2026 BC Budget Consultations – FMCBC is seeking member input!

Since 2017, the FMCBC has made submissions to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services for increased funding for BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC). These submissions have been made in collaboration with other organizations, such as the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, to amplify our funding request.

Along with other sustained collective actions, our budget submissions serve to inform our MLAs and cabinet about the state of our parks, recreation sites and access. These collective actions have resulted in some positive funding announcements in the past several years:

  • 2021 budget increase of $80M for BC Parks over 3 years, which was the biggest funding boost that BC Parks had in about 20 years.
  • 2023 budget uplift of $40M over 3 years, which allowed RSTBC to hire more staff – Recreation officers, Technicians, administrative support staff and 3 seasonal teams of 15 to help open closed recreation sites.

While the likelihood of more funding for BC Parks and RSTBC may be a low, given the financial demands and pressures created by the USA administration, the submissions serve to inform our MLAs and the parties about the inadequate funding of BC Parks, RSTBC and volunteers and the lack of maintenance of critical access road for recreation. At a minimum, the submissions help to build the case in future years.

FMCBC’s budget submissions will make 3 funding requests as follows:

  1. Increase operational funding and resources for BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails to expand recreation opportunities for British Columbians
  1. Funding to repair and maintain roads and infrastructure (i.e., bridges and culverts) to access parks and recreational assets
  • There are 70 or more parks in the province that rely on resource roads for access, in addition to many trails and recreation sites. Loss of access due to poor road conditions or gates puts pressure on the parks, trails and recreation sites that remain accessible.
  • Currently, there is no agency or funding to maintain roads for recreation.
  1. Support community-based outdoor recreation volunteers and nonprofit groups
  • The burden of building and maintaining recreation infrastructure used by the public is falling on the shoulders of volunteers, non-profit organizations and communities.
  • While ORCBC’s $10M endowment fund to support outdoor recreation is greatly appreciated, the reality is that the funding requests far exceed the funds available. An applicant must demonstrate matching funds and/or in-kind donations to qualify for an ORCBC grant.
  • In addition, to qualify for funding, a project must have the necessary approvals and be shovel-ready. Volunteer groups often wait years for necessary approvals from RSTBC or BC Parks because they are understaffed and under-resourced. In the meantime, the applicants may be required to invest in archaeological assessments, engineering studies, etc.

How can you help?

The FMCBC is looking for examples from across the province to support each “ask”:

  • Examples of parks, recreation sites and trails which are closed or partially closed due to wildfire or flooding damage
  • Examples of recreational infrastructure (i.e., trails, campsites, signage and other facilities) which require maintenance, restoration or redesign to make them accessible and inclusive
  • Examples of access roads to parks, recreation sites and trails, which are closed or partially closed due to their hazardous and deteriorated condition
  • Examples of volunteer recreation projects, including partnership agreements, which are stalled due to a lack of approval from BC Parks, RSTBC or a lack of funding

Regional examples from across the province will demonstrate the reality of the state of our recreational assets. The deadline for your feedback is Friday, May 30th.

Please submit your feedback to Monika Bittel at advocacy@mountainclubs.org