BC’s Outdoor Recreation Community to Gather in Kamloops for First-Ever Provincial Conference
Image: Tourism Kamloops & Dylan Sherrard.
ORCBC celebrates 50 years by bringing together outdoor recreation leaders from across British Columbia
More than 300 leaders, volunteers, innovators, and community builders from across British Columbia will gather in Kamloops from May 20 to 22 for the province’s first-ever conference dedicated entirely to outdoor recreation.
The sold-out Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia (ORCBC) conference, Building Stronger Communities Through Outdoor Recreation, will bring together Indigenous partners, land managers, researchers, tourism organizations, government representatives, students, and recreation leaders from across the province.
Hosted at Thompson Rivers University during ORCBC’s 50th anniversary year, the conference will explore how outdoor recreation supports healthy communities, stewardship, tourism, workforce development, and regional economies.
“Outdoor recreation is deeply connected to British Columbia’s identity and way of life,” said Louise Pedersen, Executive Director of ORCBC. “We’re excited to bring people together to share ideas, celebrate the incredible work happening in communities, and explore the future of outdoor recreation in BC.”
The conference program features keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and field-based learning experiences focused on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector today. More than 80 speakers and presenters from across British Columbia will participate throughout the event.
ORCBC Board Chair Eric Vanderkruk, who will also serve as Master of Ceremonies, said the event highlights the people and partnerships behind outdoor recreation in BC.
“There are so many people, organizations, governments, and businesses across British Columbia working to support outdoor recreation opportunities in their communities,” said Eric Vanderkruk. “This conference is a chance to celebrate the amazing work happening across British Columbia, connect with others across the sector, and spark new ideas and partnerships.”
The Honourable Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, will deliver closing remarks and share reflections on the future of outdoor recreation in British Columbia.
Sessions will highlight community-led initiatives, including trail stewardship partnerships, collaborations with community forests and private landowners, Indigenous tourism and recreation initiatives, wildlife coexistence strategies, volunteer-led infrastructure projects, and circular economy approaches to outdoor gear repair and manufacturing.
The conference will also host the launch of the KORE Rehub Mobile Repair Tour, which will provide free outdoor gear repairs during the event before travelling to communities across the Kootenays this summer.
ORCBC gratefully acknowledges the organizations and partners helping make the conference possible, including the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Environment and Park' BC Parks Licence Plate Program, Airbnb, Four Wheel Drive Association of BC, Trans Canada Trail, Tourism Kamloops, McElhanney, Mosaic Forest Management, and many others supporting outdoor recreation and community stewardship across British Columbia.
Founded in 1976, the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia (ORCBC) is a provincial organization representing more than 100 outdoor recreation associations and organizations. ORCBC works to support public access to outdoor recreation through education, research, stewardship, advocacy, collaboration, and responsible recreation initiatives across British Columbia.