$100,000 to enhance off-road vehicle trails, rider safety

Applications are now being accepted from organizations that propose to build or upgrade off-road vehicle (ORV) trails, and promote rider safety, announced Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development of British Columbia.

“Government is committed to maintaining the province’s world-class recreational trails. Many of the trails are in remote and rural areas, and this money will benefit all users. Trail improvements will help to create local jobs, and will also enhance tourism opportunities,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.

The ORV Trail Fund, currently valued at almost $590,000, is awarding up to $100,000 this summer to support the construction and maintenance of trails for off-road vehicles, and to promote the safe and responsible use of ORVs.

The ORV Trail Fund, created in 2017, was established as a part of the Off Road Vehicle Actand regulations. The act requires registration of all off-road vehicles within B.C. A portion of the registration fees collected by ICBC are redirected to the ORV Trail Fund. The Recreation Sites and Trails Branch administers the fund and this is the first application intake.

The application deadline is July 16, 2018. Requests for funding from $1,000 to $25,000 will be considered.

Any legal entity in the province, except for individuals, can apply. This includes: First Nations, Local governments (such as municipalities and regional districts), ORV organizations (including those representing quads, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, motorbikes and side-by-sides), Non-profit societies and Businesses.

Submissions will be adjudicated by provincial recreation staff, with input from provincial-level ORV representatives. Successful applicants will be notified after Aug. 24, 2018.

A five-year plan has been developed to fund future trail recreation opportunities. The planned yearly disbursements will be between $100,000 and $200,000 per year, depending on the growth of the fund.