Advocacy and consultations

ORCBC speaks up for outdoor recreation in decisions affecting B.C.’s lands, waters and communities.

Working with our members and partners, we bring outdoor recreation perspectives to government, industry and planning processes. We advocate for better access, sustainable infrastructure, stronger community organizations and greater recognition of the contribution outdoor recreation makes to health, local economies and quality of life.

We also share opportunities for recreation organizations and the public to provide input on plans, policies and decisions that may affect outdoor recreation.

Our advocacy priorities

Invest in outdoor recreation

B.C.’s parks, trails, recreation sites and access routes need stable, long-term investment.

ORCBC advocates for adequate funding for BC Parks, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, community stewardship organizations and the infrastructure people rely on to access the outdoors.

Protect and improve public access

Access to trails, waterways, recreation sites and public lands is essential to outdoor recreation.

We advocate for proactive maintenance of important trails and access routes, better coordination between agencies and greater transparency when roads, bridges, trails or recreation areas may be closed or affected.

Include recreation in planning and decision-making

Outdoor recreation needs to be considered alongside wildlife, water, ecosystems, cultural values, resource development and community needs.

ORCBC works to ensure recreation interests are included early and meaningfully in land-use planning, forest planning, park management and other decisions affecting outdoor places.

Strengthen community and volunteer organizations

Volunteer-led organizations maintain trails, participate in planning, restore waterways, manage recreation sites, educate outdoor users and create opportunities for people to participate.

We advocate for funding, training, practical support and simpler processes that help these organizations continue their work.

Build stronger partnerships

Many outdoor recreation challenges and opportunities cross organizational and jurisdictional boundaries.

ORCBC brings together recreation organizations, Indigenous communities, governments, conservation groups, industry and other partners to identify shared priorities and develop practical solutions.

Improve outdoor recreation data

Good decisions require a clearer understanding of where people recreate, the infrastructure they depend on and the social, environmental and economic value of outdoor recreation.

ORCBC supports better research, data collection and reporting to guide policy, planning and investment.

Current consultations and engagement opportunities

This page highlights major consultation and engagement opportunities relevant to B.C.’s outdoor recreation community.

ORCBC provides input into a number of consultations each year, but it is also important for individuals and organizations to participate directly. Local knowledge, practical experience and community perspectives can help decision-makers better understand how proposed plans and policies may affect outdoor recreation.

We encourage recreation groups and outdoor users to learn about the issues, share informed feedback and speak up for the interests of this diverse and important community.

If we have missed a significant consultation or engagement opportunity, please let us know.

Current opportunities

Other places to find consultations

Additional opportunities may be available through:

• EngageBC

• Land and water planning projects

• Angling, Hunting and Trapping Engagement page

• BC Parks’ management planning page

• FrontCounter BC

As a service to ORCBC member organizations, we also provide email notifications about selected commercial recreation and tourism tenure applications.

How to provide useful input

You do not need to be a policy expert to participate. Local knowledge and firsthand experience can help decision-makers understand how a proposal may affect outdoor recreation.

A useful submission generally explains:

• Who you are and your connection to the area or issue

• Which trails, roads, waterways, sites or activities may be affected

• How the proposal could affect access, safety, stewardship or the recreation experience

• Any maps, photographs, participation information or community examples that support your comments

• The outcome or change you are requesting

Be specific, respectful and solution-focused wherever possible.

ORCBC submissions and letters

ORCBC regularly provides input on government budgets, legislation, land-use and resource-management decisions, access issues and other matters affecting outdoor recreation.

View our recent submissions, correspondence and recommendations on issues affecting the outdoor recreation sector.