themed displays
and events, and restoration work in
local cemeteries.
HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:
• Summer students employed
through federal employment
grants enabled the expansion of
the summer Tea on the Verandah
program to both Saturday and
Sunday.
• Structural repairs to the 134 year
old house have strengthened pub-
Maple Ridge Museum
Page 22 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Haney House
lic access areas but the physical
constraints on a structure built so
long ago as a single family home and
not a public facility continue to be of
concern.
• Summer workshops in care and
cleaning techniques for headstones
were conducted at the Maple Ridge
Cemetery and for the first time,
Whonnock Cemetery. Conducted by
Haney House summer staff, these
workshops train volunteers in low-
impact cleaning techniques that they
can use whenever and wherever they
are visiting family memorials.
Page 23 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
* Board and committee volunteers included with the museum
2009 2008 2007
Haney HouseHaney HouseHaney HouseHaney House
Visitors 793 989 893
Volunteer Hours 236 144 115
Maple Ridge MuseumMaple Ridge MuseumMaple Ridge MuseumMaple Ridge Museum
Visitors 1,003 1735 1476
Volunteer Hours 893 1277 1459
Maple Ridge Museum—Statistics
• Participated in 11 community events
• Prepared 13 displays
• Delivered 7 presentations
• Hosted 16 tours
• Received 301 research requests
• Completed 26 outreach initiatives
• Guided school and group tours of
both sites but with a concentration on
the General Store site including Pio-
neer Gadgets program and Heritage
Sites program.
• 14th season of Heritage Thursdays
for Children was continued with an
Ancient Cultures of the World theme.
• Ice Cream Saturdays continued to be
successful .
• July 1st Museum staff and Volunteers
celebrated Canada Day with a booth
and wash day program at Pitt Mead-
ows Spirit Square in the morning and
then back at both the General Store
and the Hoffmann site with a scaven-
ger hunt, crafts and red and white ice
cream in the early afternoon.
• Opened both sites on Pitt Meadows
Day with 300 visitors attending.
• Hosted annual Heritage Tea with ap-
proximately 75 pioneer family resi-
dents and former residents attending.
All donations from the event went
towards the Society’s Grade 11 Book
Award.
• Participated in Heritage Day events in
Maple Ridge.
• Presented its fifth annual book award
at the awards ceremony at Pitt Mead-
ows Secondary School. The award is
given to a student who had shown
outstanding academic achievement
in Social Studies at the grade 11
level. The 2009 winner was Elizabeth
Fleeton.
• The After Dark program aimed at
youth and families was a chance for
the community to learn more about
the spookier side of the Museum but
in a kind and gentle manner.
• Museum Sundays family programs
continue to be successful.
• The Young Curator’s after school vol-
unteering program continued
throughout the year.
EXHIBITS:EXHIBITS:EXHIBITS:EXHIBITS:
Temporary:
• Back to School: The Heritage of Edu-
cation in Pitt Meadows
• Textiles By Design: The Tailorings of
Hazel Anderson
New Permanent:
• Children’s Annuals
• Dating Your Ancestors Through Fash-
ion – CD on gallery kiosk
• Exterior breaking plow restoration
• Exterior signs with history of General
Store site and Hoffmann and Son site
On Line:
• Community memories “Buildings
Through Time” remains up on the Ca-
nadian Heritage Information Network
(CHIN).
Collections and Researchers:Collections and Researchers:Collections and Researchers:Collections and Researchers:
• The junior HRSDC student began the
task of digitizing many of the smaller
collections of documents in the ar-
chives and also assisted with acces-
sioning of artifacts and the data entry
of several large photo collections
(Meadowland School and District of
Pitt Meadows Public Works from
1980c.)
• Restoration of the large breaking plow
in the collection; it is now on exhibit in
the plow exhibit area off the south east
side of the General Store building.
• Received a large concrete post from
Pitt Meadows side of the 1957 car
bridge across the Pitt River. The bridge
contractor, Peter Keiwit, worked with
the Museum and City of Pitt Meadows
to have the demolition sub-contractor
preserve the post and deliver it to the
Museum. The post will be power
Pitt Meadows Museum
Page 24 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Pitt Meadows Museum (cont’d)
Pitt Meadows Museum—Statistics
washed and the Museum has a grant
application in to find a student to as-
sist with the preparation of an interpre-
tive sign for the post.
DONATIONS:DONATIONS:DONATIONS:DONATIONS:
Archives:
Six collections of family photos and four
donations of smaller collections of pho-
tos; one early letter re: McMyn Home-
stead and one document containing
early history written by Agnes Park (nee:
McMyn).
Objects:
Items from the Thompson household
and from the Park/Stevens household;
GE 77 Super Hetrodyne Radio from Hoff-
mann household; 1930c. telephone
operator’s stool; books from Jane
McCullough (nee: McMyn) household.
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• New brochure/rack card.
• New website.
• Museum Sundays children’s pro-
grams.
• First Birthday Party program.
• Good working relationship with care-
takers who occupy Hoffmann House.
• Pitt Meadows Garden Club worked
hard to beautify the gardens on the
south side of the Museum site and
planted a Heritage Garden.
Page 25 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Visitors:
On Site ......................................... 1,961
Off Site ......................................... 800
TotalTotalTotalTotal ............................................................................................................................................................................ 2,7612,7612,7612,761
Research requests received: ........................ 36363636
Volunteer Hours:
Society ............................................. 126
Museum .......................................... 665
Hoffmann ........................................ 103
Total Total Total Total ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 894894894894
The Ridge Meadows Seniors Society
(RMSS) is a vibrant organization which
operates a variety of educational, rec-
reational, and social programs for sen-
iors 55+; membership is at approxi-
mately 1,800 with 300 residing in Pitt
Meadows. The Society operates from
two facilities, the Seniors Centre lo-
cated in Maple Ridge and at the Pitt
Meadows Family Recreation Centre –
Seniors’ Lounge in Pitt Meadows. The
Maple Ridge site offers different types
of rooms for the activities; these include
a large multi-purpose room, library
room, kitchen, lounge for lunches, social
room, computer room, craft room, wood-
shop, and billiard space. In addition, in-
house business services exist for the
seniors; these include a beauty salon,
esthetician, foot care, and reflexologist.
In Pitt Meadows, the facilities offer a
fitness room, lounge with kitchenette,
large multi-purpose room, and billiards
room.
Ridge Meadows Seniors
each year and are involved in every as-
pect of the organization.
At the time of writing this report, statis-
tics on the volunteers were not available,
however, approximate numbers for a few
of the volunteer areas indicates:
• the kitchen maintains about 20 volun-
teers
• the reception area about 15 volun-
teers
• and for every activity (i.e. fitness,
games etc.) there are anywhere from
1-4 program representatives.
It is estimated there are about 220 vol-
unteers presently involved in duties for
RMSS.
Highlights
MAPLE RIDGE SENIORS ACTIVITY MAPLE RIDGE SENIORS ACTIVITY MAPLE RIDGE SENIORS ACTIVITY MAPLE RIDGE SENIORS ACTIVITY
CENTRECENTRECENTRECENTRE
• 22 physical fitness programs
• 11 games type activities
• 4 music orientated programs
• 9 support groups
• Monthly special events
• A weekly health and wellness
clinic
• Monthly trips
• Regular tournaments
• Income tax clinics
• Meals on Wheels
• Caregiver reprieve
• Hospital Visits
• Seniors Connect drivers
• Peer Counseling
• Handi-dart tickets sales on site
• Increased community networking
• Hired a full time Manager
SENIORS LOUNGESENIORS LOUNGESENIORS LOUNGESENIORS LOUNGE————PITT MEADOWS PITT MEADOWS PITT MEADOWS PITT MEADOWS
FAMILY RECREATION CENTREFAMILY RECREATION CENTREFAMILY RECREATION CENTREFAMILY RECREATION CENTRE
• 13 regular programs offered
• Monthly special events
Volunteerism is the backbone of the
success of the Society. The volun-
teers provide thousands of hours
RMSS MembershipRMSS MembershipRMSS MembershipRMSS Membership
2009200920092009———— 1,8001,8001,8001,800
2008 2008 2008 2008 ---- 1,7471,7471,7471,747
2007 2007 2007 2007 ---- 1,8001,8001,8001,800
2006 2006 2006 2006 ---- 1,6581,6581,6581,658
Page 26 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Pitt Meadows Seniors Advisory Board
Arts & Culture—Maple Ridge Arts Council
As a community arts service organiza-
tion the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
Arts Council (MRPMAC) has been pro-
moting and supporting arts and culture
in the communities of Pitt Meadows and
Maple Ridge since 1971.
For the last six and a half years
MRPMAC, contracted through a Fee for
Service agreement, has managed the
Arts Centre and Theatre (ACT) since it’s
opening in May 2003. The Arts Council
has also taken on the role and risk of a
key presenter in the region, bringing a
variety of performing arts disciplines for
all ages to perform at the ACT.
Since 2005 the Arts Council has also
taken on the operations of the Maple
Ridge Art Gallery, to enable the Arts Cen-
tre to continue to service the local visual
arts community upon the dissolution of
the Maple Ridge Art Gallery Society.
Through the Arts Council’s arts pro-
grams, presentations and services to
the arts community, the District of Ma-
ple Ridge and the City of Pitt Meadows
have established themselves as the pri-
mary arts provider in the region.
Presentation Series Highlights:Presentation Series Highlights:Presentation Series Highlights:Presentation Series Highlights:
• MRPMAC presented 28 live events
including music of all types, dance,
comedy and family entertainment.
• The 2009/10 season will present 33
performances and includes a new
Studio Series and Family Series, as
well as school performances and the
continuation of the Arts Club series.
• Introduction of the ACT After Hours
programming, a games night, an Im-
prov Night with Ham Awry and Open
Mic nights with the United Circle of
Arts.
Arts Programs HighlightsArts Programs HighlightsArts Programs HighlightsArts Programs Highlights:
• Arts Programs presented at the ACT,
the Pitt Meadows Recreation Centre
and various schools in the region
provided a broad range of diverse
programs for all ages from pre-
schoolers to seniors
• Registered arts programs in a vari-
ety of artistic disciplines.
• Drop-in darkroom and open pottery
studio programs were delivered to
2,716 participants.
• Home Learners and Educational Arts
Programs attracted 1,362 partici-
pants and continued to support and
provide an invaluable resource for
parents and teachers of School Dis-
trict No. 42 by offering opportunities
for artists to work directly with stu-
dents.
“In partnership with “In partnership with “In partnership with “In partnership with
the community, the the community, the the community, the the community, the
Maple Ridge & Pitt Maple Ridge & Pitt Maple Ridge & Pitt Maple Ridge & Pitt
Meadows Arts Council Meadows Arts Council Meadows Arts Council Meadows Arts Council
works to develop, works to develop, works to develop, works to develop,
promote and celebrate promote and celebrate promote and celebrate promote and celebrate
the Arts.”the Arts.”the Arts.”the Arts.”
Page 27 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
• Public Art Committee of the District
of Maple Ridge; another important
service the Arts Council provided
through a fee for service agreement
with the District of Maple Ridge.
• Recruitment of a new Maple Ridge
Artist in Residence.
• The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts
Council participated in many varying
Community Events including; a
Dance Recital featuring local dance
schools in conjunction with the Ma-
ple Ridge Canada Day Celebrations;
Pumpkin Painting event held in con-
junction with the Downtown Business
Improvement District; lantern work-
shops in conjunction with the Maple
Ridge Festival of Light, and provided
box office services for various off site
events.
The Arts Council sponsored:
• MAINSTAGE 2009MAINSTAGE 2009MAINSTAGE 2009MAINSTAGE 2009, the Annual Provin-
cial Theatre Festival for community
theatre groups throughout BC. Spon-
sored by Theatre BC, it is one of the
longest-running theatre traditions in
Canada.
• Hosted an Open HouseOpen HouseOpen HouseOpen House which pro-
vided member groups another oppor-
tunity to market their seasons along
with the promotion of the upcoming
season and programs. This event
included performances in the lobby,
artist displays and demonstrations
and back stage tours.
• First Diverse Collaborations ProjectDiverse Collaborations ProjectDiverse Collaborations ProjectDiverse Collaborations Project
was presented in association with
the Canadian C.I.S. Friendship Ex-
change Society Multicultural Dance
Celebration; the Unity & Diversity
Multicultural Society multicultural
exhibits; and featured a world music
instrument exhibit by Boris Sichon
which also offered free school work-
shops the following day. The project
garnered funding through the BC Arts
Council.
• Theatre AngelsTheatre AngelsTheatre AngelsTheatre Angels was expanded to in-
clude arts program and is now called
Arts Angels. Arts Angels. Arts Angels. Arts Angels. This important program
continues to provide performance
tickets and supports participation in
arts programs to local social service
agencies who in turn distribute them
to individuals or families who might
otherwise not be able to attend a live
performance event.
Maple Ridge Arts Council (cont’d)
Page 28 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
Maple Ridge Art Gallery
Partial funding for the Maple Ridge Art
Gallery is provided to the Arts Council
through a fee for service grant from the
District of Maple Ridge. The Gallery con-
tinues to expand and mature as an insti-
tution in the community and within the
industry. Staff and volunteer involve-
ment play a crucial role in setting goals
and providing services through ongoing
collaborations and joint activities with
community groups and other Arts Coun-
cil departments.
• Participated in the Celebration of the
Arts, which added to the nine gallery
exhibits by including both the Maple
Ridge and the Pitt Meadows Munici-
pal Halls as exhibit locations.
• Exhibit by the Garibaldi Art Club as
part of their 50th anniversary cele-
brations; the Red Dot Affair group
exhibit which included 56 artists.
• The Art Rental program featured
various prominent area artists
throughout the year.
• The Jack and Jill student exhibit
• Over 830 visitors to the gallery dur-
ing its exhibition, as well as the in-
clusion and support of local busi-
nesses.
• 115 students participated in the
workshops which created the work
on display.
Page 29 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009
The ACTThe ACTThe ACTThe ACT
Arts Centre, Theatre and GalleryArts Centre, Theatre and GalleryArts Centre, Theatre and GalleryArts Centre, Theatre and Gallery
2008 2009
Live Performances 153 180
Non ticketed events 35
Total Theatre Attendance 38,622 41,590
Arts Programs Participation* 3,640 4,078
Maple Ridge Art GalleryMaple Ridge Art GalleryMaple Ridge Art GalleryMaple Ridge Art Gallery
Exhibits/Events 27 25
Visitors 7,638
Gallery Gift shop 4,393 4,847
Volunteer Hours 4773 4861
MRPMAC members 133 128
Individual Donors 26
Arts Council Grants & ScholarshipsArts Council Grants & ScholarshipsArts Council Grants & ScholarshipsArts Council Grants & Scholarships
Member Group Grants 10 13
Community Initiative Grants 1 1
School District #42 Scholarships Awarded 4 4
The gallery gift shop
continues to be seen
as a place of interest
and unique in the
products offered by
local and regional
artisans.