As we make our way through the beginning of 2023, the common theme in the work we are doing on behalf of the members here at ATVBC is awareness and advocacy. How do we support our clubs and our members to bring awareness to issues in areas around the Province? How do we ensure the right conversations are happening to represent our members interests?

I am very proud of the work our board directors are doing to raise our profile amongst key decision makers within government at all levels. Special thanks to our Director David Webb from Victoria, who attended an important meeting with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy on our behalf to share our concerns and call for further support of motorized recreation in BC.

As I reported in last months report, we are actively working with members of the BC Power Sports Coalition (BCPSC) and our friends at 4wdabc to bring awareness to concerns around the Bridal Falls Gondola project. We are pleased to see the progress that has been made on these efforts and anticipate an update from the proponent very soon!

Speaking of BC Powersports Coalition, we are happy to report we have hired on McElhanney as our consultant to help in delivering on phase 1 of our project to create a Trails Best Practices Guideline. Stay tuned for more on this exciting project!

Another strong focus for 2023 is on building up our membership and the awareness to riders around the Province of the vast benefits that come from joining a local club. Check out our recent article in Riderswest on 10 reasons to join a club! Share this great article with any of your friends/family who are not already a member! The strength of ATVBC is in our membership, the larger our membership, the larger our voice to government!

Supporting our clubs and the work they are doing to keep our trails open and safe for riders is a big part of our mandate at ATVBC. We are encouraged to see so many clubs sending in applications for our Trails & Maintenance Grants for 2023. Please note the deadline for this intake is coming up on March 15^th.

To further leverage the funds you are applying for we encourage you to apply for the provincial governments ORV Fund grants available now until March 17^th.

If you need any assistance with completing the applications, please don’t hesitate to reach out to ATVBC, we want you to be successful and get the funding you need to continue to do this amazing work!

I am looking forward to attending the BC Sportsmen’s Show in Abbotsford Mar 3-5^th to meet with members and potential partners about the direction that ATVBC is taking over the next few years. We are looking to build up our sponsorships, partner opportunities and ways to serve our members. I invite you to come down to the show and introduce yourself and enter to win one of our 3 amazing prizes we will have on display!!

Special thanks to our prize sponsors at Capri insurance, Five Star Motorsports and Campbell River Boatland.