Maple Ridge, B.C., February 22, 2024 – The City of Maple Ridge paid tribute to the recipients of the 2024 Heritage Awards at a special ceremony last night.
The City of Maple Ridge Heritage Awards are presented each year by the Community Heritage Commission in recognition of special initiatives, accomplishments, and projects that have advanced heritage conservation and awareness in our community. The Awards are presented to individuals, organizations, or sites from either the private or public sector that have contributed to the heritage and/or history of Maple Ridge.
“Congratulations to all the recipients and nominees of the City’s 2024 Heritage Awards who along with the Community Heritage Commission play a vital role in preserving our community’s rich and diverse history,” said Mayor Ruimy. “It was an honour to celebrate all of you last night. Your dedication and efforts ensure that Maple Ridge’s story continues to remain vibrant and inspire generations to come.”
2024 Heritage Award Recipients
Heritage Site Award: 11395 205 St.
The residence at 11395 205 St. is a mill house originally built by the Hammond Cedar Company and is listed on the City of Maple Ridge Heritage Register. The first resident lived in the house while working as a sawyer at the mill. The current owners have taken care to maintain the heritage elements of the house while adding internal aspects to bring it to a modern living standard. This home is valued as an example of craftsman bungalows that were commonly built during this period.
Stewardship of a Community Cultural Asset Award: CEED Centre Society
The CEED Centre Society is a charity dedicated to community education that has been an excellent steward of a historic building in Port Haney. The CEED Centre Neighbourhood House was originally a Japanese Schoolhouse that was moved from 232 Street and Dewdney Trunk Road in 1989 to save the heritage building from demolition. The building now operates as a drop-in community centre. The CEED Centre Society also shares knowledge about Maple Ridge and the history of the local Japanese community through its podcast, the CEED Pod.
History Hero Award: Emil Barrow
Emil Barrow is a volunteer with the Maple Ridge Museum who has helped with many events and programs over the past year. With a passion for community education and history, Emil began volunteering with the museum to support community engagement efforts. In the fall, Emil began working on collection projects and has dedicated many days to updating the museum’s collection databases.
Sheila Nickols Award: Dewdney-Alouette Railway Society
The Dewdney-Alouette Railway Society (DARS) moved into the lower level of the Maple Ridge Museum in 1984 and has since brought a sense of fun and whimsy through its model train exhibit of Port Haney from the 1920s era. DARS brings a sense of wonder to the museum using historic photos to recreate Port Haney down to the very last detail. In 1991, DARS brought a 1940s era caboose to the museum and worked tirelessly to restore it.
To learn more about the Heritage Award categories and view a listing of current and past recipients, visit mapleridge.ca/240.
About the Community Heritage Commission
The Community Heritage Commission (CHC) advises Council on matters relating to heritage conservation. Past and current projects include the review and update of the Heritage Plan, Financial Heritage Incentives study, digitization of historic tax assessment rolls, and hosting the Annual Heritage Awards.
To learn more about the Community Heritage Commission, visit mapleridge.ca/128/.
Photos from this year’s Heritage Awards Ceremony are available by request by contacting communications@mapleridge.ca.
For further information, contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager
Corporate Communications & Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 E ppurewal@mapleridge.ca