Hiking in Grand Forks is about to get even better with the Grand Forks Community Trails Society being awarded $7,000 to purchase trail maintenance equipment through the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC’s (ORCBC) recreation fund.
Grand Forks is one of 32 recipients across the province, getting a piece of the $254,950 commitment to support trail improvements, Indigenous-led initiatives, youth programs, and more.
This year’s intake received over 200 applications, which demonstrates a continued strong demand for grassroots outdoor recreation funding.
“We are incredibly inspired by the exceptional commitment of outdoor recreation groups across the province,” said Tomke Augustin, Grant Program Manager at the ORCBC.
“From trail enhancements to Indigenous interpretive signage to outdoor programs for underrepresented youth, these grants support impactful initiatives to enhance and preserve BC’s outdoor spaces and help make outdoor recreation accessible for all.”
The Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC supports grants for community-based initiatives that create and enhance meaningful outdoor recreational and nature-based experiences for British Columbians.
The grant program focuses on projects within one or more of three priority areas:
- Outdoor enhancement: Supporting the maintenance and enhancement of outdoor recreation infrastructure such as trails, backcountry huts, signage and parking areas.
- Stewardship and education: Promoting responsible outdoor use through educational and stewardship initiatives that foster community engagement while minimizing environmental, cultural and safety impacts
- Inclusive participation: Cultivating accessible, inclusive and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities by encouraging participation in outdoor recreation, particularly for under-represented groups.
Eric Vandekruk, Board Chair of the ORCBC, emphasized the importance of the grant program in boosting outdoor recreation in BC.
“We’ve seen real, on-the-ground impact from previously funded projects, trails improved, safer infrastructure installed, and inclusive programs launched in communities across the province. The continued high demand for the grant program, with over 200 applications this year alone, demonstrates the need for more funding to build, maintain and protect outdoor recreation opportunities in the province. We are proud to support the passionate groups that are doing this work and will continue to advocate for the outdoor recreation sector.”
In May 2023, the ORCBC secured a one-time $10 million grant from the Province of B.C., establishing the first-ever endowment fund of its kind in B.C.
The fund now generates annual income to power a grant program administered by ORCBC, helping fuel grassroots efforts that connect people to nature and care for the places we all value.
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