Maple Ridge

General Description

The District of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows lies on the north shore of the Fraser River, 45 km east of the City of Vancouver. Nestled against the Coast Mountains at the entrance of Golden Ears Provincial Park (over 62,000 hectares), Maple Ridge is a community that retains small-town atmosphere within the Metro Vancouver area.  Maple Ridge and Pitt Meodows are separate municipalities. Maple Ridge has a population of over 75,000 (2008), while Pitt Meadows has over 17,500 (2008).  Pitt Lake is the largest fresh water tidal lake in the world and is easily acessible from both of these municipalities.

Location & Transportation

The new Pitt River bridge and Golden Ears bridge has improved the traffic flow in  Maple Ridge and have shortened commuting time both east and west of the Metro Vancouver area. This have made it much more viable as bedroom community; hence enjoy a small-town lifestyle and work in a major commercial centre. Haney Place Exchange is the main bus loop with every bus line stopping there at some point. The West Coast Express commuter train makes it a breeze getting to downtown Vancouver in the mornings; no hassling with the traffic and it takes about an hour.

Economy

Forestry and agriculture was the mainstay of  this area from inception and continues to be so.  Forestry companies continue to be the largest private-sector employers in the district and include Interfor and companies that manufacture building materials, yachts and poles. The agriculture sector comprises mainly of berry crops, nurseries and horse breeding. Organic farming is also a growing trend and one can see signs of fresh berries (U-pick) and farm eggs signs along Old Dewdney Trunk Road. Maple Ridge hosts the only North American high volume manufacturer of lithium ion batteries; E-One Moli Energy Corp is based in Maple Ridge.

Housing & Real Estate

Maple Ridge is a green community that values the environment.  Low-density living will coexist with smart development in the urban core, where a revitalized downtown will provide a new focus for community, cultural and economic activities.

Education

Public schools are administered by School District 42 which covers both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. The district also accepts tuition paying international students. The education system is well regarded and some of the secondary schools are specialised in certain areas as follows:

Thomas Haney Secondary School operates on a “self-directed” learning system that is designed to allow students to plot their own paths toward fulfilling Ministry of Education Learning Outcomes. The school also operates an Equestrian Academy for all abilities and “no horse required”, and Music, Theatre and athletic programs.
Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary School is designed to allow students to experience various technologies as well as their traditional education. The school offers various trades programs in partnership with local trade schools and colleges.
Garibaldi Secondary School offers the International Baccalaureate program and DigiPen Technology Academy.

There are also several private schools which caters to parents’ higher standard of expectations: Meadowridge School, MRCS ( a K-12 independent Christian school), and St. Patrick’s, a Catholic school. These are not operated by the school district, but must still meet British Columbia Ministry of Education standards.

Hence the educational facilities offers a broad spectrum to cover most families’ needs.

Recreation

There are easy access to outdoor activities as the Golden Ears Provincial Park is at its doorstep for hiking, canoeing, camping, etc. The many equestrian centers make horse riding a favourite past time. The local rec centers offers convenient access to fitness classes, skating and swimming.

Community Information