Repair Cafes launch ninth season in Maple Ridge.

Ridge Meadows Recycling Society is launching the ninth year of its Repair Cafes with five pop-up events beginning Feb. 21; since 2018 volunteers have helped fix about 3,400 items over 55 events.

Ridge Meadows Recycling Society is beginning its ninth year of Repair Cafes, with five pop-up events scheduled in Maple Ridge for 2026. The season opens Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Maple Ridge Public Library and will run through a series of events later in the year. The pop-ups let residents bring broken household items to volunteers who repair them and show people how to do the work themselves. Organizers describe the gatherings as both socially positive and environmentally focused. Key details: - The new season starts Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Maple Ridge Public Library (22470 Dewdney Trunk Road). - Additional 2026 dates are Saturday, April 18 (Earth Day), July 18, Sept. 19, and Nov. 21; the April event includes a planned Tinkerbell appearance. - Accepted items include small appliances, lamps, electronics, jewelry, clothing, bicycles, small toys, and furniture. - Since the program began in 2018, the society has hosted 55 events and volunteers have helped fix about 3,400 items. - Each Repair Cafe includes a Tinkerbell Station where children can safely explore old devices and create new projects from parts. Summary: The Repair Cafes combine hands-on repair learning with efforts to divert usable items from landfill and to foster local connections. The next scheduled event is Feb. 21 at the Maple Ridge Public Library, with four further dates planned through November 2026.