ATVBC Newsletter

August 2026

President Report

August has been an interesting and challenging month for many ATVBC members because of the wild fire situation. Due to the extreme dry conditions in many parts of the province, ATVBC, in early August, took the unprecedented step to recommend to its members that it might be a good time to postpone riding in the back country until the weather conditions change. It took our provincial government nearly two weeks to follow through on what we had been saying and issue a temporary ban for ORVs in some of the province’s back country.

AGM & Jamboree Update – We’re Good to Go!

We’re excited to share some great news as we get closer to the 2026 ATVBC AGM & Jamboree!

The recent fire ban and ORV restrictions affecting the area have been rescinded, which means the trails are open and the event is moving forward as planned!

After weeks of monitoring conditions and preparing alternative plans, we’re thrilled that attendees can now look forward to enjoying the trail rides and activities planned for this year’s Jamboree.

📅 September 10–14, 2026

Online registration is open and will remain available until September 2, 2026. Please note that no refunds will be issued after September 2.

A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to the 108 ATV Club Planning Committee and everyone who has continued working behind the scenes to make this event happen despite the changing conditions.

We can’t wait to welcome riders from across BC for a great few days of riding, reconnecting with friends, meeting new ones, and celebrating the ATV community.

The countdown is officially on — see you at the AGM & Jamboree!

ATVBC extends our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of the wildfire crews, firefighters, pilots, support personnel, volunteers, and emergency responders who are working tirelessly to protect communities, homes, forests, and the backcountry across British Columbia.



Their dedication, courage, and commitment, often under extremely challenging and dangerous conditions, do not go unnoticed. We recognize the long hours, difficult terrain, unpredictable conditions, and personal sacrifices made by these individuals as they work to contain and fight wildfires throughout the province.

From all of us at ATVBC, thank you for your service, your strength, and your unwavering commitment to keeping British Columbians and our beautiful backcountry safe. We are incredibly grateful for everything you do.

BC Wildfire Update – August 28, 2026

There is some welcome news for off-road riders across British Columbia as recent precipitation has helped reduce wildfire risk in several regions of the province.

ORV Restrictions Rescinded

Effective at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, August 28, the BC Wildfire Service is rescinding several off-road vehicle prohibitions that were introduced earlier this month.

ORV prohibitions are being lifted on Crown land throughout:

• Kamloops Fire Centre
• Southeast Fire Centre
• 100 Mile House Forest District
• Coastal Fire Centre areas that were previously under the partial ORV prohibition

While this is great news for the riding community, it is important to remember that the lifting of an ORV prohibition does not mean all wildfire-related restrictions have ended.

Fire Bans Remain in Place

Open-fire and campfire prohibitions continue in several areas of British Columbia. Because restrictions vary considerably by region, riders should always check the current BC Wildfire Service prohibitions for the specific area they plan to visit before heading out.

See the Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions here

Wildfire Activity Continues Across BC

Active wildfire areas may also have specific area restrictions, road closures or evacuation orders that are separate from broader ORV and fire prohibitions. Conditions can change quickly, so a riding area that is accessible today may be affected by new restrictions tomorrow.

ATVBC strongly encourages members to check official information for their specific riding area before leaving home. For current wildfire information, maps and restrictions, visit the BC Wildfire Service website or use the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.

For current evacuation orders and alerts, visit EmergencyInfoBC.

If you see a wildfire, unattended campfire or open-burning violation, report it by calling *5555 from a cellphone or 1-800-663-5555.



Thank you to ATVBC members across the province for continuing to ride responsibly, respect closures and restrictions, and help protect BC's trails, communities and backcountry.

ATVBC is seeking an experienced professional to advance our provincial advocacy priorities, protect and expand motorized recreation access, and secure sustainable funding for trails, clubs, and provincial initiatives.

We hope an ATVBC member with the right skills and experience will be interested in this opportunity!

Contract Position — Hourly rate to be negotiated with potential candidates

Part-time- Approximately 40 hours per month

Location — Remote within British Columbia

This contract role combines government relations, land-use advocacy, and strategic fund development. Reporting to the President and accountable to the Board of Directors, the successful candidate will help strengthen ATVBC’s influence and long-term capacity across British Columbia.

What You’ll Do

• Represent ATVBC with provincial ministries, elected officials, land managers, regulatory bodies, working groups, and stakeholders.
• Monitor and respond to land-use planning, legislation, proposed closures, restrictions, and policies affecting motorized recreation and Crown land access.
• Develop ATVBC’s provincial land-use and access strategy; prepare briefing notes, policy submissions, advocacy materials, and reports; and support clubs with regional issues.
• Build collaborative relationships with First Nations, industry partners, conservation groups, and other trail users.
• Lead fund development and manage grants, partnerships, sponsorships, reporting, compliance, and club funding support.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a strong communicator and relationship builder who can work independently, manage multiple priorities, interpret policy and legislation, and prepare clear, professional materials.

Required Qualifications

• Registered Lobbyist with experience in government relations, lobbying, land-use planning, or public policy.
• A strong understanding of British Columbia’s land-use environment, including Crown land, recreation, forestry, and conservation.
• Demonstrated experience with grant writing, fund development, or program funding.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, policy analysis, and relationship-building skills; the ability to interpret legislation, prepare professional briefing materials, work independently, and meet deadlines.



Preferred Assets

• Experience with non-profits, recreation organizations, volunteer-led groups, motorized trail systems, First Nations engagement and consultation, and BC’s political and provincial decision-making landscape.

Key Deliverables

• An annual advocacy plan and government relations strategy, supported by a provincial land-use and access protection framework.
• Quarterly government relations reports and monthly updates to the President, Board of Directors, and administration.
• An annual fund development strategy and grant calendar.
• Grant applications, partnership proposals, funding reports, club support materials, and advocacy toolkits.

Position Details

Location: Remote within British Columbia, with travel as required.

Contract: Part-time and flexible; hours and term to be defined by ATVBC.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and three professional references to admin@atvbc.ca.

Application deadline: Application deadline is Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

ATVBC, established in 2001, is a membership-driven organization representing over 4500 riders across more than 40 local clubs in British Columbia (BC). The organization advocates for shared trails through responsible use, collaboration with other user groups, and volunteer contributions around the province. ATVBC works to represent and bring the voice of its members to all three levels of government.

CQC – “Shovel Ready” Project Opportunities

The Canadian Quad Council (CQC) has shared a potential funding opportunity that could benefit ATV clubs in Western Canada.

Can-Am is currently looking to identify “shovel ready” projects in Western Canada that may be suitable for if funding support be. While a number of potential projects have already been identified in Eastern Canada, there are currently fewer Western Canadian projects on their radar.

A “shovel ready” project is one that is well-developed and ready to move forward if funding becomes available. This could include projects related to trails, infrastructure, access improvements, bridges, staging areas, signage, or other initiatives that support the ATV/ORV community.

ATVBC has reached out to our Club Presidents to identify projects across British Columbia that may be suitable for this opportunity.

This could be a great chance to help move important club projects forward while demonstrating the positive work being done by ATV organizations and volunteers throughout BC.

Club Presidents have been asked to submit information about potential projects by September 10, 2026.

Rady Creek deactivation sparks B.C. backcountry access fight!

This past Monday, Amber Lane, Executive Director of the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation, and myself had the pleasure of chatting with CTV News regarding our concerns surrounding Rady Creek and the bigger conversation about backcountry access in British Columbia.

Today, that story is out.

“Rady Creek deactivation sparks B.C. backcountry access fight”

What is happening at Rady Creek has become about much more than one Forest Service Road.

Across British Columbia, former industrial roads have become important recreational corridors, providing access for snowmobilers, 4x4 users, ATV riders, hikers, hunters, campers, prospectors and countless others who enjoy B.C.'s backcountry.

When industrial use ends, however, communities can be faced with the possibility of losing that access.

That is the conversation we have been trying to bring forward.

We aren't asking the Province to ignore legitimate environmental, geotechnical or public safety concerns. We're asking for a better process, one that recognizes the recreational value some of these roads have developed before irreversible decisions are made.

Rady Creek has an opportunity to become a test case for how British Columbia handles these situations moving forward.

A huge thank you to CTV News for taking the time to speak with us and helping bring this conversation to a much wider audience.

Please take a few minutes to read and share the story. The more British Columbians who understand what is happening at Rady Creek, the harder it becomes to ignore the bigger question:

What should happen when an industrial road becomes an important public recreation corridor?

ATVBC backs fire precautions, says commercial ORVs should face same restrictions

ATVBC is urging riders to stay out of British Columbia’s backcountry, even as its president questions why the province’s sweeping off-road vehicle (ORV) restrictions target recreational users while allowing commercial operators to continue riding.



The province announced a temporary prohibition on recreational ATVs, motorcycles and side-by-sides on Crown land throughout the Kamloops and Southeast fire centres and portions of the Cariboo and Coastal fire centres on Aug. 10—including the Pemberton Fire Zone and broader Sea to Sky Natural Resource District.

Renew Your ATVBC Membership = Win a Hoodie!

Starting this September, every membership renewal is automatically entered into our monthly draw to win an ATVBC hoodie!

Whether you renew a Single or Combo Membership, you'll be entered for your chance to win.

Has your membership already lapsed?

Don't create a new membership through the website. Instead, email us first so we can reactivate your existing membership. Once your renewal payment is complete, you'll be entered into the draw.

Creating a brand-new membership online instead of renewing your existing one means it will be treated as a new membership, not a renewal, and won't be included in our renewal draw.

Contact us at admin@atvbc.ca or coordinator@atvbc.ca to reactivate your membership today.



Stay covered, stay connected, and you might just be sporting a new ATVBC hoodie next month!

BC Budget Committee’s 2026 report reflects strong public calls to invest in outdoor recreation!

The Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services has released its Report on the Budget 2026 Consultation, summarizing what British Columbians told them should be priorities for next year’s provincial budget.

For BC’s growing outdoor community - and the volunteer organizations, Indigenous partners, and non-profits that steward our trails, parks, rivers and recreation sites - the report highlights significant opportunities.



ORCBC commends the Committee for engaging with people and organizations from every corner of the province and ensuring their voices were heard in shaping these recommendations.

Help identify resource roads that matter for outdoor recreation in BC!

Many of BC’s trails, lakes, rivers, cabins, campsites, riding areas, climbing areas, backcountry ski zones and other recreation destinations are reached by resource roads.

A collaboration of provincial recreation organizations has launched the BC Resource Road Access Survey to better understand which roads and road systems are most important for outdoor recreation access, where access is at risk, and what practical solutions may be needed.

The survey is intended for recreation groups, clubs, businesses, local organizations and outdoor users with knowledge of specific resource roads or road systems. You do not need to have perfect information. Local knowledge, best estimates, photos, maps and examples are all helpful.

Please complete one survey for each recreation destination or road system.

Complete the survey here: https://forms.gle/XYGsVNDSJwv5e3ZK8

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