May 11, 2026 — Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows

The Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce is publicly reaffirming its strong support for the continued operation and future growth of Ridge Meadows College, emphasizing the institution’s essential role in local workforce development, economic resilience, and accessible education for residents across the region.

The Chamber also recognizes the urgency of this moment, as the Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Board of Education is scheduled to vote on a proposed closure of Ridge Meadows College on May 13, 2026. This decision carries significant implications for local workforce development, access to education, and the long‑term social and economic wellbeing of our community. With Maple Ridge already identified in the 2025–2026 Post‑Secondary Feasibility Study as a region facing substantial barriers to local post‑secondary access, the potential loss of these programs would move the community further away from meeting those identified needs. The Chamber is urging decision‑makers to consider the broader impacts of closure and to explore alternatives that preserve and strengthen local training pathways.

Ridge Meadows College, operated through School District 42, has become a vital community asset by offering accessible, employment‑focused education and vocational training to residents of Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and surrounding areas. The Chamber highlights the College’s unique ability to bridge the gap between education, workforce readiness, and long‑term economic development.

The College delivers career‑focused programs in areas such as Early Childhood Education, Education Assistant training, Community Support Work, Medical Office Administration, Bookkeeping, Digital Marketing, and trades‑related programming. These programs equip students with practical, job‑ready skills that directly support local industries.

As noted in the Chamber’s statement, graduates “go on to fill critical workforce shortages in industries that are foundational to our community.” Ridge Meadows College plays a key role in strengthening:

• The local childcare sector

• Healthcare and support services

• Trades and technical industries

• The SD42 school system through Education Assistant training

Close partnerships with local employers ensure that students transition smoothly from training into meaningful employment, helping retain skilled talent within the community.

Beyond workforce development, Ridge Meadows College serves as an accessible hub for lifelong learning. Its local presence removes barriers for residents who may face challenges related to transportation, finances, or family responsibilities. The College provides opportunities for career advancement, retraining, and economic mobility for learners at every stage of life.

The economic impact extends well beyond the classroom. Students studying locally contribute to the regional economy through housing, transportation, retail, food services, and other spending. Meanwhile, businesses benefit from a more stable labour force and reduced recruitment challenges, strengthening the long‑term economic resilience of Ridge Meadows.

Chamber President Jerry Kok emphasized the importance of protecting and expanding local educational pathways: “As our community continues to grow, Ridge Meadows College remains one of the few accessible, local pathways for adult learners to upgrade their skills and pursue new careers. While online learning has expanded, it simply does not work for everyone, especially mature students who rely on in‑person support, structure, and connection to succeed. With Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows recently turned down in the provincial feasibility study for a new post‑secondary institution, it is more important than ever that we protect and strengthen the educational assets we do have. Supporting Ridge Meadows College is essential to ensuring our residents aren’t left behind.”

With rapid population growth in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, the demand for skilled workers and accessible vocational training will only increase. The Chamber notes a clear need for continued investment — and even expansion — in programs aligned with labour market demands, including trades foundations, healthcare support services, vocational ESL, and other career‑oriented training initiatives.

The Chamber’s statement underscores that Ridge Meadows College is “more than an educational institution — it is a critical community asset that supports students, employers, families, and the broader regional economy.” Its continued operation is essential to the future prosperity and wellbeing of Ridge Meadows.

The Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce is urging decision‑makers to recognize the College’s significant value and to support its continuation and advancement.