BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Council of
BC YaCHT CLUBS

Advocating for Recreational Boaters

About the Council of BC Yacht Clubs

In January 1956, the first meeting of interested boating clubs was held in Nanaimo. It was then formally registered as British Columbia Non Profit Society in January 1980 representing the interests of boaters from more than 50 British Columbia boating organizations. We have representation on Provincial and Federal committees to provide and receive information pertinent to our recreational interests, and collaborate with like-minded outdoor organizations in BC and Washington State.  In 1990, at the request of BC Parks, we formed B.C. Marine Parks Forever Society to assist in funding land purchases to be added to the Marine Park System. We meet four times per year, alternating between the mainland and Vancouver Island.

Current Council Activities

Top Priorities

  • Gambier Island Official Community Plan
  • Southern Gulf Islands – Southeast Vancouver Island Advisory Group
  • Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan
  • Amendments to the Land Act

Search for news on these topics here:

Projects

The Council is working and supporting a variety of projects

… and more

Marine Parks Forever Society

The Marine Parks Forever Society is an all-volunteer registered non-profit founded by the Council of BC Yacht Clubs in 1990

We advocate for and financially support the creation, expansion or enhancement of BC Marine Parks.

We also execute special projects for boaters like the popular “stern-tie program”.

 

Recent Developments

  • Survey on Islands Trust Draft Policy Statement – Deadline February 2, 2026

    The Islands Trust is a unique, province‑created local government whose core mandate is to preserve and protect the environment and rural character of the Gulf Islands and surrounding waters in the Salish Sea. On July 29, 2025, Islands Trust Council (ITC) gave first reading to the Islands Trust draft Policy Statement. The multi-year process to…

  • Islands Trust 2024/25 Annual Report is now available

    The Islands Trust 2024/25 Annual Report is now available online. Each year, this report provides a snapshot of Islands Trust work in the Islands Trust Area. Inside, you’ll find highlights of projects and initiatives from the past year and details about progress on Islands Trust Council’s strategic goals. You are invited to read the report and learn…

  • Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities

    The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC published the Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities describing tools for recreation organizations embarking on discussions andrelationship building with First Nations at the community level.

  • Sunshine Coast Dock Licences are Here

    By the Waterfront Protection Coalition – July 29, 2025 The Province has issued a Ministerial Order launching a new fast-tracked process for eligible grandfathered private moorage docks. Roughly 220 dock licence offers have been issued this week so check your email. Only dock owners who’ve self-registered their dock are eligible to receive a fast-track offer of a twenty-year…

Boating News

  • BC Marine Trails website

    The BC Marine Trails website Kayak Resources, BC coast, Kayak Map, Paddling Vancouver is a very interesting resource also for motorized recreational boaters. Here is what Karina Younk, the Board Chair of BC Marine Trails, says: Our BC Marine Trails website is geared toward non-motorized coastal recreation. However, we have heard from small boaters that…

  • Crowdfunding Campaign Protects Large Waterfront Property on Saturna Island – including a MPFS contribution

    by BC Parks Foundation February 3, 2025 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vancouver, BC – Thanks to an extraordinary community effort, 372 acres of pristine waterfront on Saturna Island will now be protected forever. This rare property, nestled beside the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, boasts more than three kilometers of coastline, pockets of old-growth, and Garry Oak meadows—comprising…

  • Update from the Ladysmith Yacht Club

    Diane Charles, Commodore of the Ladysmith Yacht Club, is giving an update on what is happening with the Ladysmith Yacht Club. First, we have found a buyer for the clubhouse! Dave Messier from Maple Bay Marina has purchased the clubhouse and will be relocating it to that marina, where the building will be repurposed as…

  • Prideaux Haven – Follow ‘no anchoring’ buoys and signs to protect eelgrass beds

    https://bcparks.ca/desolation-sound-marine-park Desolation Sound Marine Park is home to eelgrass habitats that play a crucial role in supporting marine biodiversity. To further our understanding of biodiversity recovery in the region, we are monitoring eelgrass beds with valuable support from the Tla’amin, Klahoose, and Hamalco Nations, and the University of British Columbia. To study these vital habitats,…

Council News

Yacht Club Job Postings

Let us know if your Yacht Club has open positions – we are happy to post them here.

Council Meetings

Our next meeting is on 

Saturday, September 19, 2026 via Zoom

Our meeting schedule for 2026 is

February  28, 2026          online via Zoom
May 16, 2026                   Nanaimo Yacht Club and via Zoom
September 19, 2026       online via Zoom
November 21, 2026        West Vancouver Yacht Club and via Zoom

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