BC Budget Committee’s 2026 report reflects strong public calls to invest in outdoor recreation
The Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services has released its Report on the Budget 2026 Consultation, summarizing what British Columbians told them should be priorities for next year’s provincial budget.
For BC’s growing outdoor community - and the volunteer organizations, Indigenous partners, and non-profits that steward our trails, parks, rivers and recreation sites - the report highlights significant opportunities.
ORCBC commends the Committee for engaging with people and organizations from every corner of the province and ensuring their voices were heard in shaping these recommendations.
What the Committee heard from participants
Through written submissions, public hearings, and surveys, organizations and individuals from across BC voiced a consistent message: demand for safe, inclusive, and sustainable outdoor experiences is rising, while infrastructure, operations and approvals haven’t kept pace.
With respect to parks and recreation, members of the public noted the importance of maintaining forestry service roads and other backcountry access routes as they enable critical access to parks, outdoor recreation destinations, and remote areas. They also recognized the essential role of volunteer-led outdoor recreation organizations in supporting public access to nature and providing outdoor experiences.
Another concern raised was the disparity in seasonal operations: while many parks in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island receive sufficient funding to remain open year-round, parks in rural areas are often forced to close seasonally due to financial constraints.
Public priorities for outdoor recreation
Many participants recommended:
Increased multi-year operational funding for BC Parks and Recreation Sites & Trails BC to plan, build and maintain trails, day-use sites and campsites.
Support for partnerships with First Nations on recreation planning, co-management and project delivery.
Investments in road and bridge maintenance to keep recreation access open and safe.
Improvements to accessibility so facilities and experiences are available to people of all ages and abilities.
Streamlined approvals for volunteer-led trail and site improvements.
Continued support for active transportation grants to improve community pathways and recreation connections.
Sustained funding for community grant programs such as the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC, which ORCBC manages, to help volunteer groups and communities deliver local stewardship and recreation infrastructure projects. Several organizations noted in the submissions that the Fund is oversubscribed, with only 15% of eligible applicants receiving funding during the past two grant intakes.
Why this matters
BC’s outdoors are core to community well-being, reconciliation, and local economies. Public input to the Committee reflects what ORCBC hears from its members every day: there’s a need for stable, long-term investment in the people, places, and partnerships that make outdoor recreation possible.
“It’s encouraging to see so many British Columbians call for greater investment in outdoor recreation,” said Louise Pedersen, Executive Director of the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC. “These priorities, whether it’s maintaining trails, improving accessibility, or funding community-led projects, are essential to strengthening communities and enhancing access to the natural spaces we all enjoy.”
What’s next
ORCBC will continue working with members, Indigenous partners, and the Province to turn these public priorities into Budget 2026 investments that are equitable and community-driven. If you manage trails or recreation assets, or if your community has road access issues, reach out so we can include your examples in our follow-up.
