The first big month of summer was filled with adventure and discovery. I had the opportunity to travel to Europe with my family, and along the way, I observed how off-road vehicle (ORV) recreation is managed in various countries. While some jurisdictions take a simple, streamlined approach, others face many of the same challenges we encounter here in British Columbia. It was both inspiring and informative to see these differences—and to gather ideas that could help inform how we move forward in BC.

Although my month began overseas, it wrapped up back on the ground in BC with in-person meetings in the Boundary region. These site visits focused on recently deactivated roads where ATVBC is actively working to help restore ORV access for local communities.

Throughout July, ATVBC has remained committed to advocacy, building partnerships, and supporting our member clubs across the province. We’ve seen encouraging momentum and growing public awareness of the importance of having a strong, unified voice to represent ORV riders in British Columbia.

Advocacy & Government Relations

Progress continues on ORV community access. We are actively supporting several communities—including Tumbler Ridge, 100 Mile House, Barriere, Kimberley, Logan Lake, Hemlock Valley and others—in their efforts to enable ORV use through local bylaws and pilot projects. We are working with Minister of Local Govt & Rural Communities, Brittny Anderson and her staff to bring a broader discussion with five ministries together in mid-September.

We are supporting the 108 ATV club with their upcoming MLA Ride in 100 Mile House on Aug 14-16th, which is bringing together local, regional and provincial government representatives to experience ORV riding into and between communities along the Gold Rush Trail, to highlight the economic opportunities this type of riding can bring to rural communities.

We’ve also responded to growing concerns about trail deactivations, in particular we have been engaging with the communities in the Boundary that have been affected by a recent Ministry of Forests decision to deactivate 67kms of the Columbia & Western Rail Trail which forms part of the larger Trans Canada trail. We have provided support to the clubs and communities and reached out to the ministers asking for a meeting to discuss this terrible closure. We encourage our ATVBC members to join the online petition that has been created to help bring additional pressure to government to ensure our voices and concerns are heard.  Please consider joining the petition here: https://www.change.org/CWRT-Trans-Canada-Trail-Stewardship

We remain committed to advocating for your access, supporting volunteer-led recreation, and ensuring ORV voices are heard in all levels of decision-making.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to advocate for sustainable trail access, community connection, and the future of ORV recreation in BC.

Thank you for your continued support!

Kristin