Nominations are now open for awards celebrating those who preserve and share Maple Ridge’s history.
Do you know a local history enthusiast, a heritage champion, or a project that is helping preserve our community’s past for future generations? The city is accepting nominations for the 2026 Heritage Awards, a celebration of the people, places, and stories that shape our shared identity. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 4, 2026.
The Heritage Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and sites that have made meaningful contributions to the heritage and history of Maple Ridge, whether through a single impactful project or through a long-standing commitment to conservation and community storytelling.
“We are truly fortunate to have residents, groups, and businesses deeply committed to protecting the stories and places that define Maple Ridge,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “When you nominate someone, you’re helping shine a light on the people, places, and projects that safeguard and share the stories that make our community unique.”
Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:
• Heritage Site Award: Recognizes a well maintained and/or restored public or private building, site, or physical feature with historic value that is identified on the heritage inventory, register, or is designated.
• Bernice Gehring History Hero Award: Recognizes the achievements of an individual or group that has contributed to the recognition of Maple Ridge in its historical context.
• Sheila Nickols Award: Honours those who preserve and share historical facts, memories, objects, or documents that keep Maple Ridge’s history alive.
• Stewardship of a Community Cultural Asset Award: Celebrates efforts to conserve cultural practices, traditions, spaces, skills, or knowledge that strengthen appreciation of our community’s heritage.
• Youth Heritage Award: Highlights the passion and dedication of a young person or youth group (age 25 and under) making an impact in heritage conservation.
Award recipients will be honoured during Heritage Week in February at a special celebration at the Albion Community Centre.
Learn more about the award criteria and submit a nomination at MapleRidge.ca/HeritageAwards.