IMBA Canada BC Rep Blog

As the IMBA Canada Rep for BC, I have been asked to represent the mountain bicycling community on the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts Trails Strategy Committee. Our first meeting in Vancouver November 13th had 100% attendance from Non-Government Organization stakeholders, First Nations and government.

Non-government organizations (NGO’s) included, BC Snowmobile Federation, BC Cycling Coalition, IMBA Canada, Quad Riders Association of BC (ATV/BC), Thompson River University, BC Off-Road Motorcycle Association, Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, Hourse Council of BC and Back Country Horsemen of BC.

Government representatives were Environment (BC Parks), Transportation, Union of BC Municipalities, MTSA, First Nations and Tourism BC.

A full day of discussion ensued with an agenda on how to develop a trails strategy for the provinces many trail networks. As you can imagine this is a major step forward for government and although there will be many obstacles to overcome, the end result will be beneficial to all those who enjoy recreating outdoors.

To view PDF’s of all the MTSA Recreation Sites and Trails initiatives go here. To read the Recreation Trails Strategy for BC go here.