Families in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows will soon have a new facility offering children’s therapeutic programs, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, funded through the Community Gaming Grants program.

“A new, permanent home for the Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre means families in the area can continue to rely on all the services the centre provides for their kids with special needs,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development. “We know that the earlier children with a developmental delay get support, the better their chances for growth and success. That’s why centres like this are such a key resource, helping to build stronger families, more compassionate communities and – most importantly – confident, thriving children.”

The Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre provides therapy, early intervention, prevention and respite support services for children with special needs and their families. This promotes children’s healthy development, maximizes their quality of life, assists families in their role as primary caregivers and supports full participation in community life.

“The community has rallied around this organization and its families through the challenges they have faced as a result of last year’s flash flood,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, on behalf of Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This funding will have a great impact across the region, giving Ridge Meadows a new home and a place where families and their children can count on access to important therapy and support programs. Our government is committed to working with not-for-profit organizations, like this one, that contribute to healthy, nurturing communities across the province.”

The centre is receiving almost $120,000 in capital project funding through the Community Gaming Grants program. Ridge Meadows is recovering from a flash flood in fall 2018, which forced it to abandon its programming space. The grant will help it complete renovations on a new space for therapy and family support programs for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, fetal alcohol syndrome and developmental delays or disorders.

“We are grateful for the funding from the Province for this capital project and are excited for the opportunities that will present themselves,” said Joel Twaites, board chair, Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre. “This funding will provide us with the continued and enhanced ability to serve the children and families of Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Katzie. Thank you on behalf of the board and staff.”

Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre Society is one of 63 not-for-profit organizations receiving a total of $5 million in capital project grants through the Community Gaming Grants program this year. The capital project category was launched in the fall of 2017 to enable not-for-profit organizations to buy equipment and make renovations essential to their operations.

Quick Facts:

• Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre provides early intervention and school-aged therapy services for children with developmental delays for children and families in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and for Indigenous children on- and off-reserve through its partnership with the Katzie First Nation.
• Every year, commercial gaming generates revenue that the Government of B.C. invests in key services. These investments support organizations in health care and education, arts and culture, sports, environment, public safety, human and social services, as well as parent advisory councils in schools around B.C.
• Up to $140 million of the revenue generated is directed into the community through the Community Gaming Grants program, supporting about 5,000 community organizations each year, with $5 million dedicated to funding the capital project sector.
• Each year, eligible organizations can apply for a capital project sector grant, in addition to one of the six sectors of regular community gaming grants.

Learn More:

Learn more about capital projects sector grants: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/capital-project-grants