Maple Ridge Celebrations Kick Off with New Banners and Year-Long Events
Maple Ridge Celebrations Kick Off with New Banners and Year-Long Events
Maple Ridge is gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary with a series of vibrant events and activities including Maple Ridge’s largest-ever community event on Sept. 14, public art and heritage initiatives, and a new street banner developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners.
Maple Ridge, situated on the traditional territories of the Katzie (q̓ic̓əy̓ ) First Nation and the Kwantlen (Qw’ó:ltl'el) First Nation, was incorporated as a District Municipality on Sept. 12, 1874 and became the sixth local government in the Province of B.C.
“It is very important to Council that our recognition of the City’s 150 years acknowledges the Kwantlen First Nation and the Katzie First Nation as stewards of this land for time immemorial,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “We want to honour the heritage of our community and pay respect to the ancestral traditions that existed long before our government was formed.”
In recognition of the heritage of Indigenous communities and their deep cultural roots, new Maple Ridge 150 street banners will be featured throughout the city. The banners were designed in collaboration with Joshua Carr – a Kwantlen band member - and his partner, Amber Oliver, to acknowledge that the Kwantlen First Nation and Katzie First Nation have been here since time immemorial.
The new banners were approved by Kwantlen First Nation and Katzie First Nation leadership and will adorn over 200 banner stands in downtown Maple Ridge and throughout the community, and will be featured on a new special events stage at community events throughout the year.
New Banners Design Honour Indigenous Heritage
“Our concept represents our deep connection to the river,” shared artists Carr and Oliver. “Since time immemorial, our people have travelled and fished the Fraser River to create sustenance and abundance for our communities, as well as build relationships with one another. We wanted to create a design that embodied our traditions, as well as honours the relationship between Qw’ó:ltl'el, q̓ic̓əy̓ and the City of Maple Ridge. Our design uses the river as that connection, representing the bond between the people and the salmon and the harmony of the moon and the tides. We give thanks to all that the river has to offer us. hay ce:p q̓ə.”
Mark Your Calendars for a Year of Celebrations
The City’s Rock the Block event on May 18 at Tsuyuki Park will kick off the series of Maple Ridge 150 celebrations with the official park opening in the Albion neighbourhood at the following City events:
- Rock the Block – May 18 at Tsuyuki Park
- Rock the Block – June 15 at Blaney Hamlet Park
- Canada Day – July 1 at Memorial Peace Park
- Rock the Block – Aug. 10 at Hammond Park
- Special Birthday Celebration – Sept. 14 at Memorial Peace Park and Town Centre
- Celebrate the Night – Oct. 25 at Memorial Peace Park
Anticipated as the largest community event in Maple Ridge's history, a special celebration will be held on Sept. 14, to coincide with Maple Ridge’s 150 official anniversary since incorporation. The event will feature multiple music stages, art installations, family activities, and much more. Event details are being finalized and will be shared in the coming weeks.
“We're thrilled to celebrate Maple Ridge's rich heritage and bold community spirit with a year of celebrations,” said Mayor Ruimy. “Maple Ridge's 150th anniversary belongs to all of us. This is a big year for the city and we’re looking forward to coming together, celebrating our shared history, and creating lasting memories. Mark all the events and September 14 in your calendars and invite your family and friends from around the region to join us for our bold birthday bash.”
Public Art and Heritage Initiatives
Maple Ridge 150 will leave a legacy through public art and heritage initiatives, including community murals, performing art projects, and scenic frames that highlight the city's natural beauty. Partnering with the Maple Ridge Museum and Archives, residents can reflect on the shared history through social media campaigns and interactive exhibits where photos and stories will be shared at.
Details about the various events and activities will be shared over the next few months. For more information about Maple Ridge 150 events and celebrations, visit www.MapleRidge.ca/MR150 and follow the City’s social media channels to stay up to date.
