The Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia (B.C) in Canada has released a new interactive guidebook designed to help rural communities strengthen their local outdoor recreation sector and diversify their economies.
Titled Outdoor Recreation for Community and Economic Development: A Guidebook for Rural British Columbia Communities, the publication offers practical steps for communities aiming to develop sustainable outdoor experiences.
“Outdoor recreation can be a powerful catalyst for community well-being, economic development and revitalization of rural communities and regions. This guide assists rural British Columbia (BC) communities to identify, understand, and pursue improvements to the local economy and residents’ quality of life through outdoor recreation,” the guidebook indicates.
The resource outlines 10 core elements that communities can follow, including building a dedicated team, understanding local context, and establishing partnerships to support recreation initiatives.
According to its website, the guidebook is crafted to serve a wide audience beyond community leaders and local governments. Economic developers, outdoor recreation-focused non-profit organizations, and Indigenous Nations will find practical insights and adaptable tools within its pages.
The publication also offers background information highlighting the connection between outdoor recreation and community economic growth, addressing both the benefits and the challenges communities may encounter.
Additionally, the guidebook discusses the roles various stakeholders play in supporting development efforts. It provides detailed instructions on critical elements such as success factors, case studies, sample worksheets, and curated resources
A self-assessment at the beginning of this section helps users identify starting points tailored to their community’s unique needs and capacities.
In 2024 and 2025, the team behind the guidebook engaged with 49 outdoor recreation experts from across B.C a through a series of focus groups to gather insights and recommendations. A technical advisory group, comprising eight additional experts, provided further guidance and validation throughout the project.
The findings from this expert-driven research form the core content of the guidebook, supplemented where necessary with information from other reputable guides, articles, and reports related to outdoor recreation development.
In 2024 and 2025, the team behind the guidebook engaged with 49 outdoor recreation experts from across British Columbia through a series of focus groups to gather insights and recommendations.
For more information about the guidebook, visit their website here.