ATVBC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT – September 2022
by Kristin Parsons
The last month has been a bit of a blur as I return from being away for my wedding in late August. This month has had a strong focus on advocacy efforts, insurance renewal process and planning for the upcoming Face to Face board retreat in October.
As we head into the fall and the end of the busy riding season, I am encouraged to see a lot more engagement with clubs. Response to my club survey has been slow at first but picking up over the last couple weeks with gentle reminders. 28 of the 40 clubs have responded. If you haven’t completed your club survey, I encourage you to do this soon as the information we are collecting with help to guide ATVBC in our delivery of services over the next year. A report on the results of the survey will be released in late October.
Club Survey
As we head into the fall and the end of the busy riding season, I am encouraged to see a lot more engagement with clubs. Response to my club survey has been slow at first but picking up over the last couple weeks with gentle reminders. 28 of the 40 clubs have responded. If you haven’t completed your club survey, I encourage you to do this soon as the information we are collecting with help to guide ATVBC in our delivery of services over the next year. A report on the results of the survey will be released in late October.
Host an ATV Event in 2023
Host an ATV Event in 2023
ATVBC events are done for 2022 with our AGM/Jamboree completing in early August. Plans are starting for the 2023 year, and we are calling on clubs that may be interested in hosting an ATVBC event in 2023 to apply by the deadline of Nov 30th. A new application form is now available for clubs to complete to express interest in hosting an event. To receive a copy of the application please email [email protected]
ATVBC Insurance for Clubs
September is insurance renewal time again! We are excited to be working with Capri insurance this year to provide our ATVBC commercial general liability insurance, AD&D insurance and D&O insurance. A new online form has been emailed to all club executives to complete for the renewal with a deadline of Sept 26th.
Due to some minor technical glitches, some clubs did not receive these emails until Sept 23rd. We are encouraging all clubs to submit as much information as you can on the form before the deadline and all outstanding items will be followed up on in the coming weeks. A new marketing package with an updated insurance booklet outlining the new coverage for clubs along with a FAQ about waivers and other promotional items to help clubs in selling memberships will be sent out in mid-October by mail. Please ensure that your club mailing address is up to date, so the package is sent to the right location!
Yamaha Canada Grant Opportunity has been shared with all clubs. The deadline for this grant is Oct 31st, 2022. This is a great opportunity for clubs to apply for trail maintenance support, signage, or safety programs. For more information https://www.yamaha-motor.ca/en/stayoutdoors
ORV Grants will open again in mid-January. To align with this intake, the ATVBC grants committee has changed our intake for our Trails & Maintenance grants to be Nov 1-Dec 1st. More details on this to come in October.
Club Promotions Grants have received 2 applications to date. I encourage clubs to apply for this grant to support your efforts to promote your clubs. Click here for more info
Land Issues and ATVBC Advocacy
Land Issues and ATVBC Advocacy
Land issues and advocacy have been a hot topic over the last few weeks with staff and directors working with clubs to address a variety of concerns.
After receiving notice of the shutdown of Gill Road recreation space, ATVBC staff brought together a conversation with the 4WDABC to discuss the recent shut down and created a joint letter of response that was sent to DFO asking for further consultation on the closure and ways to incorporate members feedback and suggestions.
Frontcounter requests for feedback on an application for the Bridal Falls development was sent out to clubs for response in early September. Thanks to the lower mainland clubs for responding and expressing interest to learn more about this project. ATVBC brought together representatives from BCorma, BCSnowFed, along with many representatives from local clubs to have a discussion on the impact of the project. A letter of response was drafted and submitted to Frontcounter, representing all 3 associations and members, asking for further details on the impact of motorized sport in the proposed
area. We have since been contacted by the project proponent asking to have a meeting to discuss the project further. This meeting will be held in October.
Work has been started to create an updated list of all RSTBC trail agreements within the province to allow staff to track and provide assistance to clubs when agreements are coming due for renewal.
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BC Powersports Coalition has been working on a new joint project to create a new trail building standard. An RFP has been drafted and will be sent out in the next few months.
Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia (ORC)– Staff and directors attended the monthly meeting including presenters, Rod Clapton, President of the BC Federation of Drift Fishers and Chair of ORCBC’s Reconciliation Committee, and Usman Valiante, Director of Government Relations at the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA).
ATVBC Raffle Update
The sales have been slower then expected in our annual ATVBC Raffle as we take sales to an online platform. The success of this program is directly linked to the amount of funding we will be able to give out to clubs for the upcoming grant intake. The more we sell, the more we can give back to the clubs. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, please go online today and get one, or two… and PLEASE share the link with all your family and friends to encourage them to support your club and sport! It only takes 2mins to get the ticket online and the money raised goes to an important cause!!! YOU and your clubs volunteer efforts.
WOW, I think that about covers the last few weeks here at ATVBC for myself and the amazing staff. I am looking forward to meeting with more club members over the coming months as we work through our grant process and plans for 2023. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with your comments, concerns, ideas and support. I can be reached at [email protected]
