Archive for June, 2010

The Visitor Centre welcomes visitors and locals to the communities of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, assisting visitors with information on things to see and do locally as well as throughout the Province of British Columbia; ensuring visitors enjoy the best possible experience while in our communities.

Tourism Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows is seeking people to volunteer at the Visitor Centre. This is an ideal opportunity for people who have recently retired and would like to give their time in a fun and exciting environment. We are looking for people with computer experience to commit to 4 hours per week in the visitor centre and at community events.

Absolutely no experience necessary! All you need is a friendly and outgoing personality, curiosity and a sense of adventure! We will provide you with the training required to become a certified travel counselor, with a certificate after completing 40 hours of work. Ongoing incentives include free admission to local attractions and Familiarization tours.

Why volunteer with Tourism Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows?

• Welcome and interact with visitors from around the world
• Share your passion for the community you live in
• Enjoy being part of an exciting organization and industry
• Give back to your community
• Gain further experiences and knowledge about Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and British Columbia
• Expect realistic volunteer hours requirement leaving you time for other activities
• Have an experience of a lifetime and be part of the legacy
• Tourism Visitor Counselor training
• Access the local sights by way of familiarization tours and the Tourism Challenge Passport Program
• Attend volunteer appreciation events and functions

Volunteer Program overview
The role of the Volunteer Program is to provide service in assisting visitors with their travel needs as well as assisting staff where necessary. The volunteers play an essential role in maintaining a high level of quality service & sales delivered to both visitors and tourism providers.

General Qualifications of Volunteers
Volunteer recruiting for Tourism Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows is selective. Candidates must complete an application form, followed by a personal interview to determine their professionalism, enthusiasm, availability, commitment and interest in promoting the City of Pitt Meadows and the District of Maple Ridge.

The volunteer roles require the following qualifications:
• Ability to communicate fluently in English, second language a definite asset;
• Enjoy meeting people and interacting with other cultures;
• Excellent knowledge of Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridges and British Columbia;
• Good interpersonal & sales skills, engaged, enthusiastic, and friendly;
• Comfortable volunteering in a busy, energetic, fun environment;
• A commitment to completing the initial and on-going training programs;
• Valid e-mail address and access to the internet as electronic communication is used to pass on important information updates and schedules;

For more information, please contact Kristina Gervais at 604-460-8300

Even nature celebrated Pitt Meadows Day this year, with a day of glorious sunshine!  People came out in droves to watch the parade and to participate in the family-friendly festivities.  Congratulations to Centre Stage Dance who won ‘Best Overall’ in the parade and to the Pitt Meadows Fire Department who won ‘Best Community Spirit’.  A great time was had by all!

Not to be outdone, Maple Ridge has some excellent activities planned for you this weekend.  Start off with Kids Day at the Haney Farmers’ Market, where there will be special activities and entertainment for everyone.  Then, head out to Meadowridge School for the 8th annual Art in the Park, where all of your senses will be treated to a symphony of visual, audible and edible artistry.

On Sunday, May 13th, you can see our mayors in action as they compete in the Rick Hanson Wheels in Motion wheelchair race to raise funds both for local causes and spinal cord research.  Come on down to the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre and cheer the teams on, it’s wonderful cause.  Plan to stay for a delicious BBQ lunch and make an entire day of it!

Join us on Saturday, June 5th as we celebrate the 72nd Annual Pitt Meadows Day!

Your day will begin with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Lions Club which will be followed by a truly impressive home town parade!  Plan to stay the entire day as activities are planned for all ages.  Young kids will enjoy the spray park, crafts and bouncy castle while teens will have an awesome time at Youth Fest featuring live bands, a BBQ and ice cream!  Everyone will be hungry come dinner time, so we’ve got a salmon and chicken BBQ at 5pm followed by a family dance at the Heritage Hall.

As if all that weren’t enough, we’ll cap off the day with a spectacular fireworks finale at the Pitt Meadows Athletic park, presented by our volunteer fire department.

“Pitt Meadows Day has a long tradition in our community that brings families and friends together each June.  We have so much to share and to be proud of – a heritage of agriculture and growth, a magnificent community in which to live, work and play, and a promising future for businesses and families.  Pitt Meadows has a unique sense of pride, especially on this day”.  Pitt Meadows Mayor – Don MacLean, Maple Ridge News, June 2, 2010.

Thousands of residents line the parade route each year, so arrive early and find a spot!  There is free parking available at the Westcoast Express Station at Harris Road and 122nd Avenue.

Come back and tell us about your experience!