History/Heritage, Maple Ridge
The history runs rich in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. The earliest people who were in the area were the Kanakas, which were a tribe of Indians. They were called First Nations by historians for the simple fact that they were first to settle in present day Maple Ridge. Soon enough, travelers from England and Scotland infested their land. After many struggles, the First Nations people no longer were in charge of their homeland. Maple Ridge, land close to the larger city of Vancouver, was formally incorporated in 1874.
The man responsible for getting the ball rolling on incorporation was John McIver. He was a pioneer from Scotland. He ended up owning acres of land and naming the area Maple Ridge due to the abundance of maple trees. Eventually, McIver’s Maple Ridge was split into seven communities that are thriving today. Each of the neighborhoods are diverse in their own right.
In the beginning, people were attracted to the province because of the farmlands, fruits trees, and dairy cows and poultry. It as easy to survive at that time with the wealth of resources available to them. Nowadays, the agriculture and forestry are what lures individuals to the area.
There are plenty of ways to visit the past in Maple Ridge. Port Haney Heritage Walk gives the public a chance to go on a walking tour of the port and other points of interest. The total distance of the walking tour is 1.4 km. You will visit everything from a train caboose to the original post office. This wonderful way to explore history while getting your steps in for the day.
In addition, there are Historic Tile Mosaics to tell the story of early life in Maple Ridge. Originally, this was a undertaking of the City of Maple Ridge’s Enhancement Project. Enhancing was exactly what they did too. The project managers completed research in order to ensure that the stories told represented the heart and soul of Maple Ridge. The artist, Bruce Walther, created the works of art. To experience true art history, go experience the Historic Tile Mosaics.
Some buildings from the communities have been transferred to Port Haney, one of the communities, to aid in their preservation. The important buildings have been placed in Port Haney to heighten the historic factor of the area. Some of the prevalent pieces of history are the Billy Miner Alehouse and Café, St. Andrew’s Heritage Church Hall, and the Thomas Haney House. The last site is significant as Thomas Haney was the person who helped found the community of Haney.
The Billy Miner Alehouse and Café has a remarkable story. He was the Robin Hood of the time by stealing from the unpopular Canadian Pacific Railway. He completed many train heists and stole many riches. Right out front of the building is a railway where Billy would carry out his crazy deeds. Now, the building houses a café with extraordinary food and beverages.
If you are a history buff, this is an area that you don’t want to bypass.
Maple Ridge is also has a thriving economy. There are three major moneymakers in the area – industrial businesses, filming and tourism. These industries provide the livelihood for most of the citizens of the Ridge.
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