MAPLE RIDGE – BCNDP MLAs Bob D’Eith and Lisa Beare announce a $250,000 investment from the province for a feasibility study to help outline potential post-secondary educational opportunities in the area.
“Having post-secondary options close by would allow more people to upskill, re-skill and train towards well-paying jobs in our region,” said Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission. “Community members have been advocating for more post-secondary options here at home, and I’m pleased we are taking another step towards that goal.”
This builds upon a $250,000 investment the province made in 2022 to conduct a needs assessment of post-secondary education and skills training in the rapidly growing communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. That assessment concluded there is a perceived demand and need for increased access to post-secondary education and skills training in the area, and that the need is projected to grow over the next 20 years.
“It has been a real community effort to bring us closer to having more post-secondary options in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. “As a former school board trustee, I know how important it is for students to have options close to home as they plan their journey after high school, and this feasibility study is a key step towards a goal that would make a huge impact for people in our community.”
The needs assessment included engagement with 1,500 residents, students, parents and school district staff through surveys and community events, as well as consultation with a wide range of organizations, including local government, School District 42, TransLink, local First Nations, post-secondary institutions, and the business community.
The feasibility study will be carried out by Kwantlen Polytechnic University in conjunction with Douglas College, the Justice Institute of British Columbia, and the University of the Fraser Valley, which is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
QUOTES
“I am thrilled about the potential of post-secondary educational opportunities in Ridge Meadows. This study marks a significant step towards a future where our residents have increased access to higher education which benefit our entire community.” – Nicole MacDonald, Mayor of Pitt Meadows
“Investing in this feasibility study means investing in the future of our community through accessible and quality higher education. Maple Ridge is one of the fastest-growing cities in the region and growing at over twice the national rate. Ensuring our youth, our residents and employers have access to post-secondary education and training is vital to our growth and development as a city. Post secondary educational opportunities here will be a game changer for the many families and people moving here and to their future success.” – Dan Ruimy, Mayor of Maple Ridge
“This study underscores the continued and growing need for more post-secondary options in our communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Our school district has some of the highest graduation rates in the province, and yet our students continue to report barriers in accessing post-secondary education opportunities. We thank the province for investing in a future that prioritizes equitable access to post-secondary education for our students.” – Elaine Yamamoto, Board Chairperson, Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District No. 42
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/30236