Building Community Solutions  - About Us

Organizational History

Established in 2001, Building Community Solutions is a collaborative working group involving local residents and community agencies with a passion for improving community capacity and maximize the use of community resources for everyone.  The Building Community Solutions project is an initiative of The District of Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee (SPAC), the Child, Youth and Family Network (CYFN) and the United Way of the Lower Mainland - Communities in Action. 

Phase One began in January 2002 when a diversely represented Steering Committee was formed, key indicators were identified and with the help of a consultant, a report about the quality of life in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows was developed.   The second phase began in June of 2002.  The Steering Committee chose to use Study Circles as a method to mobilize the community to develop goals and targets.  Groups of 8-15 people from 15 different neighborhoods got together to talk about the strengths and assets in their community and to look at a common vision for their neighbourhoods. 

Vision Statement - March 2001

Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are welcoming, inclusive, safe, and cohesive communities with thriving partnerships, rich community capacity, a spirit of collaboration and active citizen participation.  We are caring communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging and strong community pride…

Our communities are nurturing, supportive and celebrate diversity.  They are places of opportunity, rich with support and resources that enable people of all ages and abilities to prosper.  We celebrate our youth.  Newcomers and established residents work together to ensure everyone has access to healthy food, recreation, arts, culture, education, employment and family supports close to home.  There are numerous inter-generational connections. 

Opportunities abound for residents to actively engage in community life and their input is reflected in sound public policy.  Strong webs of community associations work together to promote and sustain healthy, environmentally friendly, physical communities for families, children, seniors, and youth.

Guiding Principles and Values

• Inclusiveness – promote relationships among and participation from all races, genders, ages, abilities, beliefs and cultures

• People in the community are the major resource

• Build on the strengths of local individuals, associations, and organizations – community based partnerships

• Citizens sharing power – ensure local decision making and ownership

• Bridge all boundaries to develop a healthy community

• Share experience and knowledge to promote continuous community learning

• Draw upon the resources of the total community

• Focus on specific actions and measurable results to improve community life

• Democratic practices – consensus, conflict resolution, and collaboration

• Develop grassroots leadership

• Goals: Equitable distribution of resources; social justice

Steering Committee

Building Community Solutions is guided by a Steering Committee that blends local residents, community agencies, and municipal representatives - all with a strong passion for strengthening the community.  Steering Committee members come together once per month over a light dinner to discuss ongoing activities, plan future activities, and explore new partnerships within the community.

Building Community Solutions is always looking for local residents with a passion for community development and a willingness to invest time and energy into improving their own community.  These volunteer Steering Committee members can expect to help guide Building Community Solutions' vision for a sustainable, welcoming, and inclusive community with a sense of collaboration and active citizen participation.  Volunteers can expect to invest two hours per month in Steering Committee meetings and four to six hours every second month in special community events. 

To learn more about volunteering on the Steering Committee, contact the Building Community Solutions Coordinator at 604 467 7433, by email, or to join.  We look forward to working with you!

Partner Organizations

Building Community Solutions works with a variety of partners in the community to achieve it's goals.  The following have been instrumental in ensuring a successful project:

• United Way of the Lower Mainland
• Family Education and Support Centre
• District of Maple Ridge
• School District #42
• Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Times
• Ridge Meadows Seniors Society (Phone: 604-467-4993)
• Haney Farmers Market
• Maple Ridge Youth Council
• District of Maple Ridge, Parks and Leisure Services
• District of Maple Ridge, Engineering Department
• Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Youth Services
• Child, Youth and Family Network (CYFN)

To learn more about Building Community Solutions activities or to get involved, contact the Building Community Solutions Coordinator at 604 467 7433 or by email.