Advocating for B.C.’s Outdoor Recreation Future

Fernie Trails Alliance photo

Today, we shared a letter with Premier David Eby, urging his newly elected government to prioritize investment in outdoor recreation across British Columbia. As a vital contributor to B.C.’s economy, community well-being, and environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation is central to our province’s identity.

Our letter highlights five key priorities: supporting our volunteer-driven organizations, investing in recreational infrastructure, preserving public access to Crown lands and waters, integrating recreation into land-use planning, and capturing recreation’s impact through data collection. Together, these actions will strengthen the outdoor sector, benefiting communities and securing B.C.’s outdoor legacy for generations to come.

Read the full letter here:

Dear Premier,

Congratulations on your reappointment as B.C.’s Premier. As your government shapes its agenda for this new term, the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia (ORCBC) is eager to work with you to strengthen one of our province's greatest assets: outdoor recreation. 

Outdoor recreation is not only a cornerstone of community health and well-being but also a critical driver of local economies, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and environmental stewardship. A 2021 University of Saskatchewan study indicates that outdoor recreation in B.C. provides more than $15 billion in economic value to British Columbians annually, underscoring its importance as a pillar of the provincial economy.

As a charitable organization representing over 100 outdoor recreation associations and organizations across B.C., ORCBC has advocated for outdoor enthusiasts, protected vital recreation areas, and promoted equitable access to the outdoors since 1976. We invite your government to work with us to realize our vision for British Columbia through strategic investment and meaningful action.

Support for Volunteers and Nonprofits

Volunteers and nonprofits are the backbone of B.C.’s outdoor recreation sector, maintaining trails, advocating for public access, delivering programs, and fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities. These groups are stretched to the limit. We urge your government to make a robust contribution to the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC and partner with us to develop a targeted skills-building program to foster knowledge-sharing, reinforce networks, and engage the next generation of volunteers.

Investing in Recreational Infrastructure

B.C.’s recreational infrastructure is under increasing strain. Years of underinvestment have left trails, campsites, and parks under-resourced, limiting accessibility and missing vital opportunities to serve communities and the province. We call for increased funding and stronger partnerships to enable BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC to effectively manage and expand recreation opportunities. Additionally, a collaborative, adequately funded provincial recreation strategy will support coordinated planning and implementation among government agencies, First Nations, and the recreation sector. Streamlining processes, such as Section 57 authorizations, and reducing red tape will further empower volunteers to enhance stewardship and maintenance efforts.

Ensuring Access to Crown Lands and Waters

Access to public lands and waters is increasingly limited by road closures and deactivations. We ask your government to prioritize the maintenance of key access routes, ensuring transparent decision-making and active community engagement to balance public access and other values.

Integrating Recreation in Broader Land-Use Planning

Outdoor recreation considerations must be integrated into broader land-use and conservation planning, including B.C.’s 30x30 initiative. Recreation priorities are often overlooked, sidelining public access to nature. We ask your government to incorporate recreation goals into land-use decisions and equip recreation groups with the resources needed for effective participation.

Measuring the Value of Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor recreation contributes significantly to B.C.’s economy, public health, and community resilience, yet comprehensive data on its impact is lacking. We encourage your government to invest in data collection to capture the full economic, environmental, and social value of outdoor recreation, supporting improved policy and funding decisions.

ORCBC is ready to work in partnership with your government, Indigenous communities, and local organizations to elevate outdoor recreation across B.C. By investing in volunteers, infrastructure, recreation agency capacity, access, integrated planning, and data collection, we can secure a sustainable future for B.C.’s outdoor legacy.

Thank you for considering these important issues. We look forward to working together to create a vibrant future for outdoor recreation in British Columbia.

Sincerely,

Eric Vanderkruk
Board Chair
Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia

Louise Pedersen  
Executive Director
Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia