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In 1952, the Ridgedale Women's Institute was formed by former members of the Auxiliary to the Ridgedale Community Club (1930s) and the women of the Red Cross organizations in the area, which were not really needed by about 1947. Una Peardon and Ruth Harrington met with District president Ella MacDougall, and the WI was organized. The founding meeting was held in January 1953 in the home of Enid Beharrell, the first treasurer. For many years, the wives on the local navy base would join in on the meetings and the work. In the 1980s, WI involvement continued through fundraising, guest speakers, and participation in the Chilliwack Health Fair.

The Women's Institute was founded in 1897, in Stony Creek, Ontario. Its original purpose was educating rural women so they could improve their lives through domestic science. One of the founders, Mrs Hoodless had lost her son after he drank contaminated milk. Hoodless believed similar deaths could be avoided if women had more knowledge. Hoodless said, “A nation cannot rise above the level of its homes, we women must work and study together to raise our homes to the highest level possible.” The group quickly grew, with BC getting its first branch in 1909. It soon spread overseas.