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Hey there, folks!

If you have subscribed to The Ridge long enough, you know that I coached my sister to her first (and very likely only) half marathon last summer.

I loved creating a weekly training plan, checking in on her progress, and passing on some of my knowledge as a competitive runner for more than a decade.

Even though she did not run again after the race, I noticed that she recently picked up cycling — a sport that may be less physically demanding on the body than running. Earlier this week, she reached out to me about new trails to bike, and many of them overlap with my favourite running routes.

And later this week, when the sunshine is out in full force, we are planning to go for a bike ride together.

Despite not picking up running, I could not be happier that she found a new sport and that we still get to enjoy it together. That's the beauty of sports!

Until next week,

Josh Kozelj

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Photo via City of Maple Ridge

News

Maple Ridge needs more rec facilities; Hammond plan still divisive

There is a shortage of recreation facilities in Maple Ridge, according to the results of a recent public engagement survey.

At a committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, city council discussed the responses from more than 2,300 residents who participated in the survey that was held from January to February. Hundreds of people also took part in the engagement process through open houses, group surveys and interviews.

“This was one of the highest participation rates we’ve seen in a city engagement,” Mayor Dan Ruimy wrote in a press release.

The survey aimed to assess recreation needs in Maple Ridge, a growing community that saw its population rise by 10.6 per cent between 2016 and 2021 — three per cent higher than the provincial average.

The overarching sentiment was that the city sorely lacks swimming facilities.

“Across all methods of engagement, including stakeholder interviews, survey data, and open houses, we heard that community members feel that the demand for aquatic facilities and programming surpasses the current supply,” city staff summarized in a report to council.

Respondents also said there is not enough ice time for public skating, lessons, and hockey.

But many residents are still wary of a new proposal that would give Maple Ridge its second indoor pool and fifth ice sheet.

Visit The Ridge to read the full story.

Read the story

Photo via City of Maple Ridge on X

News

Province injects $3.5 million into Abernethy Way project

If you build it, the province may foot a portion of the bill.

The expansion plan on Abernethy Way, a project that started in 2017 and will ultimately extend the road from 232 Street to 256 Street, received a $3.5 million boost from the provincial government’s Growing Communities Fund.

The funding will go towards widening Abernethy Way to four lanes between 224 and 230 streets.

Completion of the project will make it easier for people to access Golden Ears Park — one of B.C.’s largest provincial parks — and the growing Silver Valley neighbourhood, which the city expects will soon host 11,000 residents.

“This project is not just about expanding a road; it's about laying the groundwork for a future where our community continues to thrive, supported by robust infrastructure and sustainable growth,” stated Mayor Dan Ruimy in a press release.

The project is also part of the city’s Maple Ridge Moves plan, an initiative that is also slated to expand Golden Ears Way, build a Silver Valley Bridge and Bus Rapid Transit on Lougheed Highway.

The widening of Abernethy Way from 224 to 230 Street is expected to be complete next spring.

Phase 3 of the project is going to extend Abernethy Way from 232 Street to 240 Street.

Although Maple Ridge has committed funding to that extension project, the city wrote in a press release that expansion to 240 Street will require more funding from the provincial and federal governments.

The fourth and final phase is scheduled to extend the road from 240 Street to 256 Street.

Phase 3 is still in the design stage, but construction is expected to begin next year. There is no timeframe for when Phase 4 will begin.

News

Across the web:

Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge MP Marc Dalton said the 2024 budget is putting Canada into debt [Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News]

A Maple Ridge woman is launching a discrimination suit against her co-op after it terminated her membership [Vancouver Sun]

TransLink received $300 million in provincial funding to buy more buses [CBC]

This week's long read: In Vanderhoof, B.C., women are scared to seek help from the RCMP. This is why. [The Tyee]

Check out the moss in Pitt Meadows

A new exhibit featuring moss art is coming to the Pitt Meadows Art Gallery (PMAG) this week.

In Moss & Clay, an exhibit led by Ann Marie Lewis from Soulroots Moss Art, a Vancouver-based design studio, opens on Saturday at the gallery’s new location in the South Bonson Community Centre.

Four ceramic artists are also going to showcase their work at the exhibit, which is expected to balance luscious moss and handcrafted materials.

Lewis, who started Soulroots Moss Art as a way to support organizations that are committed to protecting natural resources, has a passion for the outdoors and is inspired by the healing qualities of nature, according to the PMAG.

“She is inspired to share the beauty of the forest, bringing its healing and calming energies indoors through her unique moss art creations,” the gallery writes.

The exhibit is scheduled to run until June 2. There will also be a kickoff ceremony on April 24 at 5:00 p.m.

You can find out more info about the exhibit here.

Here's what else you need to know

For the youth: Youth are invited to stop by the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre for a numerous free activities early next month. There will be arts and crafts, board games and a ping pong tournament. More info here.
Help the earth: Residents can purchase tree watering bags at the Pitt Meadows City Hall to support the growth of young urban trees in the city. More info here.
Mind the turf: Golden Ears field in Maple Ridge is open, but the city is cautioning residents to use caution because of turf damages in two areas near the centre of the pitch. More info here.

Here's what's happening near you

Dance the night away
The Lyrids Folk Dance Festival is coming to the Pitt Meadows Heritage Hall this weekend. Dancers will be performing Romanian and Armenian dance rountines, among other performances. More info here.

Spring market
Get into the spring spirit at the Spring Market at the Sky Hangar in Pitt Meadows this Saturday and Sunday. Food trucks and more than 50 local vendors will be on site. More info here.

Earth Day festivities
You can celebrate Earth Day on April 20 at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge. More info here.

Today's featured image

The Pitt Meadows Golf Club may have posted this image on X last month, but with warm weather expected today and tomorrow, it may be time to dust off your clubs and find inspiration to hit the course.

To have your photo featured in our newsletter, you can email us the photo by replying to this email, or tag us in your photos using #TheRidge. Our Instagram account is @readtheridge.

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