Budget 2024: Speak up for outdoor recreation
CRIS Adaptive Adventures 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 the recreation sector have each year to encourage the Province to make outdoor recreation a higher priority and allocate more funding toward 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 2023 budget consultation report - see page 52 for the Select Standing Committee's recommendation regarding parks and outdoor recreation to the Legislative Assembly).
Last week, ORCBC presented our recommendations to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services in Revelstoke.
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
Submissions are accepted until this Friday, June 16 at 2 pm 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 can participate in the 2024 budget consultation, we would like you to consider supporting any of our 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@orcbc.ca) if you want to discuss your draft submission.
ORCBC’s 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.
While ongoing funds for recreational infrastructure are vital to expanding opportunities across the spectrum to accommodate a growing population, it’s equally important to point out that neither agency has sufficient operational resources to allow them to proactively and effectively deliver on their mandates with respect to public recreation.
The context that land managers are in these days are markedly different than a decade ago with added duties to consult with First Nations, more requirements for environmental and cultural heritage impact studies, and managing the damaging impacts of climate change to infrastructure.
As we move forward, we need to recognize the need to invest more in staffing to allow both agencies to partner with First Nations on recreation projects; proactively plan, develop and maintain trails, day-use areas, and front and backcountry campsites; and respond to and approve applications for trail and site developments and maintenance from volunteer-led recreation groups in a more timely manner.
More agency staff is needed, specifically planners, biologists, heritage specialists and Indigenous relations advisors, in order to support the operational staff in the regions.
While funding increases have been allocated in this year’s provincial budget, there is still a massive backlog of maintenance of existing recreation infrastructure - campsites, trails and trail infrastructure, as well as sections of the Trans Canada Trail such as the Kettle Valley Railway that were devastated by flooding events. Many recreation sites are closed due to dangerous trees, which require assessment and removal before they can open up again.
RSTBC has the mandate to manage recreation sites and trails, but according to a 2021 special report from the Forest Practices Board, Management of Forest Recreation, we know that there is an unprecedented demand for services beyond established campsites and trails and there’s nobody else that are more suited within the Province of BC to fulfill this gap. There is a large demand from within the provincial government that needs expert input and collaboration on issues impacting dispersed recreation resources (not sites and trails), including engaging in modernized land use planning and forest landscape planning on public lands outside of the protected areas system. Local governments and community organizations also seek RSTBC expertise in their efforts to enhance, develop, and create new recreation opportunities. RSTBC’s mandate needs to be clarified and they need to receive more operational resources in order to carry out an expanded mandate which is urgently needed.
Invest more annual funding in the upkeep of access roads
Dedicate at least $2 million in annual funding for road infrastructure to support the upkeep and repairs of roads that provide access to parks, recreation sites and trails.
While the maintenance of resource roads saw a funding boost in the 2023 budget, it’s far from sufficient. More dedicated, ongoing funding is needed to maintain existing forest service roads that provide access to recreation sites, trails and other high value recreation assets.
While volunteer-based clubs have invested considerable time and resources in creating recreation sites and trails that are valued by the public, the lack of funding within the Ministry of Forests to maintain the access roads poses one of the significant challenge to the public enjoyment of outdoor recreation opportunities. By allocating dedicated funding, the Province would ensure that the efforts and investments made by various stakeholders, including Indigenous governments, provincial government staff, and recreation clubs are protected, and the public’s access to these valuable recreation assets is preserved.
