January – February 2026
As we move into the early months of 2026, ATVBC has been actively advancing advocacy efforts, strengthening partnerships, and supporting clubs and communities across British Columbia. From trail access advocacy to grant funding and industry collaboration, our work continues to focus on protecting access, supporting recreation opportunities, and ensuring riders and communities have a strong voice.
Advocacy & Access
Advocacy efforts have remained a major focus, with significant work across several regions addressing trail closures, access concerns, and land use planning.
Stakeholder collaboration continued on multiple files, including Incomappleux, Rady Creek, Columbia & Western, and KVR corridors, where ATVBC is working alongside partners to ensure transparency, proper consultation, and consideration of long-term impacts.
In the Columbia & Western corridor, regional meetings with local governments, tourism organizations, and recreation partners have aligned messaging and advanced advocacy steps. The Incomappleux stakeholder group continues to pursue advocacy options, supported by multiple partner organizations, while media engagement has helped raise public awareness of the issue.
Work at Rady Creek has focused on documenting closure history and seeking a pause on planned deactivation activities until proper consultation is completed.
The proposed deactivation of a section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail has also drawn significant attention. ATVBC has met with clubs, recreation groups, and elected officials to assess impacts and has called for transparency, access to assessment reports, and stakeholder engagement before decisions are finalized. A public information campaign and media outreach have helped bring attention to the potential impacts.
Beyond individual files, ATVBC continues working with ministries to address inconsistent road and trail deactivation practices and to advocate for coordinated, transparent processes.
ORV Access & Community Connectivity
The ORV Access stakeholder group has now held its first meetings, bringing together representatives from multiple communities to share experiences and identify next steps.
We have begun outreach to communities currently operating access permit programs to better understand bylaws, economic impacts, and best practices. This work will support updates to the B121 framework and future discussions at UBCM.
Partnerships & Industry Collaboration
ATVBC continues to strengthen relationships across the outdoor recreation and powersports sectors.
We participated in BC Powersports Coalition meetings focused on the ORV Trail Fund, Chapter 10 initiatives, and sector coordination. Work is also underway with BCPSC partners to develop a joint presentation for the ORCBC 50th Anniversary event highlighting the value of motorized outdoor recreation.
Collaboration continues with BC Wildlife Federation, 4WDABC, and other recreation organizations to ensure coordinated advocacy and strong sector alignment.
We also worked with MotoCanada and partners on grant opportunities and safety programming, and shared ORV Trail Fund information with clubs while participating in RSTBC webinars.
Supporting Clubs & Communities
Supporting clubs and local initiatives remains central to ATVBC’s work.
Recent efforts include assisting clubs with ORV Trail Fund grant applications, including providing letters of support for club projects. ATVBC has further assisted clubs with reviewing of partnership agreements and insurance inquiries and training on ATVBC programs and initiatives available.
Grants & Funding
Several major funding initiatives were completed or advanced during this period.
ATVBC submitted the 2026–2027 ORV Trail Fund safety program application, completed the MotoCanada grant application and reporting requirements, and submitted an ORCBC grant application to support the Chapter 10 project.
Meetings with industry partners and sponsors are also underway to support upcoming programs and events.
Communications & Public Engagement
Public communication efforts focused on advocacy messaging, media engagement, and raising awareness of trail access issues.
Updates were made to the website and communications channels to ensure members and the public have access to current information.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, ATVBC will continue to:
- advance advocacy efforts related to trail access and deactivation processes
- support stakeholder collaboration and legal preparedness
- strengthen ORV access initiatives and community engagement
- support grant projects and safety programming
- expand membership engagement and participation
Thank you to our members, partners, and volunteers for your continued support and the vital work you do in your communities. Together, we are building a strong future for off-road recreation across British Columbia.
Ride safe, ride smart!
Kristin Parsons
Executive Director, ATVBC
