Maple Ridge, BC - October 24, 2024 - The City of Maple Ridge is thrilled to announce Sunflower Cafe as the winner of the 2024 Maple Ridge Innovation Challenge. Owners Rayne Beveridge and Christopher Janowski were awarded the $4,000 first prize for their innovative and sustainable farm-to-table dining and agri-tourism business.
Sunflower Cafe stands out for its commitment to sustainable agriculture and minimal environmental impact. By growing their own certified organic crops and operating a restaurant on the same farm, they significantly reduce food waste and eliminate the need for transportation of produce. This minimizes their carbon footprint and ensures fresh ingredients for their gourmet dishes.
Sustainability Is Delicious
Sunflower Cafe’s business model addresses issues around sustainable agriculture, food security, and our carbon footprint. By operating the restaurant and farm together, they reduce food waste and transportation costs while providing premium quality local food at a reasonable price. They harvest and grow everything by hand without pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers, ensuring the highest quality produce. This allows them to offer guests an ever-changing menu based on what’s in season, creating a unique dining experience.
Sunflower Cafe's dedication to sustainable practices extends to paying their staff a living wage and supporting the local community. Located in the scenic area of Whonnock, just minutes from the city, the cafe has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors.
Celebrating Local Innovation
The 2024 Innovation Challenge also recognized the following businesses:
- 2nd place and a prize of $2,000 went to Pitt Meadows Plumbing for their AI-run robotic welding system.
- 3rd place and a $1,000 prize was awarded to MRX Marine for their custom padded boat launch fenders.
Other finalists included PMC Lab, The Patch Brewery, Advanced Self Storage, and Novo Lighting, showcasing forward-thinking solutions and contributing to the vibrant local business community.
“Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Innovation Challenge,” said Mayor Ruimy. “Sunflower Cafe and all our finalists demonstrate the power of creativity and resourcefulness in today’s economy. Their dedication to sustainability and excellence inspires our community, and businesses like these are positioning Maple Ridge as a hub of innovation. I’m proud of the ingenuity and passion displayed by this year’s participants and excited to see how they continue to thrive.”
About the Innovation Challenge
Now in its fourth year, the Maple Ridge Innovation Challenge raises awareness of the innovative work happening across the local business community. The competition fosters a spirit of ingenuity and creativity among businesses of all sizes and sectors, from heavy industry to handcrafted goods. By encouraging friendly competition, the challenge helps drive growth, adaptability, and sustainable practices.
2025 Innovation Challenge
Know an innovator in our community? Look out for the 2025 Innovation Challenge, set to launch in June 2025!
For additional information, contact:
Pardeep Purewal
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
