BC budget consultation report highlights more recreation investments needed
The Rocky Mountain Goat / Kevin Frame photo
The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services released its Report on the Budget 2024 Consultation today, August 3, 2023.
ORCBC and several of our members, including BC Snowmobile Federation, Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, Trails Society of BC, Friends of the South Slopes, Prince George Backcountry Recreation Society and Okanagan Similkameen Parks Society, made submissions during the public consultation period in June, highlighting the critical need for more support for BC Parks, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, and B.C.’s community-based recreation groups.
Here are some of the recommendations from the groups regarding parks and recreation that were highlighted by the Select Standing Committee in its report:
ORCBC noted that the role and importance of both BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC has evolved with added duties to consult with First Nations, conduct more rigorous environmental and cultural heritage impact studies, and adapt infrastructure to deal with climate change; however, neither agency has the resources to deliver on their mandates proactively and effectively. We highlighted the need for additional funding to ensure BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC can fulfill their new duties.
Okanagan Similkameen Parks Society noted that parks are some of the world’s last remaining carbon sinks and are invaluable; however, access to these parks relies on up-to-date maintenance cycles to keep the trails in good condition, remove waste, and keep signage updated to highlight biodiversity and safety issues.
The Caledonia Ramblers Hiking Club and the Prince George Backcountry Recreation Society stated that although BC Parks has received small budgetary increases, it is not enough to fill budgetary shortfalls, requiring the organization to rely on volunteers to maintain trails, backcountry recreation sites, and facilities. They also noted that there are only 60 staff for Recreation Sites and Trails BC who are responsible for all the maintenance work on 80 percent of Crown land, adding that only two people look after all the recreation sites and trails in the Prince George and Mackenzie Forest Districts.
Friends of the South Slopes Society commented on the extensive effort and cost required to safely maintain and support recreational trails and infrastructure and requested increased grants and funding for volunteer organizations that maintain parks and trails.
The Trails Society of British Columbia emphasized that long-distance trails contribute to local economies and recommended additional annual funding for rail trails—multi-use trails built in former railbeds. They also described how the Kettle Valley Rail Trail has been damaged by flooding and heavy rain and identified a need to increase investment.
The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC spoke about the need to improve access to parks and recreation sites. They explained that several roads are washed out and backcountry sites need repairs and upgrades. The federation explained that many of the access roads are in poor condition due to washouts and failing infrastructure. The federation called for funding to repair and maintain access roads and infrastructure to improve access to provincial parks, trails, and recreation sites.
BC Snowmobile Federation requested dedicated funding of at least $2 million for road infrastructure providing access to parks, recreation sites, and trails.
In its conclusions, the Select Standing Committee noted that trails and backcountry sites have seen significant damage from flooding and wind, leaving many trails potentially unsafe and that much of the maintenance work is done by volunteers who are having a hard time keeping up. It also highlighted that the Trans Canada Trail has seen degradation and partial closure in parts of BC and is entirely maintained by volunteers. The Committee acknowledged and expressed appreciation for these volunteer groups and noted the need for them to receive increased support.
In its ‘Summary of Recommendations’ (pg. 103), the Select Standing Committee recommended:
56. Provide increased, long-term funding for BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC to support:
Long-term planning, development, and maintenance of trails, day-use sites, and campsites
Partnerships with First Nations on recreation projects
Improved accessibility of recreation facilities
Maintenance of roads and infrastructure
Climate change mitigation efforts
Timely approval of applications for trail and site developments and maintenance from volunteer-led recreation groups.
57. Increase revenue in the BC Parks system by implementing a one-time inflationary province-wide increase of $3-5 per night for provincial campsite fees.
58. Provide increased grants and funding to volunteer organizations that maintain provincial parks and trails.
Under Active Transporation (pg 98), the Committee recommended:
155. Reform fiscal planning policies to reflect government goals to achieve 50 percent of trips by walking, cycling, and transit by 2050 by increasing the budget for BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program.
156. Provide multi-year financing for accessible pathways for active transportation between communities.
157. Increase means-tested incentives for e-bikes.
The date for the release of the 2024 B.C. budget has not been announced yet.
