Outdoor Recreation Council of BC Celebrates Inaugural Grant Intake for Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is celebrating the inaugural grant intake for the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC. ORCBC administers the fund and is pleased to announce 30 recipients across the province totalling $250,711 in grants.
Image: Cam Dalinghaus, BC Marine Trails Network Association
The application period, open through April 2024, saw an overwhelming response from charities, registered non-profit organizations, local governments and Indigenous governments. ORCBC received an astounding 208 applications totalling $1.8 million in funding requests. All applications consisted of projects that were ready to launch this year and that provided a matching contribution through cash or in-kind support that was equal to or greater than the funding request. The interest in the grant program, the number of quality proposals and the resourcefulness of applicants’ matching contributions demonstrates the immense dedication to BC’s outdoors and incredible need for outdoor recreation funding.
About the Fund
The fund supports grants for community-based initiatives that create and shape meaningful outdoor recreational and nature-based experiences for British Columbians. In its inaugural intake, the grant program supports projects within one or more of three priority areas:
Outdoor Enhancement that supports the community groups who enhance and maintain outdoor recreation infrastructure such as trails, signage, campsites, boat launches and more.
Stewardship and Education that fosters responsible use of the outdoors through education and stewardship initiatives that minimize the environmental, cultural, and safety impacts of outdoor adventuring.
Inclusive Participation that cultivates accessible, inclusive and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities by encouraging participation in outdoor recreation for under-represented groups
Since 2020, ORCBC has been at the forefront of efforts to research and advocate for sustainable funding for outdoor recreation. This initiative addresses the long-standing need to support dedicated volunteer-based organizations and community groups that are instrumental in maintaining and building infrastructure, protecting and restoring natural areas, and delivering programs that make outdoor recreation accessible and safe for everyone. In May 2023, the Province of B.C. kick-started much-needed support by contributing $10 million to the ORCBC, establishing the first-ever endowment fund of its kind in B.C. The fund will generate income that will fuel a yearly grant program to be administered by ORCBC for the foreseeable future.
You can support dedicated volunteer-based organizations and community groups’ future efforts by helping ORCBC grow the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC. Get in touch grants@orcbc.ca
GRANT RECIPIENTS AND PROJECTS
BC Marine Trails: Public Education around Code of Conduct ($10,000)
B.C. Marine Trails Network Association to promote sustainable outdoor activities along the BC Coast through targeted communications and environmental stewardship that integrate Indigenous perspectives and foster community involvement.
Sunshine Coast Trail Maintenance ($8,800)
qathet Parks and Wilderness Society to support essential maintenance of the Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT), campgrounds, huts, and other infrastructure that ensures continued enjoyment and conservation of old-growth forest and recreational opportunities in the qathet region.
Haisla Interpretive Trailhead Signage for Kitimat Hiking Trails ($10,000)
District of Kitimat to revitalize Kitimat's trail system with enhanced trail descriptions, overview maps, safety information, and Haisla Indigenous interpretive signage that enrich user experiences and promote cultural understanding.
Adventure Trail Upgrade ($5,000)
Nickel Plate Nordic Centre (NPNC) to enhance a cross-country skiing trail with Syilx artwork and educational elements to promote cultural appreciation and storytelling traditions within lodge and trail settings.
Recreation and Mentorship Programs 2024 ($6,500)
Elevation Outdoors Experiential Programs Association to introduce vulnerable/BIPOC youth to mountain biking and snowboarding through seasonal programs aimed at community building, environmental stewardship, and skill development.
Chump Change Bridge Project ($4,800)
Association of Caledonia TrailBuilders to improve trail access and safety by creating four bridge crossings, two distinct drainages and enhancing safety signage along Tabor Mountain’s singletrack network.
Recreate Responsibly in the Columbia Valley ($10,000)
Wildsight - Invermere Branch to reduce outdoor recreation impacts on wildlife and habitat in the Columbia Valley by collaborating with outdoor recreation users and promoting responsible stewardship through education and events. Key messages and information will incorporate wildlife science, policy and regulation, and First Nations traditional knowledge.
Simpcw First Nation Trails Enhancement Initiative ($10,000)
Simpcw First Nation to enhance the existing trail network to accommodate increasing user volumes, focusing on upgrades, signage, and amenities that maintain quality experiences.
mamaajii-maamawi | Moving Together ($10,000)
Indigenous Women Outdoors to (re)focus on movement, connect feet to the earth, and nurture healthy relationships with movement by dismantling colonial standards and practicing cultural ways of being outside, in a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment. The Anishinaabemowin phrase mamaajii-maamawi means to move together.
HBC (1849) Heritage Trail ($10,000)
Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning to restore four bridges along the HBC Heritage Trail damaged by the catastrophic atmospheric river of 2021, and reopen it with an educational hiking experience.
Trail Ditching and Water Bars ($9,840)
Coquihalla Summit Snowmobile Club to re-do water bars (cross ditching) and side-ditching along the snowmobile trail system that will improve drainage during snowmelt or large rain events, as well as eliminate ruts in trails which are a safety concern.
Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Trail Crew Funding ($10,000)
Ucluelet Mountain Bike Association to continue partnership initiatives with Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ trail crew for trail building, maintenance, and riding on č̓umaat̓a.
Tla'amin Nation Trails Network ($5,000)
Tla'amin Nation to install signs along the trail that educate the public and Tla'amin citizens with Tla'amin traditional language (Ayajuthem) and about traditional medicinal & food plants, and spiritual and cultural related areas. This keeps with Tla'amin Nation's pride in protecting their Lands and Resources for future generations and for land based healing.
Wetland Education and Awareness Program (WEAP) ($10,000)
Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Society to form connections to nature and educate the public about the importance and function of wetlands in the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area by delivering engaging, informative and fun environmental education programs and events.
Bear Mountain Nordic Ski Association Trail Finishing Enhancement Project ($10,000)
Bear Mountain Nordic Ski Association to complete finishing works on Bear Mountain Nordic Ski Association trails including disking, mulching, grading, seeding and packing that will enhance usability and safety for all-season, affordable and family-friendly outdoor recreation opportunities.
Let's Explore and Understand the Grasslands! ($3,000)
Grasslands Conservation Council of BC to explore and educate about grassland ecosystems through interactive, immersive and educational experiences and stewardship activities for all ages.
Land and Water Skills Training ($5,971)
Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation to enhance relationships to the outdoor world and promote outdoor skills training in land and water-based human powered craft including leave-no-trace practices, minimizing environmental impacts and respecting cultural values.
Sidecut Refresh ($7,500)
Kimberley Trails Society to refurbish the highly-trafficked Sidecut Trail in Kimberley, address safety concerns and improve sustainability, reopening it to two-way traffic.
Bella Coola Schoolhouse Trail Relocation ($9,100)
Bella Coola Resource Society to complete the relocation of a popular Bella Coola valley trail to avoid sensitive wetlands and ensure accessibility by removing an old and unsafe boardwalk, installing three foot bridges and two bicycle ramps, and surfacing the trail with screened gravel.
Butter Me Up Trailhead Connectors ($3,100)
North Slocan Trails Society to create inclusive-adaptive mountain bike trails, support sustainable and safe trail access reducing reliance on old forest service roads, enhance trail amenities like signage, outhouses, and picnic tables, and prioritize responsible recreation by incorporating feedback from local First Nations and environmental experts.
McClure Pit Recreation Site Infrastructure Upgrade ($6,500)
Lakes Outdoor Recreation Society to upgrade facilities in need of extensive remedial work at the popular McClure Pit Recreation Site by replacing or repairing eight tables and eight fire rings in sore need of upgrading.
Elk River Access Improvement Initiative ($25,000)
Tourism Fernie Society to improve access to a key existing yet primitive river access location including access and parking improvements, boat launch pad installation and information and interpretive signage. Elk River is a world-class and non-motorized premier fly fishing, paddling and rafting destination.
Westsyde Trail Rehabilitation ($5,000)
Williams Lake Cycling Club to restore CP and Brownie Wings trails on the Westsyde trail network to help increase ridership and help mediate the impacts of the 2020 flooding of the Williams Lake River Valley.
Historic Dewdney Trail and Tulameen Camp Upgrade ($4,200)
Back Country Horsemen of British Columbia - Aldergrove Chapter to clear and repair the Dewdney Trail from the Cascade parking lot at the EC Manning Park Lodge to the Tulameen camp, redeck a bridge reducing safety concerns and build corrals for safe access to new groups of equestrians.
SBC Grouse Trail Build ($5,000)
The Sooke Bike Club to re-route of the Grouse Trail at Sea-to-Sea Regional Park involving hand-built construction creating a blue-rated trail open to biking, adaptive biking, hiking, and equestrian use, fostering inclusive outdoor recreation for all while emphasizing environmental stewardship.
Winter Rail Trail Access ($6,400)
Slocan Valley Rail Trail Society to maintain winter access on the Slocan Valley Rail Trail for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and walking through grooming, packing and track-setting the graveled part of the trail (46 km); clearing the snow off the paved section of the trail (4km); and parking maintenance.
Mt Tzouhalem - Cross Trail Boardwalk ($10,000)
Cowichan Trail Stewardship Society to build a 70m boardwalk on Mt Tzouhalem's existing Cross Trail to improve wetland navigation thus mitigating damage to the ecosystem and increasing accessibility and safety for hikers.
Land-Based Adventure Program ($10,000)
Williams Lake First Nation to support land and culturally-based activities on traditional Secwepemc territory, including dipnetting and fishing camps, hunting camps, medicine walks, culture camps, and summer pow wow dancing drop-in nights.
Chapman Bridge Replacement ($10,000)
Tetrahedron Outdoor Club to install a new, safer bridge over Chapman Creek in Tetrahedron Provincial Park that will withstand snow loads and avoid future debris torrents. The existing wooden-log bridge presents poor and hazardous conditions, with a deteriorating deck surface and missing pilings, making it very dangerous to cross.
Salmo Valley Trail Society 2024 Build Season ($10,000)
Salmo Valley Trail Society to enhance trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability by rerouting True Blue for improved user safety, increasing accessibility through the Mama Bear extension, expanding parking at Hooch Creek, and engaging the community in the trail network's growth and accessibility efforts.