The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) announced the recipients of its inaugural grant program, with two local groups in the qathet region receiving funding for outdoor projects. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance and preserve outdoor spaces across British Columbia, distributing CA$250,000 among recipients throughout the province.
ORCBC received 208 applications. Each application proposed shovel-ready projects and included matching contributions, either cash or in-kind, equal to or exceeding the requested funds. Since 2020, ORCBC has been leading efforts to research and advocate for sustainable funding for outdoor recreation.
Louise Pedersen, executive director at ORCBC, expressed pride and inspiration in response to the first grant intake.
Pedersen noted that the number of applications and the diversity of projects showcase the commitment of volunteer-led recreation groups, First Nations, and local governments to enhancing and preserving outdoor spaces.
“We are excited to see the positive impact these grants will start to have on communities in BC,” Pedersen said, as reported by Peak.
One of the local recipients, qathet Parks and Wilderness Society (qPAWS), has been awarded CA$8,800 to support essential maintenance of the Sunshine Coast Trail.
According to ORCBC, the funding will go towards maintaining the trail, campgrounds, huts, and other infrastructure, ensuring the continued enjoyment and conservation of old-growth forests and recreational opportunities in the qathet region.
The Sunshine Coast Trail relies heavily on volunteer efforts for its upkeep and development. qPAWS regularly invites volunteers to participate in trail maintenance and building projects, making this grant a boost to their ongoing efforts.
Tla’amin Nation, another grant recipient, has been awarded funding for a project that aims to install educational signs along the Tla’amin trails network. These signs will serve a dual purpose: educating the public and Tla’amin citizens about the Nation’s traditional language, medicinal and food plants, and spiritual and cultural areas.
In its inaugural intake, the grant program supports projects in three priority areas. The first is outdoor enhancement, which aids community groups in enhancing and maintaining outdoor recreation infrastructure such as trails, signage, campsites, and boat launches.
The second priority is stewardship and education, aimed at fostering responsible use of the outdoors through initiatives that minimize environmental, cultural, and safety impacts. Additionally, the third priority, inclusive participation, focuses on creating accessible and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities by encouraging underrepresented groups to participate.
For more information about ORCBC, visit orcbc.ca.