HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2010Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services
2010 Annual Report
PARKS & LEISURE SERVICES
Commission 2010
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 addition, there are four Citizen-At-Large Members from Maple Ridge and
three from Pitt Meadows.
The Commission functions as a joint committee of the District of Maple Ridge
and City of Pitt Meadows and is guided by the Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows Joint
Leisure Services Agreement. The Commission met monthly except for March and
August and we thank the following members for their dedicated service in 2010:
Maple Ridge: Mayor Ernie Daykin, Councillors Judy Dueck, Craig Speirs and
Cheryl Ashlie (alternate)
Pitt Meadows: Mayor Don MacLean, Councillors Doug Bing, Gwen O’Connell
and Deb Walters (alternate)
School District No. 42 Trustees: Mr. Ken Clarkson, Chair, Mr. Mike Huber,
Ms. Eleanor Pails and Mr. Dave Rempel (alternate)
Maple Ridge Citizens-at-Large: Mr. Ian Brown, Mr. Mandeep Bhuller,
Mr. Geordie Craig & Ms. Angie Rowell
Pitt Meadows Citizens-at-Large: Ms. Christine Smith and Ms. Terri Smith
General Manager’s Report
Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Parks and Leisure
Services had an exciting year in 2010 with
the completion of the Parks, Recreation and
Cultural Plan through a process that involved
significant community input. The Master
Plan effectively captured Maple Ridge and
Pitt Meadows community values around our
ability to connect and collaborate in order to
energize our community. These values are the
basic building blocks of an engaged and healthy
community, and a number of recommendations
within the plan work to build upon these
foundational strengths. This plan will guide the
future development of parks and recreation
services so that they continue to benefit the quality of life and health of our
citizens and our community as it grows. We look forward to continuing to work
closely with our residents to make this vision a reality.
Division Administration staff provide policy advice to Pitt Meadows and
Maple Ridge Councils and support and advice to the Parks & Leisure Services
Commission. Senior staff participate in senior management functions for both
municipalities 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.
Contents
Commission | 2
General Manager’s
Report | 2
Community Services | 5
- Children & Youth Services
Overview | 5
- Children’s Services | 6
- Youth Services | 7
- Neighbourhood Services | 8
Parks & Facilities | 10
- Highlights | 10
- Golf Course | 10
- Inventory | 11
- Park & Field Bookings | 11
- Cemetery | 11
Recreation | 12
- Community
Connections | 12
- Health and Wellness | 15
- Support Services | 16
Kelly Swift, General Manager
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Acknowledgements
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
ARMS KEEPS
The Agricultural Association Haney Horsemen
Maple Ridge Historical Society Pitt Meadows Heritage & Museum Society
Meadowridge Rotary Haney Rotary
Eagles Club Maple Ride and Pitt Meadows Lions
Royal Canadian Legion Amateur Sports Organizations
Community Associations Greg Moore Foundation
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Foundations United Way
Fraser Health Authority Katzie First Nation
Kwantlen First Nation
Thank you to the many festival organizers including Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Event
organizers, Fraser Regional Correctional Centre, and general private sector partners.
Finally, we thank both senior levels of Government for their financial contributions and partnership initiatives in 2010.
Highlights
• Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay Events
and Spirit of BC Initiatives
• Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan adopted
www.mapleridge.ca/EN/main/residents/
parks_and_leisure.html
• Analysis and confirmation of the structure of the
Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Joint Services Agreement
• Updated the Master Agreement with
School District No. 42
• The installation of “Tendance” in Memorial Peace
Park by the Public Art Steering Committee
• North Alouette Regional Greenway Bridge
and Vernon Bridge construction underway
• Construction of South Bonson Community
Centre underway
• Upgrade to Pitt Meadows Arena underway
• Five Dog Off Leash Parks installed
(3 Maple Ridge, 2 Pitt Meadows)
• Pitt Meadows Synthetic Field construction
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Statistics
Grants Received Year to Date $ Amount Grant Provider
Children’s Area $8,102 Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living
Children’s Area $9,967 Ministry of Children and Family Development
Children’s Area $9,150 Community Links
Children’s Area $2,315 Pitt Meadows Lion’s Club Easter Grant
Olympic Torch Relay Event Maple Ridge $13,000 Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
Olympic Torch Relay Event Pitt Meadows $10,500 Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
Mental Health Coordinator $40,558 Fraser Health Authority
Active Kids Club Staff $8,102 Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living
Active Kids Club $7,494 Ministry of Children and Family Development
Summer Integrated Daycamps $39,210 Ministry of Children and Family Development
Social Planning $3,500 Community Links
Student Summer Placement $61,000 Service Canada
Children’s Area $2,700 Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living
Canada Day Grant $3,200 Government of Canada
Children’s Area $1,900 Child Care Operating Fund
Children’s Area $1,250 Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation Community Grant
Jumpstart (community recreation 6-18 years old) $17,085 Canadian Tire
Child Care operating funds for Active Kids Club $8,608 Ministry of Children and Family Development
Active Kids Club to support children
with special needs $5,365 Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living
Active Kids club $10,500 Community Links School District No. 42
Summer Children’s and
Youth Recreation Programming $65,466 Service Canada
Health and Wellness $2,850 Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation Grant
Move For Health Day $1,500 BC Recreation & Parks Association
Paralympic Torch Relay $20,000 Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
Tzi Chi Foundation $2,000 School District No. 42
Supported Hours Integrated Programming –
Summer Day Camp Support $3,500 Maple Ridge Community Living
North Alouette River Greenway Bridge $49,500 Province Of British Columbia
North Alouette River Greenway Bridge $165,500 Western Economic Diversification Canada with a
contribution from the Province of BC
Event Safety Equipment $9,000 Municipal Insurance Association
Total $582,822
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The Community Services Department within Parks and Leisure Services has three
main functions: Preschool and Children’s Recreation Services, Youth Services, and
Neighbourhood Development.
Children’s Recreation Services provide recreational programs for preschool children
0 to 5 years and school children 6 to 12 years in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
As concerns grow regarding inactivity levels and rise in the number of children living
in poverty, partnerships with community agencies have been developed to offer
programming within a collaborative framework, increasing the department’s ability
to respond to the growing needs of these age groups.
Youth Recreation Services oversees programming for youth 13 to 18 years,
including operation of the Greg Moore and the Pitt Meadows Youth Centres, and
operation of the Thomas Haney Youth Action Park known as “The School Yard”.
Focus continues on expanding active and nutritional educational opportunities
within the youth recreation programs. Support to the Youth Action Park
Leadership Steering Committee continued, supporting the focus of expanding the
Youth Mentorship Program and planning for the Pitt Meadows Youth Action Park
in 2011. In 2010, staff supported a youth engagement project in Pitt Meadows
called Listen to Us. Extensive consultation with youth helped identify community
strengths in meeting their needs and highlighted priorities for addressing gaps in
community resources and programming. Recommendations from the process
were incorporated into the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Master Plan and the
2011 Youth Services Business Plan.
Neighbourhood Development Services supports neighbourhood development;
neighbourhood network development; and neighbourhood input to community
planning processes. The development of partnerships and contribution to
community-wide initiatives and network development contribute to enhanced
services. The Community Services Department supports a growing number of
community initiatives relating to building healthy sustainable neighbourhoods in
our communities.
Children and Youth Services Overview:
The 2010 Olympics provided an exciting platform for sports and recreation in
British Columbia. Children and Youth Services teams assisted and supported
activities celebrating both the Olympic and Para Olympic Torch Relay in February
and the Olympic theme was highlighted throughout the year in many children and
youth recreation programs.
Children’s Services continued to offer a broad range of recreation programs
for children 0 to 12 years and youth leadership programs for youth 12 to 18
years. High attendance rates were experienced in both the pre-school and youth
leadership program areas. Summer day camps in Pitt Meadows were well attended
with record attendance at both Pitt Troopers and Fun in the Sun. More than forty
youth, aged 13 to 18, participated in the summer-long Youth Futures leadership
program focussing on building leadership skills and providing opportunities to
contribute to community by volunteering in summer children’s programs.
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Community Services
Overall, the economic downturn affected the number of children and families accessing recreation programming. As poverty
increases and a large part of a family’s income is spent on housing and food costs, many families are unable to afford extras
like recreation services. Research shows, in addition to obvious benefits of recreation such as improved mental and physical
health, recreation can also mitigate the effects of poverty on children. As such, Children and Youth Services continued to
find ways to reduce barriers to accessing recreation services, combining resources with partners and continuing to apply for
funding to provide low cost recreation programs.
Children’s Services
Children’s Services was the successful recipient of a Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation Community Grant. In partnership
with School District No. 42, Parks and Leisure Services began planning for two school-based noon hour recreation programs
designed to reduce barriers to accessing recreation services. Offered at both Hammond and Eric Langton Elementary Schools,
a no-cost “girls only” noon hour recreation program is available to girls in Grades 5 to 7 called Girls in Action.
Low cost parent and child recreation was very popular in 2010. The Parent and Tot Drop-in Gym at the Maple Ridge Leisure
Centre and Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre were very well attended. The Drop-in provided parents and children (aged
0-6) a chance for free play in a safe and developmentally appropriate setting. Public Health staff visited the Parent and Tot
Drop-in several times to provide health and developmental screening. Parent and Tot registered programs like soccer and
T-ball were also very well attended.
Several family birthday party options were offered including pool, playroom and active parties with a marked increase in the
number of parties in 2010. Hosted by Children’s Services staff in the Leisure Centre and Greg Moore Youth Centre Active
area, the parties offer a “green” alternative with re-useable party favours. All programs are “nut aware” and offer a safe and
developmentally appropriate option for all children.
The Active Kids Club, a School District No. 42 program operated by Parks and Leisure Services, expanded to include a Before
School option at three schools: Eric Langton, Highland Park and Hammond Elementary. The after school Active Kids Club
recreation program was available at Albion, Yennadon, Eric Langton, Hammond, Maple Ridge, and Highland Park Elementary
Schools which continued to grow in popularity. A number of the Active Kids Club programs operated at capacity, particularly
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those in the growing East side of Maple Ridge. 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 community special events. Environmental
sustainability was a key theme at all events where the activities provided an educational component as well as fun and
excitement. The annual Pitt Meadows Lions Easter Egg hunt was a huge success due in part to a large number of Pitt
Meadows youth volunteer and community donations. Canada Day celebrations provided an initial training opportunity for
Youth Futures volunteers.
Youth Services
2010 was an exciting year for Youth Services. The Youth Action Park at Thomas Haney, known as “The School Yard”,
completed its third full year of operation with very high participation rates and positive feedback from participants, parents
and community partners.
This was also the third year of The Youth Action Park Mentorship Program which expanded to include a greater number of
youth and continued to provide leadership opportunities for youth 15-18 years. Program goals are aimed to have young
people mentor their peers at the Park by being positive role models, to help keep the park clean and safe, and to support
a positive rewards program (donated discount cards are awarded to young people recognized for wearing helmets, being
positive role models, or working hard at perfecting skills). Mentors gain certifications in First Aid, De-escalation skills, and
Leadership training.
As a direct result of the momentum created by the development of the Action Park, skateboarding opportunities at the Greg
Moore Youth Centre have greatly increased in popularity, with more youth being introduced to the sport.
Youth Services also continued its focus on youth-initiated recreation with an emphasis on providing active opportunities,
inspiring learning and understanding of environmentally sustainable practices, and healthy nutrition. Highlights include multi-
sports nights, weekly hikes and camping trips, continuation of the worm composting program at both youth centres, reusable
supplies for programs, and healthy choice menus at youth-operated concessions. Drop-in sport opportunities experienced
record participation rates at both centres with Ball Hockey, Basketball and Dodge-ball among the most popular sports.
Friendly sport competition and interaction continued to be popular and succeeded in creating connections and friendships
between youth in both communities.
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“The leadership / mentorship programs for youth
are excellent.” – Resident
The second annual “Stoked” event provided youth with an opportunity to show off their skate boarding skills and give back to
the community by raising funds for the local Food Bank and the Iron Horse Youth Safe House.
With the weekly Whonnock Youth Drop-In program, Youth Services recognized the importance of delivering recreation at the
neighbourhood level and reducing barriers for participation. Close to 50 youth participated in the program.
Youth Council participation in both communities continued to grow in numbers and diversity and provided meaningful
leadership opportunities for all participants. Youth contributions to planning and implementation of a number of initiatives
included operation of the concession in the Greg Moore Youth Centre.
Special events, such as the Pitt Meadows Easter Egg Hunt, Youth Week, Pitt Meadows Youth Fest, and Canada Day
celebrations, provided youth with leadership role opportunities in both communities. The Youth Summer Park program with
Youth Workers had a successful year engaging youth in positive activities and events in Maple Ridge Memorial Park. A summer
2010 pilot project introduced “ping pong” tables to both Memorial Peace Park and Spirit Square. Tables were put out daily
and drop-in response was positive with many citizens taking part.
Community partnership between Youth Services and School District No. 42 enjoyed continued success with a second year
of operation of the Store Front School in the Greg Moore Youth Centre. The Centre again hosted the annual District School
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.
Active Kids Club statistics 2008 2009 2010
No. of Active Kids Club Program Sites 6 7 6
No. of Sessions for Active Kids Club 1,140 1,330 1,520
No. of Program Hours 2,850 3,325 3,800
No. of individual children registered in Active Kids Clubs 133 163 165
Youth Outreach Initiative
Youth Lounge Drop-in Hours 2,228 2,172 2,240
Youth Lounge User Hours 77,434 68,126 75,010
Neighbourhood Services
Strong neighbourhoods are the building blocks for strong and healthy communities. In 2010, Neighbourhood Services
continued to move forward in their three main goals:
• Enhancing quality of life by supporting the development of neighbourhoods and a community-wide neighbourhood network;
• Supporting meaningful input by neighbourhoods to community planning;
• Building capacity that will lead to the development of a network focused on creating a long term community garden plan.
The Neighbourhood “Seed Grant” program continued to grow in popularity in both communities with a total of 31
grants having been awarded. Grants are designed to inspire neighbourhood residents to connect and create a sense of
community. A grant was awarded in Thornhill to a local family-facilitated neighbourhood Giant Pumpkin Growing Fest, with
a “how-to-grow” workshop, weigh-ins, pumpkin rolling, potluck dinner, pumpkin carving and an awards ceremony. Other
neighbourhoods hosted walking and sports events, holiday celebrations for Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Canada Day,
movie nights, picnics in the park, plant and clothing swaps, barbeques, and a bicycle parade.
In addition, neighbourhood “champions” who applied for grants were invited to connect with the growing number of
neighbourhood representatives attending Neighbourhood Celebrations. There were 2 celebrations hosted in 2010 providing
an opportunity for neighbourhood champions to share their success stories, ideas and resources.
In the fall of 2010, the District of Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee (SPAC) initiated a neighbourhood
community development project in the Port Haney area of Maple Ridge. To date, the Port Haney committee members have
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created a vision, terms of reference, conducted a neighbourhood safety walk, and are currently working on identifying actions
they can take to move them closer to realizing the vision for the neighbourhood.
The Neighbourhood Development Coordinator continued to liaise with and support the Haney Farmers Market in their efforts
to create a sustainable community market. In addition to the weekly Market at Memorial Peace Park from May to October,
the Society piloted an 8 week market at the beautiful Osprey Village site in Pitt Meadows. Both markets provided farmers and
artisans with the opportunity to sell their products locally while non-profit organizations, artists, theatre groups and local
musicians added to experience. The Market continued to provide a place for people to connect while educating market goers
on agriculture, nutrition and the importance of eating locally. www.haneyfarmersmarket.org
“The HIVE Neighbourhood Centre” at Eric Langton Elementary School provided a wide range of programs and services to
families and the neighbourhood through a partnership between the School District and 13 local agencies. Individuals and
community groups continued to work collaboratively to ensure that activities provided met the needs of the community. The
Neighbourhood steering committee, in partnership with the Parent Advisory Committee hosted two successful, well attended,
children’s clothing exchanges which will become annual events. http://hiveneighbourhood.blogspot.com
The neighbourhood school garden program expanded in 2010 to five gardens: Glenwood, Blue Mountain, Pitt Meadows
Elementary Schools, and Maple Ridge and Westview Secondary Schools. Additional schools were supported to apply for grants
to develop new gardens in 2011. The Neighbourhood School Gardens provide children, parents, teachers, neighbours and
community groups with many opportunities to share knowledge, resources and access to fresh produce. School District No. 42
expanded their website to include information and resources for school gardens: http://www.sd42.ca/community-gardens.
The Neighbourhood Development Coordinator continued to provide support to Golden Ears FEAST (Food, Education &
Action Strategy Table). The committee’s strategic plan has several neighbourhood specific actions including securing funding
to sustain the neighbourhood-based community kitchens, promoting urban agriculture, and encouraging and supporting the
development of community/neighbourhood gardens in higher density areas.
Canada Day Celebrations offered a free, family event celebrating multiculturalism and our traditional peoples through food,
music, entertainment and a wide range of interactive activities. Thanks to the volunteer planning committee members and
numerous event day volunteers who made this event a great success.
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“Community Gardens – Growing Together. Gardens foster healthier,
more socially responsible communities.” - A Seat at the Table
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Parks and Facilities
The Parks Operations section maintains a total of 218 hectares of park land
throughout Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, including seasonal displays,
landscaped boulevards, park sites, playgrounds, soccer fields, ball diamonds, 2
cemeteries, major trail systems, tennis and sport courts, and administers the lease
for the Maple Ridge Golf Course.
The Parks Planning and Design section is responsible for identifying future parkland,
neighborhood consultation on parkland design, and the implementation of long
term capital plans related to parkland acquisition and new park development.
This section also liaises with the Planning and Engineering departments in both
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows to develop strategies to enhance trail networks in
conjunction with residential and commercial development in each community.
The Facilities Operations section oversees the maintenance of Maple Ridge general
government buildings including City Hall, 3 Fire Halls, RCMP detachment and the
Randy Herman Community Safety Building. This section is also responsible for all
maintenance and repairs to Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows recreation buildings,
museums, heritage buildings, caretaker residences, leased properties and park
washrooms and concessions. Activities include janitorial services, preventive
maintenance on elevators, boilers, and administering heating and air handling
systems contracts as well as energy management in municipal buildings.
Highlights 2010
• RCMP cell renovations
• Cliff Field renovation
• Red Alder Neighborhood Park construction
• Pitt Meadows Synthetic Field construction
• Pitt Meadows Community Garden expansion
• Harris Road Park Master Plan
• Water conservation devices installed in washrooms
• Pitt Meadows Sport Court and landscaping completed
• Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre Emergency Generator installation
• Installation of Facility Direct Digital Control Systems
• Fire Hall #2 and #3 energy saving occupancy sensors
• 2 Volunteer Work Parties at Sawyers Landing
• North Alouette River Greenway and Vernon Bridge construction underway
Golf Course
Region View Services has been operating the Maple Ridge Golf Course since 2007
and has completed upgrades to the clubhouse, caretaker residence and main-
tenance building. During 2010, the focus has been on rebuilding several golf cart
paths on the #4, #5, #6 and #7 fairways. A new event staging area was graded out
and two bunker areas re-cut in preparation for sand and final grooming in 2011.
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Park & Boulevard Inventory:
· 70 park sites · 47 playgrounds · 31 soccer fields
· 46 ball diamonds · 17 tennis courts · 16 sport courts
· 3 synthetic fields · 52 municipal boulevards (includes bulb outs and medians)
Annual Park and Field Bookings
Parks and open space – 4,880 hours Sport fields – 51,114 hours
Artificial Turf Fields – 6,331 hours Fairgrounds – 6,409 hours
Cemetery
Parks & Facilities operates two Municipal Cemeteries by maintaining the grounds and by providing interment services,
associated record keeping and responding to public inquiries.
2010 2009 2008
Markers 78 89 132
Full Interment 166 183 192
“The attention given to our green spaces provides delight for all.” - Resident
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Recreation
The Recreation Department offers a wide range of recreation services in both Maple
Ridge and Pitt Meadows, delivering recreation programs in municipal, community,
outdoor, and school facilities. The level of recreation service provided to the
community is enhanced by partner service providers such as local businesses, non-
profit groups (including fee-for-service partners) and neighbourhood associations.
The department recognizes the benefits that these groups bring to the community
and support their efforts to provide quality recreation services to the community.
2010 featured special moments such as the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay and
Paralympic Torch Relay events, and significant projects such as the South Bonson
Community Centre facility, improvements to the Pitt Meadows Arena, and the
establishment of a long-term operating model for this newly acquired facility.
There was an emphasis on basic operational improvements related to cleanliness,
service quality and the support provided to service partners. A focus on cleanliness,
particularly in high volume areas such as Leisure Centre change rooms and enhanced
strategies to reduce the transmission of germs will ensure that facility services
better meet customer expectations. This included strategies that focused on the
development of our Building Service Worker staff and a number of technology
projects that improved customer access.
The Recreation Services Marketing Plan that was developed in 2009 established
a benchmark of customer’s perception of the quality of service provided within
recreation facilities and offered a number of recommendations that focused efforts
in 2010 on strategies that improved customer’s perception of service quality. The
Recreation Services Marketing Plan emphasized the need for P&LS to evolve how the
department supports partners that provide a recreation service to the community
considering that P&LS service delivery model relies on these partnerships and
in view of the growing pressure that not-for-profit and sport groups are facing.
With this objective in mind, the department conducted research and developed
recommendations designed to improve the type and level of support that P&LS
provides to its service partners.
In addition, the department continued to concentrate on and grow active com-
munity initiatives and events, and support the development of networks to enable
community groups to maximize the use of community resources to achieve common
goals. For example, staff supported the Outdoor Recreation and Sport Council
to develop their terms of reference and governance model; the Active Community
Network and the Senior’s Network to develop strategic action plans; and the
Volunteer Network’s focus to increase the profile of the Volunteer Resource Centre
now operating out of the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services facility.
Accessibility also remains a focus, with a goal in increase access to our programs
and services for residents, with continued emphasis on the development of low-cost
recreation opportunities and community assisted financial support programs.
Community Connections
The Community Connections mandate is to develop systems and programs and
provide liaison support to build the capacity of individual volunteers, boards of
directors, and community networks that provide a recreation service to the community, and to oversee the implementation of
four major fee-for-service agreements.
In 2010, Community Connections supported several Arts related projects, including support for the Arts Council and the
Maple Ridge Public Art Steering Committee to implement the Maple Ridge Public Art policy and plan. A successful grant
application for 2010 Legacies Now funding to complete a Cultural Mapping project will document the arts and culture
resources and assess the strengths and gaps in the arts community.
Community Connections also worked with the Arts Council to expand programming to the South Bonson Community
Centre, amended the Arts Council’s fee for service agreement, provided training in Class programming software, and revised
accounting practices and time lines in order to do monthly reimbursements to the Arts Council for their program revenues.
The Arts Council’s involvement with the Department’s participation program was also aligned to reflect that the Arts Council
and other partners are responsible for 1 out of every 8 program registrations.
Recruitment and selection of a new artist for the Artist in Residence was approved, along with approval of the program. In
addition, the first piece of public art was unveiled for Maple Ridge in Spirit Square and the second art installation for Maple
Ridge is in progress and will involve a private/public partnership.
Community Connections participated in the Maple Ridge Heritage Context Study in 2010, and temporarily addressed the
storage capacity and space issues of the Maple Ridge Museum. Community Connections also renegotiated the Maple Ridge
Historical Society and Pitt Meadows Heritage Society fee for service agreements.
In the support of seniors, Community Connections recruited and selected a Manager for the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society
(RMSS) and supported the new Manager during the transition to a new organizational structure. Community Connections
also worked with the RMSS and Pitt Meadows Seniors Advisory Committee (PMSAC) to increase and expand their volunteer
program, and worked with the PMSAC to develop a revised facility design and floor plan for the new Pitt Meadows Seniors
Centre. A Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Seniors Network sustainability strategy (SN) was facilitated, and the development
and publication of a Seniors Resource Guide in collaboration with other members of the Seniors Network was supported.
In the area of Volunteer Services, Community Connections hosted and facilitated workshops in First Aid, Event Safety Planning,
Superhost, Fundraising and Sponsorship, and Community Development. We partnered with the Community Volunteer Centre
to offer volunteer management training and develop a new leadership as well as create an online Community Volunteer Hub
website. Volunteer pages were developed on the two municipal websites. In 2010, Community Connections offered Volunteer
Week events in the two communities such as a workshop, Leisure Time, youth socials, displays, and a skating event.
Other Community Connections involvement includes participating in the fall Volunteer Fair, researching new criminal record
check procedures and educated community groups, offering a series of bi-monthly Volunteer & Networking sessions for
citizens, and surveying volunteers for feedback about our Volunteer Recognition Program. Community Connections also
participated on the inter-municipal volunteer coordinators committee.
“The community development approach is about creating opportunities
for increasing individual and community capacities” - Volunteer
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No. of P&LS volunteer hours: 10,530 No. of Festivals volunteer hours: 30,521
Community Festivals in 2010 continued to be varied and successful. Community Connections supported 76 community
events, including new events such as the BIA Street Markets, Osprey Markets and the Lunchtime Concert Series. Attendance
at community events in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge was estimated at 162,938. Other events include organizing a PM
Arena Burger Bash and the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre 10th Anniversary event. Community Connections also
developed the Pitt Meadows Festival Leadership Committee to connect event organizers and support the growth of festivals
and event volunteerism.
Environmental sustainability strategies for community events, workshops and meetings were researched and a $9,000
Municipal Insurance Association (MIA) equipment grant was acquired, resulting in new event equipment purchases (e.g.
electrical panel).
Other Community Connections accomplishments in 2010 include publishing a community parade manual in collaboration
with event organizers, developing a Community Snow Angel Program to promote neighbourhood volunteerism, publishing a
Building Service Workers handbook to support staff that work with event groups, and improving event safety procedures to
streamline the process and improve communication between departments (e.g. Fire, Engineering, and Parks).
Community Connections was pleased to help the Emerald Pig Society expand their outdoor theatre events to two locations
(Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows) and supported PM Canada Day Society to become a registered society.
In 2010, Community Connections surveyed event organizers to assess needs, researched beer garden policies in various
municipalities, updated the Festival Support Policy, and offered a series of skill development workshops for community groups.
Community Connections was successful in obtaining funding in several areas for Special Services in 2010. Increased funding
was obtained through Jumpstart to support 136 children and youth in active sport and recreational opportunities; additional
contract funding was received through the Fraser Health Authority to conduct a pilot program that offered recovery based
services within the Ridge Meadows Hospital; and federal funding was applied for to increase and improve upon the physical
accessibility of the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre and the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre. A grant was awarded through
Community Living BC and the funding was used to provide one-to-one support for 30 children and youth with a disability. A
contract was also awarded through the Fraser Health Authority, Mental Health Centre, to provide recovery-based services to
referred clientele.
The continued partnership with Tzi Chi Foundation and School District No. 42 afforded the Department to financially
support the program registrations of 14 children and youth.
Community Connections supported the work of the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility
Issues (MACAI) in 2010. Highlights included receiving the 2009 UBCM Community Excellence Award for Best Practices –
“Local history brings history home, it touches your life, the life of
your family, your neighbourhood, your community.” – Resident
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Leadership & Increased promotion of the Universal Design Guidelines for Outdoor Spaces both internally and externally to
neighbouring municipalities. The department also supported the Paralympic Torch Relay Organizing community in planning
and hosting the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay.
Maple Ridge Festivals and Events:
Adstock Bard on the Bandstand BIA Street Markets
Breastfest Caribbean Festival Christmas Festival and Santa Parade
Christmas Haven Country Fest Downtown Lunchtime Concert Series
Earth Day Whonnock Easter Egg Hunt Family Movie Nights
Festival of Light Haney Farmers Markets Heritage Day
Home Show Maple Ridge Children’s Festival Music on the Wharf
Olympic Flame Route Community Celebration Paralympic Torch Relay Pathfinder’s Children’s Carnival
Rivers Day – Allco Park, Kanaka Creek Silver Valley Festival Spirit of Wood
Vintage Club Car Rally
Pitt Meadows Festivals and Events:
Bard in the Spirit Square – The Tempest Christmas in the City Doggy Dash Run
Earth Day Farmers Markets Family Movie Nights
Hockey Day at Osprey Village Lions Easter Egg Hunt Osprey Village Christmas Tree Light
Pitt Meadows Day Pitt Meadows Youth Fest
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Festivals and Events:
Canada Day Celebrations Community Fireworks Volunteer Appreciation Week events
Remembrance Day
No. of events: 76
No. of participants: 162,938
Health and Wellness
The Health and Wellness area manages indoor facility programming through planning and implementing all fitness, wellness
and adult sport programming within departmental facilities and at off-site and outdoor locations. Programs and services aim
to meet the diverse community needs for active living and health and wellness of all residents. Services are coordinated by Parks
and Leisure Services staff with some being operated through contract service partners and partnerships.
In the area of Aquatics, efforts were focused on evaluating efficiencies and structural changes within staff and supply/
equipment budgets to improve services and resource management. Cleanliness and orderliness continues to be a high priority.
The department continues to provide access to aquatic opportunities for community as a whole. An example of this is the
offering of free swim lessons for children and adults at various times throughout the year. The department evaluated current
staff operating structure and will begin implementing changes in 2011, and compliance to recently updated Provincial
Guidelines for Safe Swimming Pool Operations is being observed.
Health and Wellness Promotions continue to focus on educating the public and special events community groups on the many
promotional opportunities available via the electronic messaging board. The community events page and community directory
are located on the District website, and access to event information on the web was improved. In 2010, new technologies,
promotional methods, and campaigns were researched to support customer acquisition and retention. Support was offered
for the Olympic Torch Relay and Paralympic Torch Relay Promotions, and seasonal Arts and Recreation Program Guide were
published and distributed.
In 2010, the Health and Wellness department offered support for the creation of the area’s Sport and Outdoor Recreation
Council to improve collaboration and networking among agencies that deliver minor sport opportunities. The formation
of Sport Council was integral to the development of a local Kidsport Chapter in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Through
Kidsport funding, children who may not have the financial ability to participate in local sports organizations have an
opportunity to be involved in the positive benefits of sport and healthy living.
The department began to build community capacity to reduce participation barriers in health and wellness and sport activities
and programs. By offering low cost recreational opportunities and making continual efforts to connect with hard to reach
populations, we invite them to use the indoor gymnasiums and other active spaces. The department continues to build upon
inclusiveness and accessibility through new and annual weight room equipment purchases and improved layouts of fitness
facilities in both communities. We have also increased program offerings in the newly renovated Training Studio at the Maple
Ridge Leisure Centre. This updated space will maximize program offerings within the downtown core.
The Health and Wellness department promoted various events, such as Spirit Week, by hosting a Spirit Bash and a visit from
the 2010 Olympic Mascots. Active Events involvement include Move for Health Day, Canada Day Run and the Doggie Dash
in Pitt Meadows. The department also initiated comprehensive evaluations of all service contract providers within Health and
Wellness and research was initiated to improve service quality, capitalize on and distribute resources responsibly and increase
the efficacy of program delivery.
In regards to Ice Rinks, Health and Wellness completed the public skate and lesson request for proposal. We continue to
strengthen partnership and liaise with the service partner to monitor quality and quantity of public skates and skate lessons
at both Planet Ice and Pitt Meadows Arena. There are continued efforts to offer and increase success of low cost skates such
as School District Pro-D Day and Special Event skates. A focus is placed on maintaining safety requirements and educational
campaigns promoting helmet use for children’s skate programs and extending the campaign to include adults. 2010 saw the
offering of Adult Safe Skate education clinics in support of this campaign.
Support Services
Support Services provide front-line customer service for admissions, program registrations, facility bookings and operations.
Systems are developed and implemented to support the entire department such as emergency and evacuation plan
development, customer feedback systems, technology projects and the administration of leases.
In the area of Facility Operations, Violence Prevention and Robbery Prevention Training was offered to front counter staff,
Leisure Centre/Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre evacuation plans were reviewed and updated, the Leisure Centre / Pitt
Meadows Family Recreation Centre Customer Satisfaction Survey was conducted, and the annual maintenance shutdowns of
the Leisure Centre, Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre, Heritage Hall and Hammond Community Centre were completed.
Current projects in progress include the construction phase of the South Bonson Community Centre, the Pitt Meadows Arena
Renovation Project, and the Albion Hall donation process. The Leisure Centre office renovation has been completed.
In the Customer Service area, the Class program registration system and Payment Server was upgraded, an internal audit of
GST/HST was performed and changes implemented, a number of operating leases were completed and negotiated, and a
100% healthy choice vending program was adopted. In addition, a Self Scanning station at the Leisure Centre was installed, the
Fees and Charges Review was completed, and an On-Line Racquet and Squash Court booking system was implemented.
“Staff’s commitment to their vision and values has really engaged
and empowered many people in this community.” - Resident
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