SELL

BUY

DECORATE

EXPLORE

The marketplace is changing, and there’s news about sales, purchases and trends in our area. If you are thinking of refinancing, remodeling, or making a move, give us a call. We are happy to be of service to you!

SELL Best home improvements to ensure a “Quick Sale”

BUY A couple of good reasons why you should move to Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows

GOLDEN EARS BRIDGE will provide a vital new link between communities on the south side of the river (Langley & Surrey) and the north-side communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. The crossing is projected to get underway in the spring of 2006, and the bridge is expected to open to traffic in mid 2009. Construction of the Golden Ears Bridge and road network will create more than one billion dollars in economic activity and 6,500 person years of employment. Once the bridge is open, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley & Surrey will benefit from travel time savings, and new growth and development opportunities. Info courtesy of www.translink.bc.ca

THE PITT RIVER BRIDGE and Mary Hill Interchange Project will include the design and construction of a new bridge that will replace the two existing swing bridges crossing the Pitt River, as well as a new grade-separated interchange to replace the existing Mary Hill Bypass/Lougheed Highway intersection. The Project is a stand-alone component of the North Fraser Perimeter Road Project, which is part of the larger Gateway Program. British Columbia's Ministry of Transportation established the Gateway Program in response to the impact of growing regional congestion in Greater Vancouver, and to improve the movement of people, goods and transit throughout the region. Info courtesy of www.partnershipsbritishcolumbia.ca

The goals for the Pitt River Bridge and Mary Hill Interchange Project are to:

Improve reliability of the Pitt River Crossing for vehicle and marine traffic.

Provide capacity to serve the needs of growing municipalities.

Improve safety along a key goods movement and commuting corridor.

Visit www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca for more info.

DECORATE Add color to the outside – see how easy it really is!

Carefree Perennial Gardens – Designing a perennial garden to accent your home and bring a bloom of color to the garden is well worth the investment of time and money. A well designed perennial garden can eventually be almost maintenance free after it is established.

Choose perennials that will guarantee a season-long show of color by laying out a design on paper before planting. Consider the size of the garden, taking into account factors such as lawn size, shrubbery, the formal or informal look, and where the garden will be viewed.

A bed which stands alone in a large open area is also something to consider. Most people prefer to plant a border along a house, fence or walkway. The border will soften the lines between building and lawn and lend a dash of color and interest as well.

Choosing which plants to buy can be an overwhelming task if you arrive at the nursery unprepared. The primary requirements of the plants must match the soil, light and climate conditions of your garden. Ask for assistance if you are unfamiliar with the best plants for your area.

Creative Vegetable Gardens - A possibility even if you don’t think you have the room.

A sloped hill which is hard to mow is great planted in the wide row method. The wide row method means to plant in three foot wide rows of the same or mixed plants.

Consider making a strip garden in the middle of the lawn. A small area around the driveway or deck could be used to plant.

Containers provide an excellent way to grow vegetables. Make sure these plants get frequent watering.

Think about growing climbing vegetables in a long rectangular box and using the deck railing as a pole support.

Container gardens – Not a lot of space for a garden but looking for some of the fun of planting and enjoying the beauty of a garden? Try something on a small scale by using a container to plant your bright blooms.

Anyone can grow plants in a container as it is simple to design and plant and a snap to maintain.

Even apartment dwellers can have pots on al balcony or deck to brighten up the view. Containers have the distinct advantage of being moveable to change the look outside your home. They can also be a handy solution for a yard with poor drainage and soil.

The key is to use a rich soil with manure and peat added or use a ready made peat growing mix. Make sure there is plenty of good drainage in any container you use, so the plants don’t become water logged after a plentiful rain or water.

Try using a 16 inch terra-cotta pot and add larger plants for an immediate flower show. Start in the center by setting the plants that work well together in shade or sun. Don’t forget some vinca vines or ferns to hang over the edge to add some green color.

Don’t forget to water regularly and pinch back the spent flower to promote growth.

EXPLORE GET READY – GET SET – GO! Upcoming events!

Annual Events

Ridge Meadows Home Show - May 5, 6, 7, 2006

Held at Planet Ice, Maple Ridge. Many exhibitors booths of top-quality products for services for home and garden design, construction, renovation and beautification. For further information call: 604-467-3950 or Ridge Meadows Home Show on the web. www.ridgemeadowshomeshow.com

Pitt Meadows Day - 1st Saturday in June

Pitt Meadows Day is held on the First Saturday of June. The day starts off with a Pancake Breakfast at the (old) Rec Hall, followed by a parade at 11:00 a.m. and then the crowning of Miss Pitt Meadows at Harris Park. There are many activities to be enjoyed by everyone throughout the day at a variety of locations including a barbecue dinner at Harris Park. The day is capped off with a fireworks display that is put on by the Pitt Meadows Volunteer Fire Department. For more information call 465-2453.

Canada Day - July 1

Annual family celebrations take place in Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge with a variety of activities for all ages.

Twilight Tuesdays - July through August

The Maple Ridge Concert Band performs at the Maple Ridge Bandstand in Memorial Peace Park at 7:30 p.m. Concerts are fair weather only. Bring your lawn chair for comfortable seating and enjoy the evening.

Jazz & Blues Festival – 1st Sunday in August

The annual Maple Ridge Jazz and Blues Festival, winner of the 1999 Tourism Excellence Award, features an outdoor festival presenting some of BC’s best local and regional jazz and blues artists. Festivities run from noon to 10:00 pm and include an arts and crafts village, an international food fair and the ‘Kid Jam’ children’s activities. Info: 682-0797.

Alouette Arts Midsummer Festival – 4th Sunday in August

The Midsummer Festival is a family orientated community event featuring local musicians, artists, crafters, and international food venders. Children’s activities and entertainment take place throughout the day. The event is held at Maple Ridge Park and runs from 11am-7pm. For more info call Trish @ 467-4295 or Beth @ 467-8376.

BC Rivers Day – 4th Sunday in September

A special day to celebrate our spectacular river heritage. Allco Park hosts this annual event to raise awareness of our streams and rivers. For more information call Jenny at Alouette River Management 467- 6401.

Take Back the Night! – 4th Sunday in September

The Ridge Meadows Women's Centre presents the annual Take Back the Night March & Rally. Community participation and support is invited as a collective voice against violence. For information call: Dianne Archer at (604) 460-0064.

Remembrance Day Ceremonies – November 11

The ceremonies start of with the annual parade to the Cenotaph at Harris Road. A 10:30 am ceremony follows the parade. For more information call 465-2453

Maple Ridge Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade - 1st Saturday in December

Santa leads the parade through downtown Maple Ridge. Bring a lawn chair and a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy a colorful display of community floats. Call the Maple Ridge Chamber of Commerce at 463-3366 for more information.

Info Source: http://www.pittmeadows.bc.ca

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Call us at 604-466-2838 or email us!