The City of Maple Ridge Heritage Awards are given out in recognition of special initiatives, accomplishments, and projects that have advanced heritage conservation and awareness in our community.
Congratulations to the 2026 Heritage Award Recipients!
The 2026 Heritage Awards event—celebrating recipients and nominees—took place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Albion Community Centre.
2026 Recipients
Heritage Site Award: Matt and Deanna Laity - Brookfield Farm
Brookfield Farm, which is listed on the Heritage Inventory, was established in 1879 by John and Henry Laity. For seven generations, this dairy farm has been operated by the Laity family in the South Alouette area of Maple Ridge, and the 110-acre farm is still operating today. Brookfield Farm has mainly Holstein cows, with their current milking herd consisting of roughly 80 cows. The farm represents an important link with Maple Ridge's early settlement, with a pioneering family, and with the City's agricultural history.
Stewardship of a Community Cultural Asset Award: Whonnock Post Office
The Whonnock Post Office, originally built in 1928 and rebuilt in 1932, has long served as a central gathering place in the community of Whonnock. Located in the area known as "The Front", alongside many other key community spaces, it has played an important role in supporting daily life and maintaining a strong sense of place. Its continued significance is reflected in the special Whonnock postmark issued by Canada Post in 2003, featuring the community's humpback salmon symbol.
Bernice Gehring History Hero Award: Gina Armstrong and Victoria Vancek
Gina Armstrong and Victoria Vancek have made significant contributions to sharing Maple Ridge's local history through creative and engaging programs. Their work includes a series of historic walks and community events that combine storytelling, local history, and outdoor settings, offering accessible ways for residents of all ages to connect with the past. By introducing these types of heritage experiences to the community, they have helped broaden interest in and awareness of Maple Ridge's history.
Sheila Nickols Award: Raymond Nakamura
Raymond Nakamura is recognized for his work with the Community Education on Environment and Development (CEED) Centre on writing and displays about the historic Japanese Canadian community. He has contributed to public exhibits at the CEED Centre and to interpretive signage planned for the future Japanese garden in Jim Hadgkiss Park, with a focus on accuracy and accessibility. His research at the Maple Ridge Museum and Archives, including extensive review of historical newspapers have helped ensure the materials are reliable and informative for the public.
Youth Heritage Award: 1st Haney Cub Scouts
In fall 2024, the 1st Haney Cub Scouts coordinated with the Maple Ridge Museum to undertake a headstone cleaning service project. They fundraised for the museum, collected donated supplies, and participated in a cemetery tour before spending several hours cleaning more than 80 headstones at Maple Ridge Cemetery, primarily in the Japanese Canadian section. Their contributions supported ongoing headstone preservation efforts and encouraged other scout groups to participate in similar projects.
Questions?
If you have any questions about past Heritage Awards or other Heritage-related inquiries please contact:
Heritage@MapleRidge.ca.