Our History
Our historic building - currently called the CEED Neighbourhood House
|
Incorporation (1984)
The Fraser Information Society formally incorporates under the British Columbia Societies Act on October 22, 1984. It becomes a Registered Charity under federal legislation on August 19, 1988. It changes its name to the CEED Centre Society on January 20, 2006. The list of first directors, dated October 16, 1984, includes Sharon Ohmer (President), Clinton Webb, Carolyn Spiers, Lynette Gusman, and Louis Keating. |
Its first proclamation as a charitable organization reads:
- A. To educate the community to become media literate and to encourage communications within the community.
- B. To educate the community members on the value of social cooperation and participation.
- C. To provide a forum for educational discussions on issues of cultural and social relevance.
- D. To educate people in methods of social problem solving that will emphasize the spirit of cooperation and open-mindedness.
- E. To educate the community on the implications of global problems and the effect it has on the community.
Why the Fraser Information Society Is Created
The Fraser Information Society grows out of conversations around the kitchen table--conversations about the growing need for education to meet the challenges we face, and the practical and spiritual dimensions of the changes ahead.
What will we leave our children?
Will it be a world capable of renewal?
The need for change is evident. The ways we can integrate change is evident. The ways we can integrate change into our lives is not as clear. As systems and traditions break down, we can no longer rely on patterns of the past. We must be willing to question what we believe is right.
The Society is founded on the premise that no one of us has all the answers, but together we have the power to find effective solutions. Government, industry, special-interest groups and individuals need to step beyond the adversarial approach to problems. The Society’s mandate is to encourage problem solving through education based on balanced research and cooperation.
The Fraser Information Society grows out of conversations around the kitchen table--conversations about the growing need for education to meet the challenges we face, and the practical and spiritual dimensions of the changes ahead.
What will we leave our children?
Will it be a world capable of renewal?
The need for change is evident. The ways we can integrate change is evident. The ways we can integrate change into our lives is not as clear. As systems and traditions break down, we can no longer rely on patterns of the past. We must be willing to question what we believe is right.
The Society is founded on the premise that no one of us has all the answers, but together we have the power to find effective solutions. Government, industry, special-interest groups and individuals need to step beyond the adversarial approach to problems. The Society’s mandate is to encourage problem solving through education based on balanced research and cooperation.
The 1990's
Before it belonged to our organization, our historic building is thought to have been built sometime in 1930 (according to tax records), but there is no definitive record in the local archives. The building was originally built behind the Haney Nokai (Haney Fruit Ranchers Society) building at the intersection of the streets now known as Dewdney Trunk Road and 232 Street. It was used as an English language kindergarten and a Japanese language after-school learning site.
The Society takes possession of the Old Japanese Schoolhouse in 1989, moving it from 232nd and Dewdney Trunk Road to save the heritage building from demolition. Bob Johnston, a cable TV manager, has a major part to play in the building's conservation. A youth crew is hired and trained to help restore the building in its new location.
Mayor Bill Hartley cuts the ribbon at the re-opening of the building in 1990. Don Mallais is the Society's executive director.
CEED Centre Opens (Earth Day: April 22, 1990)
The CEED Centre officially opened to the public on Earth Day in 1990.
The CEED Centre officially opened to the public on Earth Day in 1990.
Connecting & Growing (1990)
|
The Fraser Journal
In Summer 1990, Volume 1, Issue 1 of the bimonthly newsletter reports the grand opening of the CEED Centre on Earth Day. Other articles focus on food safety (pesticides), buying locally raised products, and an organic growers' directory. |
BBS Service
A computer bulletin board service (Internet precursor) is launched to link to the North American environmental community via ECONET and UBITNET. At the time of publishing, over 50 subscribers are registered. By Issue 2, the number rises to 160. A Bulletin Board System (BBS) allowed computer users to download files, communicate through email, and hold remote public forums and discussions. |
Desktop Publishing Service
(The Green Desk) Desktop publishing (DTP), a relatively new concept, is launched as a service for the non-profit sector. It allows computer users to write, design, and format documents for print and digital publication. |
 Lou-Anne Bryant
CEED Store (1990)
Environmentally friendly goods are the focus of a small retail outlet in the CEED Centre. A brainchild of Lou-Anne Bryant, the store focuses on selling recycled stationery, books, and goods from environmental organizations and small publishers. |
Video Production Department (1990)
The department creates "An Overview for Small Business" for a local accounting firm. It also dubs videos for sister cities Maple Ridge and Miyoshi, Japan. |
Celebrating Earth Day Since 1990
Originally held at the CEED Centre, the Society switches venues for the celebration of Earth Day to the downtown Memorial Peace Park in 2004. Other organizations join in presenting the spring festival and begin to coordinate with the Haney Farmers Market.
Live concerts, dance performances, and puppet shows attract thousands of spectators.
Originally held at the CEED Centre, the Society switches venues for the celebration of Earth Day to the downtown Memorial Peace Park in 2004. Other organizations join in presenting the spring festival and begin to coordinate with the Haney Farmers Market.
Live concerts, dance performances, and puppet shows attract thousands of spectators.
Photos From Earth Day, 1993:
Community Forum Broadcasts (1980-90s)
FIS (CEED) begins broadcasting programs over Cable 4 on topical issues in the 1980s and early 1990s. One show teaches listeners how to recycle.
FIS (CEED) begins broadcasting programs over Cable 4 on topical issues in the 1980s and early 1990s. One show teaches listeners how to recycle.
The CEED Centre currently offers planting beds to individuals in organic community gardens at four locations. The first community garden was conceived as the Port Haney Compost Education Garden (1995), then evolved into the Port Haney Urban Organic Project (1998), and was finally renamed to the CEED Centre Organic Community Garden (2006).
Coordinator Ted Woolridge and Society director Craig Speirs work on the organic garden project.
Photo: Karin Mark, MetroValley News 1998
Port Haney Compost Education Garden (1995)
The garden is created by a team of volunteers led by Ted Wooldridge.
Lumber and supplies for the garden are donated by local businesses.
People without gardens at home can enjoy the benefits of working with nature.
The garden is created by a team of volunteers led by Ted Wooldridge.
Lumber and supplies for the garden are donated by local businesses.
People without gardens at home can enjoy the benefits of working with nature.
Port Haney Urban Organic Project (1998)
The vision for the garden is expanded. The plan is to have a continuous flow of people in the garden, showing how it’s possible to have a low-cost, small, urban organic garden.
It is to be used to hold volunteer-taught gardening and landscaping workshops and other activities in the summer.
It is also envisioned for participants to sell their produce on days when a market would be held.
It is a place that community members can come to learn and get their hands dirty if they want.
The vision for the garden is expanded. The plan is to have a continuous flow of people in the garden, showing how it’s possible to have a low-cost, small, urban organic garden.
It is to be used to hold volunteer-taught gardening and landscaping workshops and other activities in the summer.
It is also envisioned for participants to sell their produce on days when a market would be held.
It is a place that community members can come to learn and get their hands dirty if they want.
The bulk of the site groundwork takes place between October 1 and November 12, performed by Society volunteers and the Access Employment Service’s MENTEX program. Supplies are donated by Haney Home Hardware, Camano Lumber, Haney Builders’ Supply, Vancity, Bell Pole and Topline PreCast. The grand opening is April 25, 1998.
Today, it is called the CEED Centre Organic Community Garden.
Today, it is called the CEED Centre Organic Community Garden.
|
Japanese Dry Pond Garden (1998)
Volunteers and local businesses undertake a special heritage project for the 1998 Communities in Bloom competition to honour the Japanese heritage of Maple Ridge, creating a Japanese Dry Pond Garden in front of the CEED Centre. Tatsuya Wakabayashi is credited with the design, and plants and materials are donated by a long list of contributors. |
An official letter of thanks from the Maple Ridge Heritage Advisory Committee
|
The 2000's
Community Access Program (2003)
The Society becomes the network coordinator for 7 community access sites in Maple Ridge, which make information technology available to the general public and offer basic Internet and computer skills. Over time, the public library sites switch to a different category and are removed from the network. The 5 remaining sites are the Fraser Information Society Centre (us), the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre (later moved to Greg Moore Youth Centre), the Family Education and Support Centre (later moved to the Women's Centre and Katzie First Nation Band Office), and the Ridge Meadows Seniors' Centres in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. The program wraps up in 2012.
Today, the CEED Centre continues to offer the services at its site as the Community Computer program.
The Society becomes the network coordinator for 7 community access sites in Maple Ridge, which make information technology available to the general public and offer basic Internet and computer skills. Over time, the public library sites switch to a different category and are removed from the network. The 5 remaining sites are the Fraser Information Society Centre (us), the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre (later moved to Greg Moore Youth Centre), the Family Education and Support Centre (later moved to the Women's Centre and Katzie First Nation Band Office), and the Ridge Meadows Seniors' Centres in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. The program wraps up in 2012.
Today, the CEED Centre continues to offer the services at its site as the Community Computer program.
Campaign for Pesticide Reduction! Maple Ridge (CPR!MR) (2003)
An ad-hoc group of citizens with first-hand experience of the dangers of pesticides joins the CEED Centre to advocate for changes in pesticide use and regulation in the Districts of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
An ad-hoc group of citizens with first-hand experience of the dangers of pesticides joins the CEED Centre to advocate for changes in pesticide use and regulation in the Districts of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
 Christian Cowley
New Executive Director (August 2004)
Christian Cowley joins the Society as its new facilitator, replacing Michael Trawick. His title later changes to executive director. |
Website Launch (2005)
We launch our first website along with the CPR!MR subsite (formerly www.cprmr.org) compiled by directors Maria Raynolds, John Early, and Sheila Pratt, as well as staff member Christian Cowley. |
Name Change (January 20, 2006)
On January 20, 2006, the Fraser Information Society officially becomes the CEED Centre Society. The name changes to boost community recognition of the centre and the society behind it. The Port Haney Urban Organic Garden is also renamed to the CEED Centre Organic Community Garden.
On January 20, 2006, the Fraser Information Society officially becomes the CEED Centre Society. The name changes to boost community recognition of the centre and the society behind it. The Port Haney Urban Organic Garden is also renamed to the CEED Centre Organic Community Garden.
Pesticide Alternatives Education Program (2006)
Maple Ridge enacts a Pesticide Control Bylaw in December after many years of advocacy by CPR!MR. The CEED Centre eventually rebrands the educational campaign and website as CanadaGrowSmart. It raises awareness of alternatives.
Maple Ridge enacts a Pesticide Control Bylaw in December after many years of advocacy by CPR!MR. The CEED Centre eventually rebrands the educational campaign and website as CanadaGrowSmart. It raises awareness of alternatives.
 Pioneer Park Organic Community Garden
Pioneer Park Organic Community Garden (1998, 2008)
The CEED Centre partners with the District of Maple Ridge's Parks and Recreation Department to create a community garden in Pioneer Park, adjacent to a seniors complex by the same name. In May 2008, Meadowridge School students rebuild the garden, paint the shed and build 42 rose trellis frames for the fence. Today, the garden sits on the former site of Meadowridge School. The community embraces the improvements to the garden, which has a perennial waiting list. |
Newspaper headline about the Park
|
Official Heritage Status Conferred (2007)
The Centre building, known as the Old Japanese Schoolhouse in the city heritage inventory, is formally registered as a heritage building with the Federal Government.
The Centre building, known as the Old Japanese Schoolhouse in the city heritage inventory, is formally registered as a heritage building with the Federal Government.
 Photo credit: Chris Mikula / Postmedia News
Local Host of the "If I Were Prime Minister Tour (2007)
The D. Suzuki Foundation crosses the nation with its "If I were Prime Minister" tour raising awareness of pressing environmental issues. David Suzuki speaks at each stop. The CEED Centre Society serves as the tour's local host in Maple Ridge and makes the arrangements for the sold-out event at the ACT Theatre. |
Glenwood School Neighbourhood Garden (April 2007)
CEED Centre staff work with volunteers and students to build a 6,000 square-foot garden on school grounds to serve as a living classroom. The garden is designed by Christian Cowley. Katzie First Nation contributes yellow cedar for the welcoming arch and perimeter fence and performs a blessing ceremony. |
Climate Change Solutions Forum (March 23, 2009) and birth of GETI
The Society hosts a climate change solutions forum with a panel of experts. The transition town model is proposed as a potential framework for solutions to the climate change and peak oil issues. Subsequently, the Golden Ears Transition Initiative (GETI) is created as a transition town movement for Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Gerry Pinel and Christian Cowley create a strategic plan to make the community more resilient to climate change and a changing energy landscape. |
GETI Fest is hosted annually at Memorial Peace Park, Maple Ridge every September. In 2024, GETI Fest had 2000 active participants!
|
Volunteers clearing invasives at Aldridge Acres School Farm
Aldridge Acres School Farm (November 2009)
The family of Maureen Aldridge offers the use of its home property for a school farm complete with a chicken coop. The CEED Centre Society partners with School District 42 and its Connex Program to create a living farm classroom. The Metro Vancouver Agricultural Advisory Committee contributes a grant to help establish the farm.
The farm is used for three years until the passing of Maureen.
The family of Maureen Aldridge offers the use of its home property for a school farm complete with a chicken coop. The CEED Centre Society partners with School District 42 and its Connex Program to create a living farm classroom. The Metro Vancouver Agricultural Advisory Committee contributes a grant to help establish the farm.
The farm is used for three years until the passing of Maureen.
The 2010's
Weekly Community Discussions (January 2010)
After issues arise in the neighbourhood with the increasing visibility of homelessness, addiction and substance misuse, and prostitution, the CEED Centre Board extends its Tuesday evening meeting to the next day to find ways to contribute toward solutions, inviting additional community members and officials for input. The meeting turns into a weekly drop-in forum known as the Wednesday Community Discussion (currently runs from 10am to 12pm). After a few years, Gerry Pinel becomes the facilitator.
After issues arise in the neighbourhood with the increasing visibility of homelessness, addiction and substance misuse, and prostitution, the CEED Centre Board extends its Tuesday evening meeting to the next day to find ways to contribute toward solutions, inviting additional community members and officials for input. The meeting turns into a weekly drop-in forum known as the Wednesday Community Discussion (currently runs from 10am to 12pm). After a few years, Gerry Pinel becomes the facilitator.
Warren Halm
Warren's Art Workshop (circa 2013)
Warren Halm joins the Society looking to volunteer. After helping with a few odd maintenance and repair jobs, he declares his interest to be art therapy.
He agrees to lead a weekly art workshop. His enthusiastic smile attracts artists of all abilities and soon artists from age 12 to 70 are enjoying each others' company and sharing tips and techniques.
Warren has to leave the community when his apartment building (the Sunrise) suffers a devastating fire and after a few years, the participants change the name to the CEED Centre Art Group. It currently runs Tuesdays from 1pm to 3pm. It is a free program open to all.
Warren Halm joins the Society looking to volunteer. After helping with a few odd maintenance and repair jobs, he declares his interest to be art therapy.
He agrees to lead a weekly art workshop. His enthusiastic smile attracts artists of all abilities and soon artists from age 12 to 70 are enjoying each others' company and sharing tips and techniques.
Warren has to leave the community when his apartment building (the Sunrise) suffers a devastating fire and after a few years, the participants change the name to the CEED Centre Art Group. It currently runs Tuesdays from 1pm to 3pm. It is a free program open to all.
The old flyer for Warren's Art Workshop. The Art Group now meets 1-3pm Tuesdays.
Therapeutic Garden at North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association (May 2016)
The CEED Centre Society partners with the Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre Society (RMCDC) and Empowered by Nature to create a garden on the premises of the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association (NFTRA) for therapeutic use with young children. The idea is to create an outdoor educational and counselling space where persons of all ages and abilities can safely participate in horticultural and other therapeutic activities in the nearby vicinity of horses.
Kyla of Empowered by Nature works with her young clients at the garden for about two years. The garden site is then repurposed by NFTRA.
The CEED Centre Society partners with the Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre Society (RMCDC) and Empowered by Nature to create a garden on the premises of the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association (NFTRA) for therapeutic use with young children. The idea is to create an outdoor educational and counselling space where persons of all ages and abilities can safely participate in horticultural and other therapeutic activities in the nearby vicinity of horses.
Kyla of Empowered by Nature works with her young clients at the garden for about two years. The garden site is then repurposed by NFTRA.
Sue and Gerry Kennedy
Seniors Activity Group (2015), Seniors Inclusion Program (2017), and Seniors Volunteer Inclusion Program (2019)
Susan and Gerry Kennedy come to the Centre looking for a volunteer opportunities a day after the Society receives notice of award of a New Horizons for Seniors Grant to keep seniors active, and the original proponent of activities is no longer available. Sue agrees to lead a Seniors Activity Group for persons with dementia and their caregivers.
The Seniors Inclusion Program follows to include more seniors in activities that range from horseback riding and fishing to bowling, pub lunches and visits to the lakeshore. The seniors also participate in expeditions with youth programs. In mid-2019, after its third round of funding as the Seniors Volunteer Inclusion Program, the group adopts the KEEN Agers as its new moniker.
The seniors also decide that SAGE is a better acronym than SAG, so that becomes the Seniors Activity Group Eh!
Many years later, Sue continues to attend the group with others like her whose spouses go into care homes or pass away. SAGE provides a space for both patients and caregivers to relax and socialize without stigma.
SAGE is a free program open to all seniors and their caregivers. It currently runs Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm.
Susan and Gerry Kennedy come to the Centre looking for a volunteer opportunities a day after the Society receives notice of award of a New Horizons for Seniors Grant to keep seniors active, and the original proponent of activities is no longer available. Sue agrees to lead a Seniors Activity Group for persons with dementia and their caregivers.
The Seniors Inclusion Program follows to include more seniors in activities that range from horseback riding and fishing to bowling, pub lunches and visits to the lakeshore. The seniors also participate in expeditions with youth programs. In mid-2019, after its third round of funding as the Seniors Volunteer Inclusion Program, the group adopts the KEEN Agers as its new moniker.
The seniors also decide that SAGE is a better acronym than SAG, so that becomes the Seniors Activity Group Eh!
Many years later, Sue continues to attend the group with others like her whose spouses go into care homes or pass away. SAGE provides a space for both patients and caregivers to relax and socialize without stigma.
SAGE is a free program open to all seniors and their caregivers. It currently runs Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm.
Teesha Sharma's primary goal in life was to set up and support a safe house for homeless youth in her home town.
|
The Blue Door Group Logo
|
Blue Door Youth Services (2015-2019)
Teesha Sharma visits the Society to request assistance with establishing a long-term housing solution for homeless youth. The Society offers to serve as a fiscal sponsor to apply for grants. After many unsuccessful joint applications, we decide to start offering programs instead of asking for housing to build credibility in the field.
In December 2015, the Society teams up with the Blue Door group to offer the first session of Go Figure, a youth-led support group for young people experiencing anxiety and depression. Teesha and Christian co-facilitate the group.
Blue Door subsequently merges into the Society and offers additional youth and family services, including Get Curious workshops for parents.
Teesha Sharma passes away on February 15, 2019, at the age of 27, in the course of assisting trafficked youth, leaving behind a strong legacy of helping people of all ages with their mental health issues, and teaching people locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally on youth-friendly approaches to mental health, and ways to work with youth subject to exploitation and trafficking.
The Teesha Sharma Homeless Youth Fund accepts donations on the CEED website.
Teesha Sharma visits the Society to request assistance with establishing a long-term housing solution for homeless youth. The Society offers to serve as a fiscal sponsor to apply for grants. After many unsuccessful joint applications, we decide to start offering programs instead of asking for housing to build credibility in the field.
In December 2015, the Society teams up with the Blue Door group to offer the first session of Go Figure, a youth-led support group for young people experiencing anxiety and depression. Teesha and Christian co-facilitate the group.
Blue Door subsequently merges into the Society and offers additional youth and family services, including Get Curious workshops for parents.
Teesha Sharma passes away on February 15, 2019, at the age of 27, in the course of assisting trafficked youth, leaving behind a strong legacy of helping people of all ages with their mental health issues, and teaching people locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally on youth-friendly approaches to mental health, and ways to work with youth subject to exploitation and trafficking.
The Teesha Sharma Homeless Youth Fund accepts donations on the CEED website.
|
New Logo (2018)
In 2006, the original three interlocking circles of the Fraser Information Society logo changed to the CEED Centre Society logo with the name superimposed on the circles and the Community Education on Environment and Development catchphrase alongside. In 2018, Teesha draws a new logo with a catchphrase she creates with Christian's help. |
SAGE: Certificate of Appreciation Award
SAGE Award for Inclusiveness (June 2019)
The Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness (MACAI) recognizes the SAGE program with an award for its inclusiveness. The Society is nominated by Seniors Network facilitator, Heather Trelevan, who sees the differences SAGE is making in the community.
The Society in turn recognizes the amazing work of Heather and her impact on the community.
The Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness (MACAI) recognizes the SAGE program with an award for its inclusiveness. The Society is nominated by Seniors Network facilitator, Heather Trelevan, who sees the differences SAGE is making in the community.
The Society in turn recognizes the amazing work of Heather and her impact on the community.
Elizabeth sets up a clothing boutique every Saturday for two months
|
Elizabeth Bukala Boutique (June - July 2019) Touched by Teesha's weekly briefing on the plight of homeless youth to the seniors, Elizabeth chooses to memorialize Teesha's passing, and pass on the help from community she herself experienced, by setting up a clothing boutique every Saturday for two months at the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House. She donates the proceeds to the Teesha Sharma Homeless Youth Fund. |
The 2020's
Seniors Tech Buddies Program (November 2020)
The COVID-19 pandemic strikes worldwide. Measures to prevent its spread shut down many of the social activities normally pursued by seniors. Many become socially isolated and begin to show signs of deteriorating mental health. To comply with the emergency provisions, the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House closes to the public completely over April and May 2020, resuming weekly seniors programming in June 2020, outdoors only, in the garden pavilion.
In November, we begin teaching seniors how to use video conferencing platforms like Zoom to meet socially and to stay in touch with family. We partner with the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Seniors Network to set up the Seniors Tech Buddies (also called the Seniors Tech Peers) program to train more seniors. The STB draws on a senior to team up with a youth to offer training at the appropriate speed and level of iteration to seniors unfamiliar with smart phones, tablets and computers. By December 2021, more than 56 seniors receive training. Some borrow laptops and tablets for up to a year and others receive free upgrades to their existing equipment to make them serviceable.
The COVID-19 pandemic strikes worldwide. Measures to prevent its spread shut down many of the social activities normally pursued by seniors. Many become socially isolated and begin to show signs of deteriorating mental health. To comply with the emergency provisions, the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House closes to the public completely over April and May 2020, resuming weekly seniors programming in June 2020, outdoors only, in the garden pavilion.
In November, we begin teaching seniors how to use video conferencing platforms like Zoom to meet socially and to stay in touch with family. We partner with the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Seniors Network to set up the Seniors Tech Buddies (also called the Seniors Tech Peers) program to train more seniors. The STB draws on a senior to team up with a youth to offer training at the appropriate speed and level of iteration to seniors unfamiliar with smart phones, tablets and computers. By December 2021, more than 56 seniors receive training. Some borrow laptops and tablets for up to a year and others receive free upgrades to their existing equipment to make them serviceable.
|
CEED Pod (April 23, 2021)
After a false start interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the CEED Pod team of co-hosts publish their first episode of their podcast series about Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. The original team features retired teacher, environmentalist, and journalist Jack Emberly, CEED Centre executive director Christian Cowley, entrepreneur Amy Wood, and high school students Alisha Yakiwchuk and Arshiya Nair. The first nine episodes in 2021 have two feature stories each, after which it settles on one story per episode. The 100 Year War on Alouette Salmon series, scripted by Jack on information provided by ARMS (Alouette River Management Society) co-founder Geoff Clayton, chronicles how the local salmonid runs have been decimated in favour of electrical power generation for the last 100 years and counting. The CEED Centre Society was mentored by SFU staff and students, notably Kim Hockey and intern Lauren Knight, who provided technical training. The CEED Pod logo was created by Dacia Farrance with modifications by Christian. Listen to the CEED Pod here! |
CEED Centre Farm Market (Thursdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, May - October 2022)
After many years of research and advocating for the creation of a food hub to promote farming for local consumption in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Mission, the CEED Centre Farm Market starts up in the pavilion of the CEED Centre Organic Community Garden. The idea is to provide produce from local farms in Thornhill, Whonnock, and other parts of Maple Ridge on commission to sell to families that visit Beckett Park next door. Summer students Dacia Farrance (at right) and Josh Ballinger help set up and staff the market with assistance from volunteers (Gerry Pinel at right) and Christian. The lower than anticipated customer traffic limits the number of farms recruited for the market in this initial season. Thornhill based Triple Creek Farm and Christian's farm end up being the major suppliers. Unsold produce from the market is donated to low-income persons and charitable food distributors. It is decided to run the market in the evenings next season to grow the market.
The CEED Centre Farm Market has been replaced by the Alouette Growers online farm market (see below).
After many years of research and advocating for the creation of a food hub to promote farming for local consumption in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Mission, the CEED Centre Farm Market starts up in the pavilion of the CEED Centre Organic Community Garden. The idea is to provide produce from local farms in Thornhill, Whonnock, and other parts of Maple Ridge on commission to sell to families that visit Beckett Park next door. Summer students Dacia Farrance (at right) and Josh Ballinger help set up and staff the market with assistance from volunteers (Gerry Pinel at right) and Christian. The lower than anticipated customer traffic limits the number of farms recruited for the market in this initial season. Thornhill based Triple Creek Farm and Christian's farm end up being the major suppliers. Unsold produce from the market is donated to low-income persons and charitable food distributors. It is decided to run the market in the evenings next season to grow the market.
The CEED Centre Farm Market has been replaced by the Alouette Growers online farm market (see below).
Gerry Pinel and Dacia Farrance
|
CEED Centre Farm Market Sandwich Board
|
From left: Abigail, Rachel, Mary, Lisa, _____, Willow, Elise
Sewing CEEDlings (November 2022)
Lisa Charron offers to create a fundraising activity in which a group of community members come together to sew decorative cushion covers and other textiles for sale at craft markets. They have so much fun that the group officially forms in 2023 and begins meeting weekly on Thursdays at the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House.
The members mentor new participants and get lessons on sewing machine repairs and maintenance. They host Artisan Christmas Fairs in 2023 and 2024 and sell in additional craft fairs. It is a great vehicle for reskilling, community engagement, and connecting with other craftspeople.
The Sewing CEEDlings meet on Thursdays from 1pm to 4pm. It is a free program that is open to all.
Lisa Charron offers to create a fundraising activity in which a group of community members come together to sew decorative cushion covers and other textiles for sale at craft markets. They have so much fun that the group officially forms in 2023 and begins meeting weekly on Thursdays at the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House.
The members mentor new participants and get lessons on sewing machine repairs and maintenance. They host Artisan Christmas Fairs in 2023 and 2024 and sell in additional craft fairs. It is a great vehicle for reskilling, community engagement, and connecting with other craftspeople.
The Sewing CEEDlings meet on Thursdays from 1pm to 4pm. It is a free program that is open to all.
Beckett Park Organic Community Garden (March 2023)
The CEED Society agrees with the City of Maple Ridge to manage community garden plots in the adjacent park. Volunteers from the Alouette Men's Shed help assemble and install the metal plots purchased by the City and fill them with soil donated from Hank's Trucking of Pitt Meadows.
The CEED Society agrees with the City of Maple Ridge to manage community garden plots in the adjacent park. Volunteers from the Alouette Men's Shed help assemble and install the metal plots purchased by the City and fill them with soil donated from Hank's Trucking of Pitt Meadows.
Steve Ranta (director), Julius (volunteer)
|
October garden
|
Evertt from Alouette Men's Shed
|
Brimming Organic Community Garden (August 2023)
Brimming Development offers a city lot on an interim-basis for use as a temporary community garden in partnership with the City of Maple Ridge and the CEED Centre. They install 70 metal garden beds which are quickly allocated and start to grow food and flowers.
Brimming Development offers a city lot on an interim-basis for use as a temporary community garden in partnership with the City of Maple Ridge and the CEED Centre. They install 70 metal garden beds which are quickly allocated and start to grow food and flowers.
Brimming's metal garden beds
|
|
Chen and Barney (Brimming), Chad (the City), and Lynn (Society director)
|
Seiko Udoku Exhibit: Remembering the Lost Legacy of the Japanese Canadian Farming Community of Maple Ridge
(March 2024 - May 2025)
The Society applies for a grant to the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society to create a permanent exhibit at the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House to commemorate the Nikkei farming community in the pre-Second World War era, before the internment and forced uprooting of these citizens.
Multimedia artist Cindy Mochizuki, project manager, researcher, and writer Raymond Nakamura, and landscape designer Toshiyuki Izawa are hired to create a set of porcelain vignettes and images in the interior, signage on the exterior, and a Japanese garden at the front of the building.
The exhibits show a vibrant farming community of which few other traces remain except in scattered photographs and government records. Cindy's artistic team includes Julia Chirka, firing the ceramics, Minoru Yamamoto, crafting the wooden shelves and fish, and Cherry Wen Wen Lu, as the studio assistant and installation guru. Christian was the copy editor and installation assistant. Raymond researches the origins of our building, finally landing on 1930 as the year of its completion based on the Haney Nokai's annual society filings.
(March 2024 - May 2025)
The Society applies for a grant to the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society to create a permanent exhibit at the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House to commemorate the Nikkei farming community in the pre-Second World War era, before the internment and forced uprooting of these citizens.
Multimedia artist Cindy Mochizuki, project manager, researcher, and writer Raymond Nakamura, and landscape designer Toshiyuki Izawa are hired to create a set of porcelain vignettes and images in the interior, signage on the exterior, and a Japanese garden at the front of the building.
The exhibits show a vibrant farming community of which few other traces remain except in scattered photographs and government records. Cindy's artistic team includes Julia Chirka, firing the ceramics, Minoru Yamamoto, crafting the wooden shelves and fish, and Cherry Wen Wen Lu, as the studio assistant and installation guru. Christian was the copy editor and installation assistant. Raymond researches the origins of our building, finally landing on 1930 as the year of its completion based on the Haney Nokai's annual society filings.
Toshiyuki Izawa of Bacabon Landscaping and crew
Cindy and Cherry begin the install
Install Day 3 -- a work in progress
|
Raymond, Toshiyuki, Cindy, Christian, Shohei
Brave painter on a shaky
scaffold
Laurie, Elizabeth, Gerry and Sharilyn help Christian fix the 16-foot panel to the posts in the garden
|
The Ito Family of Pitt Meadows
Megan visits her great grandfather's figurines on a tour into her family's past.
|
Visit the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House to view the art installation in person, view the virtual exhibit on our website here, learn more about Mochizuki's process on her website, and watch this excellent video of the opening ceremony on JCLS's youtube channel!
School Pantry Project (Autumn 2023 - Autumn 2024)
The Society arranges with the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows School District to supply fresh vegetables and fruits from three or four local Whonnock and Thornhill farms to each of the 31 school sites for 10 weeks in Autumn and 10 weeks in Spring while the produce is in season.
This project is replaced by the Alouette Growers program in 2025. Alouette Growers is open to all individuals who wish to purchase local Maple Ridge food delivered to their door!
Cindy and Raymond
Bon Odori Festival (August 10, 2024)
In partnership with Leslie Komori, we welcome Japanese Canadian former residents of Maple Ridge back to the City for the first time since 1942 for a performance festival in Memorial Peace Park.
Leslie arranges for local Japanese Canadian performing troupes, who give thundering performances on taiko drums while festival goers try on kimonos and yukata, try their hand at origami, watch a sumo demonstration, and learn about the lost legacy of the pre-war Japanese Canadian farming community.
Elaine demonstrating origami
|
Sunday Sumo members
|
Miyake Ryu taiko troupe
|
Alouette Growers (October 2024)
As part of its food security mandate, the CEED Society begins work on creating a producers' food hub based on an online platform and home delivery, partnering with the School District as its first institutional customer base. This project replaces the School Pantry Project. The website launches in April 2025 with three farms.
Alouette Growers is open to all individuals and organizations. If you are interested in having local food grown in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows delivered to your home or business, please visit the Alouette Growers website.
As part of its food security mandate, the CEED Society begins work on creating a producers' food hub based on an online platform and home delivery, partnering with the School District as its first institutional customer base. This project replaces the School Pantry Project. The website launches in April 2025 with three farms.
Alouette Growers is open to all individuals and organizations. If you are interested in having local food grown in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows delivered to your home or business, please visit the Alouette Growers website.
Register to purchase local Maple Ridge food delivered to your door!
Gerry Pinel Nominated for Citizen of the Year -- Lifetime Achievement Award (April 12, 2025)
Gerry attends the Maple Ridge Community Foundation gala as one of three finalists, receiving recognition for many years of contributions to numerous community organizations, not least the CEED Centre Society. Way to go Gerry!
Gerry attends the Maple Ridge Community Foundation gala as one of three finalists, receiving recognition for many years of contributions to numerous community organizations, not least the CEED Centre Society. Way to go Gerry!
Festival Poster
Children's Day Festival (May 3, 2025)
The first annual Children's Day Festival, a Japanese Canadian cultural event, brings people to the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House and Beckett Park for children's craft activities like origami, paper koi-nobori streamer making, Japanese calligraphy, and sushi. The event also features the inauguration of the Seiko Udoku exhibit. NoriNori and Komori reprise their taiko-powered performance in front of dignitaries and wee folk. Some come all the way from Manitoba to see the exhibit and participate in the festival.
The Seiko Udoku art installation's opening ceremony was held during the Children's Day Festival. You can watch this excellent video of the opening ceremony on JCLS's youtube channel.
The first annual Children's Day Festival, a Japanese Canadian cultural event, brings people to the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House and Beckett Park for children's craft activities like origami, paper koi-nobori streamer making, Japanese calligraphy, and sushi. The event also features the inauguration of the Seiko Udoku exhibit. NoriNori and Komori reprise their taiko-powered performance in front of dignitaries and wee folk. Some come all the way from Manitoba to see the exhibit and participate in the festival.
The Seiko Udoku art installation's opening ceremony was held during the Children's Day Festival. You can watch this excellent video of the opening ceremony on JCLS's youtube channel.
Business Innovation Award (October 20, 2025)
City of Maple Ridge awards first place to Alouette Growers for the Business to Consumer category of its Business Innovation Challenge. The award consists of a cash prize of $3,500, a free 1/4 page ad in the Maple Ridge News and marketing services from Markayting Creative Agency.
City of Maple Ridge awards first place to Alouette Growers for the Business to Consumer category of its Business Innovation Challenge. The award consists of a cash prize of $3,500, a free 1/4 page ad in the Maple Ridge News and marketing services from Markayting Creative Agency.
Maple Ridge Community Foundation Grant (November 19, 2025)
Newly appointed Board President Sharilyn McDonald accepts $3,535 grant for community garden beds with Christian from Kevin Noseworthy, Foundation chair.
Newly appointed Board President Sharilyn McDonald accepts $3,535 grant for community garden beds with Christian from Kevin Noseworthy, Foundation chair.
A Note to Readers
Anyone with corrections or more historical information (dates, people) or images is encouraged to contact the Executive Director to honour the efforts of our community builders.
Anyone with corrections or more historical information (dates, people) or images is encouraged to contact the Executive Director to honour the efforts of our community builders.