Strengthening BC’s outdoors: ORCBC announces 2025 grant recipients
BC Mountain Foundation
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is pleased to announce the grant recipients of the second intake of the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC. A total of $254,950 in grants has been awarded to support 32 community-based recreation projects across the province.
After the inaugural grant intake in 2024 surpassed all expectations, the second intake kept the momentum going and received an astounding 202 applications, totalling over $1.65 million in funding requests from non-profit organizations, local governments, and Indigenous governments. Proposed projects shovel-ready for 2025 and included matching cash or in-kind contributions equal or greater than the requested grant amount.
“We are incredibly inspired by the exceptional commitment of outdoor recreation groups across the province,” said Tomke Augustin, Grant Program Manager at the ORCBC. “From trail enhancements to Indigenous interpretive signage to outdoor programs for underrepresented youth, these grants support impactful initiatives to enhance and preserve BC’s outdoor spaces and help make outdoor recreation accessible for all.”
The Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC supports grants for community-based initiatives that create and enhance meaningful outdoor recreational and nature-based experiences for British Columbians. The grant program focuses on projects within one or more of three priority areas:
Outdoor enhancement: Supporting the maintenance and enhancement of outdoor recreation infrastructure such as trails, backcountry huts, signage and parking areas.
Stewardship and education: Promoting responsible outdoor use through educational and stewardship initiatives that foster community engagement while minimizing environmental, cultural and safety impacts
Inclusive participation: Cultivating accessible, inclusive and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities by encouraging participation in outdoor recreation particularly for under-represented groups.
Eric Vandekruk, Board Chair of the ORCBC, emphasized the importance of the grant program in boosting outdoor recreation in BC. “We’ve seen real, on-the-ground impact from previously funded projects, trails improved, safer infrastructure installed, and inclusive programs launched in communities across the province. The continued high demand for the grant program, with over 200 applications this year alone, demonstrates the need for more funding to build, maintain and protect outdoor recreation opportunities in the province. We are proud to support the passionate groups that are doing this work and will continue to advocate for the outdoor recreation sector.”
Completed projects funded by the Outdoor Recreation Fund have since its launch in spring 2024 maintained over 250 km of trails, installed more than 60 signs and kiosks, reached approximately 80,000 people via stewardship initiatives, engaged over 450 Indigenous participants and reported on average 41% participation of under-represented groups.
The Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC is the result of years of dedicated research and advocacy to address a long-standing gap in support for volunteer-based organizations and community groups. These groups play a critical role in maintaining and building trails and recreational infrastructure, restoring natural areas, and delivering programs that make outdoor recreation safer and more accessible for everyone.
In May 2023, the ORCBC secured $10 million from the Province of B.C., establishing the first-ever endowment fund of its kind in B.C. The fund now generates annual income to power a grant program administered by ORCBC, helping fuel grassroots efforts that connect people to nature and care for the places we all value.
ORCBC invites British Columbians to support the future efforts of dedicated volunteer-based organizations and community groups by contributing to the impact of the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC. For more information on how to become a sponsor or make a donation, please email grants@orcbc.ca.
2025 Grant Recipients and Projects
Lone Cone Summit Trail ($10,000)
Ahousaht First Nation to enhance access to the Meares Island Lone Cone Summit Trail and campground by improving trail access, safety and interpretive signage.
Varsity Outdoor Club (VOC) Brian Waddington Hut Wall Renewal ($10,000)
Alma Mater Society of the University of British Columbia Vancouver to undertake an overhaul at the VOC’s Brian Waddington Memorial Hut following the discovery of rot in the structure’s walls.
Building an Engaged and Connected Stewardship Network ($10,000)
BC Marine Trails Network Association to scale an engaged and connected stewardship network through Site Condition Reports.
Baden Powell Trail Restoration - Phase 6 ($9,825)
British Columbia Mountain Foundation to complete restoration work on the Lawson Creek section of the Baden Powell Trail
Hallis Lake Trail Sign Renewal ($7,100)
Cariboo Ski-Touring Club to renew all trail signs used at the Hallis Lake community recreation facility.
Outdoor Leadership Camping ($10,000)
CTS Youth Society to provide BIPOC, First Nations, and newcomer youth access to activities like canoeing, cycling, and equestrian programs.
Logan Lake Stream Crossing Installation ($10,000)
District of Logan Lake to install a fish-friendly stream crossing on a popular off-road vehicle trail in the Logan Lake Community Forest.
Kickwillie Wayfinding Okanagan Rail Trail ($5,000)
Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail Society to install a wayfinding kiosk to guide and advise trail users.
Chrystal Creek Watershed Interpretive Trail - Accessibility Enhancement ($10,000)
Galiano Conservancy Association to enhance an existing trail connecting two popular destinations at the Millard Learning Centre.
Gavin Lake Camp - Accessible Boardwalk ($5,500)
Gavin Lake Forest Education Society to replace and upgrade a wheelchair access boardwalk.
Grand Forks/Boundary Trails Maintenance Program ($7,000)
Grand Forks Community Trails Society to purchase trail maintenance equipment.
dṇ́y̓ás T̓xl̓s (Cedar Trail) ($10,000)
Heiltsuk Indian Band to train community members in constructing two major bridges and maintaining the trail.
Main Chalet Railing and Stair Replacement ($5,000)
Hunters Range Snowmobile Association to replace the railing and stairs on the deck of their main chalet.
Clearing a Path to Adventure: Enhancing Alpine Access in the qathet Region ($10,000)
Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association to clear 20 km of under-maintained forestry roads and trails.
Buffalo Youth Group ($9,865)
Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family & Community Services to support land and culture-based recreation activities to increase Metis connection to the land.
Picnic in the Park ($4,400)
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation to provide guided tours to new Canadians and BIPOC families.
Casino Royale Trail Rebuild ($6,000)
Mountain Bikers of the Central Okanagan Association to rebuild trail features.
Stumbles Forest Service Road Loop ($9,000)
Nicola Valley ATV Club to create a parking and staging area (Phase 1) for the Stumbles Forest Service Road Recreation Trail System.
Youth Trail Stewards ($5,000)
North Shore Mountain Bike Association to engage young people in hands-on trail maintenance, conservation, and environmental education.
Inclusive Trails: Improving Accessibility at Osoyoos Desert Centre ($10,000)
Osoyoos Desert Society to resurface pathways, create accessible parking spaces and an accessible washroom.
qathet Canoe Route Enhancement ($10,000)
Powell River Educational Services Society to make repairs to three portage trails.
Rock Climbing Mentorship Program ($3,725)
Rock On Collective Climbing Association in the Okanagan Valley to offer a rock climbing mentorship program for underrepresented climbers.
Child’s Play Trail Enhancements ($10,000)
Smithers Mountain Bike Association to make an existing green mountain biking trail less difficult for entry-level riders.
Paradise Valley Climbers’ Trail Bridge Replacement ($5,000)
Squamish Access Society to replace a rotting log bridge over Tenderfoot Creek in Paradise Valley.
Stl'lhalem Sintl' Adaptive Trail Upgrades ($10,000)
Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association to upgrade Stl'lhalem Sintl' climb trail to meet adaptive mountain biking (aMTB) standards.
Big Tree Trail ($10,000)
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation to enhance accessibility, education, and conservation of the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island.
Tin Wis Connector ($10,000)
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Economic Development Corporation to improve a trail with lighting and Indigenous interpretive signage.
Kluachon Trail Section ($8,000)
Tu’dese’cho Wholistic Indigenous Leadership Development Society to clear the eastern section of the traditional Tahltan trail and connect Tahltan people to ancestors' trails and territory.
Volunteer Safety Training ($5,009)
Tumbler Ridge Outdoor Recreation Association to provide first aid and chainsaw safety training to volunteers.
Mars Bridge Replacement ($4,500)
Vancouver Island Dirt Riders Association to install a new safer bridge on the Mars trail in the Tansky Recreation Site.
Otter Point Bridge Replacement ($10,000)
Williams Lake Field Naturalists / Scout Island Nature Centre to replace the decaying Otter Point Bridge.
Kqa·¢kiǂ Riverside Trail ($10,000)
Yaqan Nuki People's Heritage Society to update interpretative signage and linked videos educating about Indigenous history of the area.