Bike to Farms 2015 now open for registration

Finally we have commitment from the three participating farms…farmers are pretty busy people and have other things on their minds this time of year! So happy that they’re willing to have us!

So I can tell you that this year’s Bike to Farms event will be on Sunday, Sept. 6, and we’re ready for registration! Don’t wait too long…it’s our most popular ride and we have limited space! We do ask registrants to let us know if they can’t make it at least several days before the ride. We’ll keep a waiting list if necessary so we can still fill up any cancellations.

We’ve decided to ask for a $5 registration fee this year to cover some of the cost and to be able to give the farmers a thank-you gift for participating.

We will provide participants with a snack and a drink at the end of the ride. Make sure you bring some water and a snack to keep yourself hydrated and energized during the ride. With the stops the ride will take several hours. Our experience is that the farmers really take their time to show us around, and we may arrive back a little later than planned, so it’s good to be prepared.

This is the route (same as last year’s route):

Participating farms:

• Brookfield Farm
• Lorea’s veggie garden
• Red Barn Plants and Produce

The distance will be about 15 kms.

We’ll be riding in two groups of max. 25 participants each.

• Group #1 leaves from Big Feast Restaurant at noon, returns at Big Feast (or at Memorial Peace Park) at about 3:30.
• Group #2 leaves from Big Feast Restaurant at 1:00 pm, returns at about 4:30.

Here’s my blog post with photos of last year’s Bike to Farms ride.

Registration and payment can be done in person (cash/credit card) or by phone (credit card) through:

Pitt Meadows Visitor Centre

12492 Harris Road

Pitt Meadows

tel. 604-460-8300

(Please specify whether you wish to be in group #1 or #2)

For more info e-mail Jackie at [email protected]. 

Vancouver, B.C. — July 20, 2014 — The Harbour Air Group announced today it will be expanding its service in the Lower Mainland. In addition to the 12 routes that it currently services, this new route will operate between the Fraser River, adjacent to the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport, and downtown Victoria. The route will be serviced by a DHC-3 Turbine Single Otter seaplane and offer a 35 minute flight time between these two central points.

The service will see two round trips a day and operate seven days per week. The first flight will be out of Pitt Meadows to Victoria in the morning, followed by a round trip midday and end with a final flight back to Pitt Meadows in the evening. The new route’s inaugural flight is scheduled for takeoff at 0730 on Monday, September 22. Introductory pricing will be offered until October 31st.

“We are very excited to be a part of Pitt Meadows and surrounding communities,” said Greg McDougall, CEO of Harbour Air. “We have seen an increase in the number of residents from the area commuting to downtown Vancouver on a regular basis to use our existing service to Victoria. Adding a new service closer to their homes just made sense for us and we’re excited to offer them a time saving option.”

Pitt Meadows Regional Airport will be providing the airport facilities for the new route. Passengers will be welcomed and checked in at the airport and escorted down to the river dock to board the seaplane.

“The addition of a Harbour Air seaplane route to Victoria is a fantastic opportunity for our facility,” says Arne Odenbach, Marketing Coordinator of the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport. “Harbour Air has been in the aviation business for almost 35 years and their reputation for safety, service and professionalism is unparalleled. We couldn’t be more excited for this new service.”

Harbour Air announced the new service at the Pitt Meadows Airport annual Regional Airport Days on Sunday, July 20, 2014.

Harbour Air was founded in B.C. in 1982 and today has more than 50 aircraft, servicing 350,000 passengers throughout coastal British Columbia. The Harbour Air Group, consisting of Harbour Air Seaplanes, Westcoast Air, Whistler Air, Tantalus Air and Aeroflite International Services is the largest seaplane company in the world. For more information, please visit harbourair.com.

For more information contact:

Meredith Moll, Harbour Air Group

604.838.4586 [email protected]

It’s here already. The start of WildPlay’s 2014 season. We open to the public March 15th. Guest services is open 9am-5pm and our elements run between 10am and 2pm. For Spring Break hours we will be open from March 15-30th Thursday through Monday. Set check-ins at 10am, 12noon and 2pm and walk-ins subject to availability. We have online booking at www.wildplay.com and call center staff ready to make reservations 604-477-1197.

We have our season pass still on for the sale price of $95.00. This will go up to $165 unless we sell out at the super cheap rate.

SUMMER IN MAPLE RIDGE AND PITT MEADOWS IS DELICIOUS!

Do you like to enjoy tasty treats? Who doesn’t! If you’re a foodie, you’re sure to delight in all the attractions and events Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows have to offer this summer. Better still, you can be entered to win fantastic prizes just by doing so!

Don’t miss the Haney Farmers’ Market, the Summer Market, tea on the veranda at Haney House or the many tea and dinner events being put on by the Golden Ears Cheesecrafters. All are happening on dates throughout July and August. In addition, on July 27^th you can “meet the rancher” and enjoy barbeque at Hopcott Meats; and don’t forget to stop by Stomping Grounds Coffee House for a latte or the many restaurants in downtown Maple Ridge for dinner.

Simply download a Bucket List from our website and bring it along as you check out any of these spots. At each stop, you’ll get a stamp that earns you an entry into the contest. Following us on Twitter and tweeting or emailing us a photo or anecdote about summer fun in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows can also earn additional entries.

Get out of the house and delight in the culinary adventures Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows have to offer. What a scrumptious way to spend the summer.

SUMMER FUN JUST FOR TEENS

Do you have teenagers who are running short of things to do this summer? Keep them entertained and you’ll be eligible to win fantastic prizes through our Bucket List contest!

There are some great teen-focused activities going on in the community throughout July and August, many of them very affordable or free. Zap boredom and send them out to:

·         Teen Pool Parties at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre on the third Friday of every month from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.

·         The Pre-Teen Dance at the Greg Moore Youth Centre on August 10^th from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.

·         Breastfeast, a music festival and cancer awareness event targeted at young adults, featuring local youth bands. At Haney Place Mall and Memorial Peace Park on August 17^th from 2:00pm to 7:00pm.

There are also lots of music festivals, open mic nights, theatrical performances and other community events open to everyone, that teenagers may enjoy.

Simply download a Bucket List from our website and bring it along as you check out any of these spots. At each stop, you’ll get a stamp that earns you an entry into the contest. Following us on Twitter and tweeting or emailing us a photo or anecdote about summer fun in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows can also earn additional entries.

Encourage your pre-teens and teens to shut off the computer or TV and check out what Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows has to offer just for them. Plus, enter to earn prizes just for having fun! You’ll be glad you did.

ENJOY A “STAY-CATION” IN MAPLE RIDGE AND PITT MEADOWS

THIS SUMMER AND WIN GREAT PRIZES!

Are you on the lookout for fun and exciting events and activities this summer? Whether you need to keep the kids busy, want an idea for date night or have visitors from out of town to entertain, look no further than your own backyard!

Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows have definitely come alive this summer, with so many festivals and attractions to enjoy. You can tire the kids out at Wild Play Element Park, dance the night away at Music on the Wharf or take visitors hiking at Golden Ears. We encourage you to explore all the amazing things the area boasts.

Throughout the summer, we’ll provide Bucket Lists online, highlighting the best the region has to offer. From sumptuous dinners hosted by the Golden Ears Cheesecrafters to the entertaining Tomato Toss at the Haney Farmers’ Market, there is truly something for everyone. Best of all, enjoy a stay-cation in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows and you could be eligible to win fantastic prizes all summer long.

Simply download a Bucket List from our website and bring it along as you check out the events and activities included on it. At each stop, you’ll get a stamp that earns you an entry into the contest. Following us on Twitter and tweeting or emailing us a photo or anecdote about summer fun in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows can also earn additional entries.

The summer Bucket Lists are sponsored in part by a wide range of local businesses and organizations, including: the Maple Ridge Downtown Business Improvement Association, Maple Ridge Strategic Economic Development, Pitt Meadows Economic Development, Heather Hills Golf, Golden Ears Cheesecrafters, Osprey Village, Wild Play Element Park, the Haney Farmers’ Market, Hopcott Meats, Meadows Maze, The ACT and Stomping Grounds Coffee House. They’ve joined forces with us out of love for the community and belief that there are so many fabulous attractions in the area for residents and visitors to enjoy.

So get out there, play tourist in your own neighborhood and take advantage of the amazing events and activities happening this summer in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Plus, enter to earn prizes just for having fun! You’ll be glad you did.

Bucket list Passport

FUN FOR THE KIDS THIS SUMMER

Keep the kids busy this summer and be eligible to win fantastic prizes through our Bucket List contest!

There are so many kid-friendly activities going on in the community throughout July and August, many of them very affordable or free. If you’re looking to entertain, educate and delight the children in your life, why not check out:

• Puppets in the Park at Memorial Peace Park on July 17th & 31st from 6:45pm-7:15pm.

• Activities just for kids on Heritage Thursdays at the Pitt Meadows Museum, every Thursday throughout July & August from 1:00pm-3:00pm.

• Summer Serenade with the Bruce James Orchestra at Pitt Meadows Spirit Square every Wednesday in July from 7:30pm-9:00pm.

• Pitt Meadows Airport Day on July 21st from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

• Crafts and activities just for kids on Museum Sundays at the Maple Ridge Museum, every Sunday from 2:00pm-4:00pm.

• The Model Railway Open House at the Maple Ridge Museum on the last Sunday of every month from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

• The Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Country Fest at the Albion Fairgrounds, on July 27th & 28th.

• Movie in the Park at the Pitt Meadows Youth Centre on July 27th from 8:30pm-10:30pm.

• Westminster Savings Free Swims at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre on the last Saturday of every month from 2:00pm-3:30pm.

• The Tomato Toss at the Haney Farmers’ Market on August 10th from 10:00am-2:00pm.

• Osprey Days family-friendly festival in Osprey Village on August 11th from 11:00am-3:00pm.

Simply download a Bucket List from our website and bring it along as you check out any of these spots. At each stop, you’ll get a stamp that earns you an entry into the contest. Following us on Twitter and tweeting or emailing us a photo or anecdote about summer fun in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows can also earn additional entries.

So get out there and take advantage of the amazing events and activities just for kids this summer in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Plus, enter to earn prizes just for having fun! You’ll be glad you did.

The Best Western Maple Ridge (formerly the Travelodge) recently completed renovations on the property, adding a swimming pool and free continental breakfast.

Community Ambassadors for Tourism Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows     

Volunteer Tamara Phan at Amsterdam Greenhouse Nature Day

The Tourism Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Community Ambassador Program is a network of volunteer citizens who are dedicated to improving the overall visitor experience to Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows. They promote the community at conventions, conferences, tournaments, festivals and other special events. The network is comprised of men and women who are proud of our area and delight in sharing it with visitors. The Community Ambassadors are equipped with maps and visitor information.

Ambassadors will be assigned a partner and will be given a highly visible jacket and backpack. Ambassadors will attend community festivals and events and offer friendly and knowledgeable information about Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, hand out maps and attraction guides and offer warm hospitality to everyone they meet.

Schedules will be posted for ambassadors to make commitments for dates and locations that work for them and training will be provided.

If you would like to apply for a position as a Community Ambassador for Tourism Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows, Please contact Kristina at 604-460-8300

Looking for adventure that promotes such positives as heath and sustainability? Look no further
as we are lucky to have such a solution right in our own community at WildPlay Elements Parks!

This outdoor adventure park is nestled in the wooded area close to Golden Ears Park and along
the Alouette River in Maple Ridge. An hour east of Vancouver and 8 minutes from Downtown
Maple Ridge, it’s easily accessible to all Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley Communities!

There are NO worries about disturbing the neighbors as WildPlay encourages monkey business
with such course elements as Monkido Classic, Monkido Buddy and Monkido Kids. Included
in these elements is a 90 meter Zip Line and 4 levels of adventure courses, geared toward people ages 7 years and up  and varying user levels; it’s designed for you to decide what your next step is!

WildPlay  is re-opening for the 2013 season March 2! Hours of operations and check-in times can be found at WildPlay Maple Ridge. Live wild because this is serious Monkido business with  WildPlay!

Demonstration video provided by,  Tourism Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, Wild Play