Advocating for BC’s Outdoors

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is dedicated to protecting and enhancing outdoor recreation across the province. Our 2024-26 advocacy priorities focus on supporting volunteer groups, strengthening partnerships, ensuring access to public lands and waters, integrating recreation into planning, and tracking the sector's impact.

These priorities, developed in collaboration with our members, guide our efforts to sustain the natural spaces we cherish, improve recreational access, and foster responsible enjoyment of BC’s outdoors.

Join us in advocating for policies, initiatives and funding that empower our recreation communities and protect our province’s outdoor heritage:

• Supporting Volunteers and Nonprofit Groups
  Volunteers are the backbone of outdoor recreation in BC, working tirelessly to maintain trails, advocate for access, promote environmental stewardship, and build relationships with Indigenous communities. We call for increased funding and targeted training to empower these groups to continue their invaluable work effectively.

• Increasing Capacity and Partnerships
  With the growing demand for outdoor recreation, BC’s parks and trails require additional resources and support. We advocate for a comprehensive provincial recreation strategy, increased funding for BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC, and streamlined processes to reduce administrative barriers for volunteer efforts.

• Protecting Access to Public Lands and Waters
  Access to parks, trails, and recreation sites is vital for all. We are pushing for the maintenance of key access routes and for greater transparency in decisions around access closures, ensuring that BC’s public lands and waters remain open and accessible for everyone.

• Integrating Recreation into Planning
  Recreation needs to be a priority in land use, resource management and conservation planning. We advocate for meaningful inclusion of recreation objectives in these processes and and enhancing public engagement to reflect the diverse needs and values of our communities.

• Measuring Recreation’s Impact
  To make informed decisions, it’s essential to understand the economic, environmental, and social impacts of outdoor recreation. We advocate for robust data collection and reporting to guide policy and investments that will sustain and enhance recreation opportunities across BC.

Take Action

Be a voice for responsible outdoor recreation in BC! Join forces with the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC to advocate for trail access, support volunteer efforts, and strengthen partnerships that protect the outdoors. Together, we can make a bigger impact—empowering local groups, enhancing recreation opportunities, and ensuring our outdoor spaces remain accessible and sustainable for generations to come. Let’s make a difference in BC’s outdoor community!

Contact your local MLA

Now that the 2024 BC provincial election is over, it’s essential for all outdoor recreation advocates to connect with their local MLAs and highlight the importance of our sector.

ORCBC has created a welcome/introduction email template that you can download, customize, and use to advocate for our five key priorities.