News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
TOTA is now a member of the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has joined over 100 member organizations across the province and is now an Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) member.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has joined over 100 member organizations across the province and is now an Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) member.
This partnership will help TOTA promote and protect outdoor recreation opportunities and outdoor spaces across British Columbia.
Interested businesses can learn more about and join the ORCBC in preserving the outdoor spaces that we work and play on throughout the province. There are many ways to get involved including BC Rivers Day on September 22, 2024.
About the ORCBC
The Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia (ORCBC) is a charitable organization that works with its members, government agencies, Indigenous communities, other organizations, and the public to address issues related to outdoor recreation access, environmental stewardship, and public policy.
Outdoor Recreation BC Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities
The Outdoor Recreation Council released a new guide offering recreation organizations a roadmap for advancing reconciliation objectives and tools for recreation organizations embarking on discussions and relationship building with First Nations at the community level.
The Outdoor Recreation Council released a new guide offering recreation organizations a roadmap for advancing reconciliation objectives and tools for recreation organizations embarking on discussions and relationship building with First Nations at the community level.
The toolkit is part of an ongoing effort to provide guidance and resources to the outdoor recreation sector on working cooperatively with Indigenous governments and communities on outdoor recreation projects. The hope for the guide is to spark dialogue within groups and to help foster genuine collaboration within Indigenous communities.
Trails and Outdoor Recreation in BC - 2024 Ipsos Poll Results
According to a recent survey, outdoor recreation is on the rise in British Columbia and access to outdoor opportunities remains a top priority for residents of BC. Explore the latest trends and insights of the 2024 Ipsos poll below.
According to a recent poll conducted for the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC), 56% of BC residents say access to trails and outdoor recreational amenities influenced their current choice of residence.
The new poll also shows that 89% of respondents are passionate about outdoor recreation and think that increased government investment in the development and maintenance of trails, parks and other recreation amenities will benefit them or their community.
The top identified benefits included: improved physical and mental health (62%), protection of biodiversity and nature (50%), and support of the local economy, for example keeping residents spending locally rather than travelling (44%).
Community parks and trail networks (66%) emerged as the preferred recreational destination for BC residents who participated in outdoor recreation in the past 12 months, followed by beaches/coastal areas (48%), rivers/lakes (45%) and national/provincial parks (41%).
New Ipsos Survey Confirms Importance of Trails and Outdoor Recreation to British Columbians
A new online poll conducted on behalf of the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia shows that British Columbians are enthusiastic about outdoor recreation and support more government investment in the development and maintenance of trails, parks and other recreation amenities in the province.
Survey highlights:
7/10 BC residents have participated in outdoor recreation activities in BC in the past 12 months.
3/4 BC residents agree that access to good outdoor recreation opportunities is an important reason they chose to live in their communities.
A new online poll conducted on behalf of the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia shows that British Columbians are enthusiastic about outdoor recreation and support more government investment in the development and maintenance of trails, parks and other recreation amenities in the province.
Survey highlights:
7/10 BC residents have participated in outdoor recreation activities in BC in the past 12 months.
3/4 BC residents agree that access to good outdoor recreation opportunities is an important reason they chose to live in their communities.
Apply for BC Trails Day Community Grant by May 9
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) has announced that the BC Trails Day Community Small Grants are back. With support from RC Strategies, ORCBC offers a limited number of small grants of up to $500 each to help outdoor organizations organize community-based BC Trails Day events. The funds can help pay for various expenses, including tools and gear library products, stewardship supplies, event promotion, equipment rental, and other materials needed to create a fantastic BC Trails Day event experience. The application deadline is Monday, May 9, 2022.
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) has announced that the BC Trails Day Community Small Grants are back. With support from RC Strategies, ORCBC offers a limited number of small grants of up to $500 each to help outdoor organizations organize community-based BC Trails Day events on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
The funds can help pay for various expenses, including tools and gear library products, stewardship supplies, event promotion, equipment rental, and other materials needed to create a fantastic BC Trails Day event experience.
Partnerships and collaborations between different groups is encouraged.
The application deadline is Monday, May 9, 2022.
