The City of Maple Ridge is launching its new Heritage Grant Pilot Program, aimed at conserving the heritage of the community.
The program will offer financial support for eligible heritage projects led by residents, organizations, and members of local First Nations, with a goal to reinforce the importance of conserving both built and cultural heritage.
To be eligible, projects must be completed in Maple Ridge, Katzie First Nation, or Kwantlen First Nation. The application period is open from Nov. 25 to Feb. 28, 2025.
"We are proud to launch this Heritage Grant pilot program, which reflects our deep commitment to preserving the stories, traditions, and landmarks that make Maple Ridge such a special place," said Mayor Dan Ruimy. "By supporting both built and cultural heritage, we are not only safeguarding our past but also creating a legacy for future generations to honour the rich cultural traditions that weave our community together."
A total of $20,000 in funding is available for the first year of the pilot program. Built heritage projects may receive up to $4,000 in funding and cultural heritage projects may receive up to $2,000 in funding. The heritage grants cover up to 50 per cent of the total project costs to help encourage heritage conservation in the community.
The built heritage funding stream is focused on the conservation of heritage buildings, and is intended to encourage private property owners to protect and celebrate these important heritage resources.
Eligible projects include those that aim to maintain the character or unique attributes of the heritage building and may include:
• Conserving exterior heritage attributes (such as trim, shutters, wood siding, paint)
• Restoring interior heritage attributes (including flooring, moulding, stonework)
• Improving existing windows and doors (repairs, weather-stripping, air-sealing)
• Increasing energy efficiency (heat pumps, insulation)
The cultural heritage funding stream recognizes the value of our community’s social practices, arts, and heritage knowledge, and is available for registered non-profit organizations and members of local First Nations.
Eligible projects must be free to the community, and may include:
• Displaying local heritage through public art or community displays
• Sharing heritage knowledge through community programs or digital content
• Documenting or digitizing historical information at risk of being forgotten
• Teaching oral traditions, language, arts, social practices, or rituals
• Educational performances through art, dance, music, theatre, or storytelling
Other types of creative projects related to the community’s cultural or Indigenous heritage may also be considered.
Each complete application will be reviewed by a panel of city staff, ensuring that projects align with the heritage values of the community and meet the funding eligibility requirements.
Scoring for eligible applications will be based on the details of the project proposal, heritage relevance, project budget and use of funds, potential community benefit, and overall quality of the application.
Following the review by city staff, the recommended heritage grant recipients will be forwarded to council for final approval.
For more information about the Heritage Grant Pilot Program, including eligibility requirements and application guidelines, visit MapleRidge.ca/HeritageGrant or contact Heritage@MapleRidge.ca.
