Help shape a new space honouring the legacy of Japanese Canadians in Maple Ridge
MAPLE RIDGE, BC – July 30,2025 – The City of Maple Ridge is inviting feedback on the proposed concept design for a Japanese Garden at Jim Hadgkiss Park, beside the Maple Ridge Museum.
Designed in collaboration with the Vancouver Japanese Gardeners’ Association (VJGA) the concept design is now available for review, with opportunities to share feedback through an online survey and at an upcoming open house.
This project commemorates the legacy and contributions of early Japanese Canadians in the region and is made possible through funding from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS). The location of the garden complements the Maple Ridge Museum’s exhibit on early Japanese Canadian settlers.
“This project is about honouring the stories, sacrifices, and contributions of Japanese Canadians who helped shape Maple Ridge,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “The garden will be a space for reflection and remembrance—a lasting tribute to a community whose legacy and resilience continues to inspire us today.”
The garden is envisioned as a peaceful, reflective stroll garden honouring the rich history of Japanese Canadian families who once formed a significant part of the Maple Ridge community. In the early 20th century, Japanese Canadians represented at least 30% of the local population, with many farming strawberries and other crops and contributing to the area’s economic and cultural fabric before their unjust displacement during World War II.
About the Garden Concept
Rooted in the idea of "Ichi-go, Ichi-e" – a Japanese phrase meaning “to treasure a once-in-a-lifetime encounter” – the garden will be a stroll garden featuring traditional design elements such as a dry rock garden, mist garden, water bowl, and a stone-and-brick wall. Local trees, plants, and natural materials will be used to reflect the surrounding environment and historical significance of the site, including the legacy of the Port Haney Brick and Tile Company.
The concept design symbolizes the enduring legacy and resilience of Japanese Canadian families with maple and cherry trees, lace cap hydrangeas, and a scenic pathway leading to a vantage point overlooking the Fraser River.
Share Your Feedback by August 20
Residents and visitors are encouraged to share their feedback on the proposed concept design by participating in an online survey or attending an upcoming open house:
- Survey
- July 30 – August 20
Available in print and at Engage.MapleRidge.ca/JapaneseGarden
- July 30 – August 20
- Open House Event
- Wednesday, August 13
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Drop-in)
Jim Hadgkiss Park (beside Maple Ridge Museum)
22520 116 Ave, Maple Ridge
- Wednesday, August 13
City staff and members of the project team will be present at the open house to answer questions, provide information, and gather input from the public.
Stay Informed
To learn more about the project, complete the survey, and sign up to receive updates, visit Engage.MapleRidge.ca/JapaneseGarden.
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249
E Media@MapleRidge.ca