News & features.
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Getting ahead of the electric buzz
As electric mountain bikes grow in popularity, confusion over regulations and rising motor power threaten trail sustainability, safety, and user harmony. A new working group—bringing together land managers, clubs, and industry partners—seeks to clarify e-bike classifications, update policies, and promote responsible riding to protect the future of mountain biking.
2026 conference - call for speakers extended
We’re gearing up for Building Stronger Communities Through Outdoor Recreation, a multi-day conference hosted by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC from May 20–22, 2026, at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.
Building a better Trout Town. Fernie’s fishing fix
Tourism Fernie is redefining destination marketing by funding outdoor recreation infrastructure with visitor dollars. Through initiatives like the Elk River Infrastructure and Amenity Project and AmbassadorWILD, they’re improving river access, supporting sustainable tourism, and ensuring Fernie’s “Trout Town” reputation is backed by well-managed, world-class fishing and recreation opportunities.
BC Budget Committee’s 2026 report reflects strong public calls to invest in outdoor recreation
BC’s Budget 2026 consultation shows strong public support for investing in parks, trails, and community-led projects. ORCBC welcomes the recommendations and will work to turn them into action.
5th annual BC Trails Day recap
The 2025 BC Trails Day Report is now available, capturing the energy, impact, and stories from the 5th annual celebration held on June 7, 2025.
Should we worry about public land sales?
A recent U.S. proposal to sell public lands raised questions about whether it could happen in Canada. In this ORCBC blog, experts weigh in on the legal and cultural differences, recent legislative changes, and why recreation and conservation communities must stay engaged to protect public access to Crown Lands.
Why outdoor recreation needs a stronger commitment in BC’s 2026 budget
This week, ORCBC submitted its recommendations to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services for Budget 2026. Our message is clear: BC’s outdoor recreation system is at a tipping point, and the province must invest now to ensure it remains safe, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations.
Meet the Minister: New leader of Environment and Parks sees a lot of potential for recreation over the next 4 years
New Environment and Parks Minister Tamara Davidson sees outdoor recreation as a key opportunity for community and economic growth. She plans to strengthen collaboration with volunteer groups, improve accessibility, and align recreation with conservation and Indigenous partnerships, all within tight fiscal limits.
ORCBC Story Series
This new series focuses on the many benefits – some well known, many less so – that outdoor recreation brings to people, communities and the province. .
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From access to nature to apps and AI, the evolution of trail construction to electric power, this story series looks at how recreation will change and evolve over the short and long term.
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In this story series, we feature recreation organizations that are advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through trail and outdoor recreation projects.
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This story series explores the connection between climate change and recreation. Through conversations with scientists, advocates, land managers, recreationists, and more, we look at how a warming world and more extreme weather is impacting the activities we love. But more than glum news, we’re interested in how the recreation industry is already hard at work preparing for change, reducing the impacts, and actively trying to slow global warming.
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In a time when trails, roads, campgrounds, rivers and lakes are busier than ever, it’s important to remember that it takes a community to make fun possible. This story series profiles the people who work behind the scenes in B.C., so you can have that special moment today.