What we learned from our 2026 membership survey

Image: Andrea Heath

Fifty respondents took part in ORCBC's 2026 Membership Survey, telling us what's going well, what's proving difficult, and what they'd like us to focus on. Here's what stood out.

First, some good news: 92% of respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with ORCBC. Our newsletter, advocacy, funding support and learning opportunities received particularly positive feedback.

But the survey also revealed some familiar challenges. Funding remains a constant struggle for many recreation groups, volunteers are stretched, and navigating government approval processes can take more time than anyone would like.

We also received some useful ideas about how ORCBC can help. Here are a few things we learned.

Keeping recreation groups going isn't getting any easier

Funding and volunteers topped the list of challenges facing members:

• 62% identified funding and financial sustainability.

• 54% identified volunteer recruitment and retention.

• 36% identified working with land managers and government.

• 28% identified regulatory and permitting processes.

For many organizations, finding funding for new projects is only part of the challenge. Keeping trails maintained, coordinating volunteers, paying for insurance and covering everyday operating costs can be just as difficult.

And while volunteers accomplish an incredible amount, there's a limit to how much they can take on. Members told us about aging volunteer bases, difficulties recruiting board members and the growing administrative demands of running a recreation organization.

These findings reinforce something we've heard many times: investing in outdoor recreation means supporting not only new infrastructure, but also the people and organizations who look after it.

Members want a strong united voice for outdoor recreation

Provincial advocacy topped the list of priorities, selected by 78% of respondents. Funding and investment in recreation infrastructure followed at 68%, while 40% highlighted access, tenure and regulatory clarity.

This lines up closely with the issues ORCBC has been raising with the provincial government: sustainable funding for outdoor recreation, maintaining access through resource roads, making sure recreation is considered in land-use planning and strengthening support for community organizations.

It's encouraging to see members backing this work, and we’ll keep bringing their experiences into conversations with government and share what we're working on and where we're making progress.

Working with land managers could be easier

Members work with a wide range of land managers, including local governments, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, BC Parks, First Nations and private landowners.

Many report good working relationships. Others describe slow approvals, difficulty finding the right contacts, unclear responsibilities and different requirements between regions.

For volunteer-run organizations, these challenges can take valuable time away from maintaining trails, improving recreation opportunities and caring for outdoor spaces.

There's an opportunity here for ORCBC to help. We'll look at ways to make useful guidance easier to find, share examples of successful partnerships and help members connect with the right people. We'll also continue raising common challenges with government.

Fundraising, Indigenous relations and advocacy top the learning wish list

We asked members what they'd like to learn more about, and several topics stood out:

• Fundraising and grant writing: 56%

• Advocacy and communications: 54%

• Indigenous relations and working together: 54%

• Working with land managers and regulations: 48%

• Volunteer recruitment and retention: 48%

Webinars remain a favourite, with 78% of respondents selecting online learning as a preferred format. Regional networking events and opportunities to meet directly with government and land managers were also popular.

Members value expert advice, but they also want to hear how other organizations are tackling similar challenges.

We'll continue offering webinars, members' roundtables and practical resources, and look for more opportunities to connect members with useful expertise and one another.

The newsletter gets a thumbs-up

One finding we're especially happy about: 94% of respondents say ORCBC is doing well or very well at keeping our members informed.

The newsletter remains the most popular way to hear from us. Members appreciate updates on government decisions, consultations, funding opportunities, research and news from across BC's outdoor recreation community.

We'll keep those updates coming.

We also heard from newer members who are still discovering what ORCBC offers. That's a useful reminder to make our resources, services and opportunities to get involved easier to find.

what's next?

The survey comes at a good time as we begin developing ORCBC's next strategic plan. It's given us plenty to think about, along with some welcome confirmation that we're focusing on the issues that matter to members.

Here's where we'll put our efforts:

Making the case for stronger investment in outdoor recreation. We'll continue advocating for sustainable funding for recreation infrastructure, maintenance and the organizations that look after outdoor spaces.

Helping members strengthen their organizations. We'll continue providing fundraising support, learning opportunities and practical resources, while looking for ways to make expert advice more accessible.

Improving relationships with land managers. We'll explore how we can help members navigate approvals and regulations, share useful information and strengthen collaboration with government and other land managers.

Keeping members informed and connected. Our newsletter, webinars and roundtables will remain central to our work, along with more opportunities for members to share experiences and learn from each other.

Not every challenge needs a new program. We have learned that sometimes the most useful thing ORCBC can do is connect organizations with the right people, information or resources, or bring a common issue to the attention of government.

Thanks for helping shape what's next

One thing comes through clearly in the survey: outdoor recreation organizations accomplish a remarkable amount, often with limited funding and few or no paid staff.

Across BC, recreation groups are maintaining trails and recreation sites, caring for outdoor spaces, organizing activities and helping people enjoy the outdoors. Much of this work happens thanks to dedicated volunteers.

We're grateful to work alongside these organizations, and we appreciate everyone who took the time to share their experiences and ideas.

Thank you to everyone who participated. Your feedback will help guide our priorities, strengthen our advocacy and make ORCBC more useful to our members.

And you don't have to wait for our next survey to tell us what's on your mind. We're always happy to hear from you.