Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia

Exciting News! Protect Our Winters Canada has just released a new report on the outdoor recreation economy in Canada. The findings are impressive: the outdoor recreation economy now surpasses the fisheries, forestry, and agriculture sectors in its contribution to the national economy. This is a game-changer for how we view the economic impact of outdoor activities in Canada. Here in BC, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, and friends such as the KORE - Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise Initiative, are calling on the BC government to develop an economic impact model that assesses the value of the outdoor recreation economy to the overall BC economy.

All hands on deck! 🚣♀️ Transport Canada - Transports Canada is seeking feedback on the mandatory use of PFDs/lifejackets for individuals on board recreational vessels. Currently, you are required by law to have a lifejacket or PFD (personal flotation device) on board for each person on a watercraft, including human-powered crafts however you are not legally required to wear it. Not using a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket is a leading cause of death among recreational boaters, accounting for 89% of all fatalities. How to participate: 🛥 Take the Transport Canada survey to share your thoughts regarding mandatory use of PFD/Lifejackets. 🛥 Participate in the discussion forum 🛥 You can also send comments to: [email protected]. Survey link: https://lnkd.in/ggdDSEeZ Discussion forum link: https://lnkd.in/g4trnsCM

At ORCBC, we have always been committed to providing the organized recreation sector with the tools and knowledge needed to maximize its impact. As we work to enhance and grow our efforts, we value your insights on the challenges and needs your organization faces. Please take 10 minutes to complete this brief survey, accessible here: https://lnkd.in/gWdZWkT8 Your insights will guide the development of future programs and strengthen our advocacy efforts when meeting with senior public servants and ministers. We will share the key findings of this survey with you all. The deadline for responses is Monday, Oct. 21.

British Columbians will elect a new provincial government on October 19. 🗳 We asked the parties three pointed questions about recreation policy and direction. Read our newest blog article for their answers. https://lnkd.in/gGxE2yFp

Hello! 👋 I'm Soraya, ORCBC Communications and Engagement Officer, and today I wanted to jump on here for #WorldMentalHealthDay to remind you that it is okay to not be okay and that you are not alone. 💛 Spending time in nature and accessing community outdoor spaces plays a huge role in maintaining and improving mental health. These spaces provide a place to disconnect, get active, and find solace away from the stresses of daily life. This is why it is vital to protect public recreation opportunities and work together to break down barriers to participation. Throughout my twenties, I dealt with periods of depression and anxiety, and getting outside was so much more than “fun”—it was a lifeline. Nature became a safe space where I could ground myself, clear my mind, and find a sense of peace. This is why I am so passionate about advocating for outdoor recreation and accessible and inclusive outdoor spaces, ensuring everyone has the chance to experience the healing power of nature. This year's theme is Mental Health in the Workplace, and I would also like to highlight the role of volunteers. For dedicated volunteers, the passion and commitment they bring can sometimes come at a personal cost, leading to burnout. It’s important for organizations to be clear about time commitments, honor boundaries, and provide support. At ORCBC, we are committed to supporting volunteers through building capacity, increasing funding, and continued advocacy efforts. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone, and there are people and resources ready to support you. Let’s continue to protect these spaces and support each other on this journey. Crisis lines and contact information: 💛 9-8-8 (call or text) to reach a trained responder 💛 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) crisis line. Free and available 24 hours a day 💛 310-6789 (no area code needed) - BC Mental Health Support Line. Free and available 24 hours a day

WOW! On behalf of BC Rivers, THANK YOU!💧🌿🏔 The 44th annual #BCRiversDay was a huge success with over 35 registered events taking place across the province and thousands of people participating. You all showed up for BC Rivers and it is incredible to see how our love for community waterways runs deep in BC! 👏 Here are some highlights: 💧 Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning paddled 39 km of the Fraser River with a giant flotilla of canoes and kayaks 💧 Elk River Alliance picked up 10,343 pieces of garbage and reported their highest ever participation with 604 attendees 💧 Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society cleaned up over 400 pounds of garbage from Cottonwood Creek where a future spawning channel restoration is planned to take place within the next 3 years 💧 The Adams River Salmon Society planted over 200 trees, plants and ground covers through out Tsutswecw Provincial Park 💧 Seymour Salmonid Society removed 10 large bag of invasive plants and planted 3 trees and 10 shrubs 💧 Vancouver Whitewater Club hosted the biggest flotilla in their clubs history on the Thompson River and introduced many new-comers to the river 💧 Kamloops Naturalist Club collected 8 bags of garbage & 6 bags of invasive plants and planted 276 native plants where reed canary grass had been 💧 And more! Stay tuned for our BC Rivers Day report with more success stories Let's do it again next year for 45! Huge thank you to our BCRD sponsors FortisBC, BC Parks, and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

New! 🛠🏔 DIY User Research Toolkit 🛠🏔 ORCBC is excited to release our comprehensive guide and toolkit designed to help local governments, First Nations, and recreation groups gather, analyze, and apply data on recreational users and visitors. Developed in collaboration with The Harbinger Consultancy, this resource supports strategic decision-making, strengthens advocacy, and fosters long-term success in outdoor recreation initiatives. The guide and toolkit helps smaller organizations conduct visitor research using a "do-it-yourself" approach. It provides guidance, templates, equations, examples, and resources. It also explains how to analyze results to estimate economic impact, communicate community and economic benefits, and inform management and planning. Download the toolkit here: https://lnkd.in/gR6gYh68

ORCBC Members Virtual Roundtable - Thursday, October 3rd at 1pm PT 👩💻 ORCBC has invited Kathleen Ayre, a funding specialist and founder and principal of Kootenay Connex to outline fundraising strategies and answer any questions you may have. Kathleen will prepare some handouts that will be shared after the roundtable. "Funders evaluate three key factors: alignment, risk, and reputation. To secure funding, your mission must align with their priorities, manage risks, and showcase a strong reputation for delivering results. In this session, learn the Top 10 Strategies for aligning with funders, demonstrating impact, and crafting compelling narratives to resonate with potential supporters" ORCBC members' staff and board members are invited to attend the session. Please email [email protected] for the Zoom link!

Today, on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, we at ORCBC are taking time to honour the children who never returned home, survivors of residential schools, and the lasting impacts that continue to affect families and communities. We encourage all outdoor recreationists to reflect on how the lands and waters where we live and play have been, and continue to be, stewarded by Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. It is also important to acknowledge that parks and trails have historically displaced and excluded Indigenous communities, and it is up to all of us to commit to moving forward, together, in a good way. 🧡 Outdoor recreation groups and clubs can learn more about how to take action at https://lnkd.in/gY9caQ3X

The BC Wildlife Federation is hosting a series of Town Halls to engage with local candidates across the province! 🦌 "Jesse Zeman, BCWF's Executive Director will be discussing the urgent need for science-based wildlife management in B.C, the BCWF’s plan to ensure wildlife conservation becomes a priority in election platforms and how we can all come together to make a difference during this crucial time. After decades of underfunding, many of our iconic species are in decline, and habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate. With the provincial election approaching, it is essential that hunters, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, restorationists and every other type of person who cares about our environment use their collective voice to push for science-based wildlife management and better protection for B.C.’s natural spaces." Upcoming town halls include: 🌿 September 26th, 2024 – Richmond Rod & Gun Club, 7:00pm 🌿 September 27th, 2024 – North Vancouver Legion Hall , 7:00pm 🌿 October 1st, 2024 – Castlegar & District Community Complex, 7:00pm 🌿 October 2nd, 2024 – Nelson District Rod & Gun Club, 7:00pm 🌿 And more Learn more and register for a town hall near you at https://lnkd.in/dSX6eXbk