Budget 2023: Speak up for outdoor recreation
North Shore Mountain Bike Association photo
The annual provincial budget consultation is conducted by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. It is one of the main opportunities ORCBC and our members have each year to encourage the Province to make outdoor recreation a higher priority and allocate more funding towards it.
Collectively we have been successful in getting many of our broad concerns reflected in the consultation report over the past couple of years which helps inform the budgeting process (here's the 2022 budget consultation report - see page 43 for the Select Standing Committee's recommendation re outdoor recreation to the Legislative Assembly).
Next week, ORCBC presents our recommendations to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services in Vernon. Here are our presentation notes.
Several of our members have already presented, including the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, Trails BC and the BC Snowmobile Federation.
Make a written submission
While the deadline to request to present is now closed, you can provide written comments through the consultation portal.
As part of the written submission, you may provide up to three recommendations (maximum 50 words each) along with your explanation for each recommendation (maximum 300 words each).
If you’re able to participate in the 2023 budget consultation, we would like you to consider supporting any of our three priorities that resonate with your organization. By being as consistent as possible and speaking with one voice, the outdoor sector is much more likely to be successful.
You are always welcome to get in touch with us (info@old.orcbc.ca) if you want to discuss your draft submission.
ORCBC’s three priorities
Increase operational funding for B.C. Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails B.C.
Increase the annual operational budget of Recreation Sites and Trails BC to a minimum of $20 million and the annual budget of BC Parks to $100 million. The continued growth in usage of outdoor recreation amenities increases the stress on BC’s outdoor recreation infrastructure, outdoor spaces and the agencies that are responsible for management and planning.
Both agencies are understaffed and under-resourced to respond to the increasing demands related to public land use and the management and development of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Both agencies are unable to support recreation groups and volunteers that are instrumental in developing and maintaining recreation trails, infrastructure and facilities through their respective volunteer partnership programs.
Adopt the recommendations from the Provincial Trails Advisory Body to amend the Trails Strategy for British Columbia and confirm adequate provincial support for the implementation of the updated trails strategy.
Along with Recreation Sites and Trails BC, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) co-chairs the Provincial Trails Advisory Body (PTAB). The PTAB’s primary role is to advise the provincial government on implementing the Trails Strategy for BC and conduct a regular review of the strategy. The PTAB concluded a thorough review of the strategy in May 2021 and presented its recommendations to the provincial government on the implementation status and how best to improve the strategy to ensure it delivers as much value to British Columbia as possible.
An improved strategy, along with resources to facilitate effective implementation, will help ensure that we can take a much more strategic, coordinated and collaborative approach to trail-based recreation and leverage the Province's strategic goals for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, rural development, diversity and inclusion, active transportation, healthy lifestyles, and COVID-19 economic recovery efforts. The ORCBC and our members are hopeful that the Province will consider the recommendations this calendar year and fully endorse them, including the request for funding to support the implementation.
Invest $10 million in a BC Trail Fund to provide reliable funding for trail clubs, Indigenous groups and local governments who help maintain the viability of BC trails.
We ask that the Province of British Columbia make a one-time $10 million contribution as part of a new fund that will provide financial support to community-based recreation organizations, First Nations and local governments that deliver ongoing stewardship of the province’s network of recreational trails and facilities.
The BC Trail Fund is created in response to a longstanding need for a reliable and diverse funding model to support BC’s trail system. It will be managed by the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia and the Vancouver Foundation, with oversight by an advisory committee. Additional contributions will be solicited from government, corporations, foundations and individuals as part of an ongoing fund development program.
