
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
- Water Use Licence Applications
- Transport Canada
- Navigable Waters Act
- Sewage Regulations
- Canada Shipping Act
- Canadian Hydrographic Services
- Park Host

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
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“What we’ve heard” report
The Province published today the summary of the comments that they received from 1700 pieces of correspondence with a commitment […]
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BC Lands Act Amendments paused
The BC government has decided not to proceed with their proposed Land Act amendments for this legislative session. This topic can, however, be […]
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Amendments to the BC Land Act
The Council of BC Yacht Clubs is concerned about how amendments of the British Columbia Land Act by inclusion of […]
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Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan – Council actions
CBCYC has recently become aware of the initiative to amend the Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan (the “Plan”). CBCYC has […]
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Council letters (DMP, Land Act)
Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan (January 9, 2024): Amendments of the Land Act (February 5, 2024):
Boating News
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A Tribute to Peter Stockdill
Sad news: Dr. Peter Stockdill, a major force in fighting for the rights of recreational boaters, passed away suddenly on […]
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Revisions to the Pleasure Craft Licence regulations
Transport Canada has issued revisions to the Pleasure Craft Licence regulations, effective December 31, 2025, see the attached summary. The […]
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Fundraising for Desolation Sound – Prideaux Haven property successful
The BC Parks Foundation announced that the fundraising of $1.25 million to protect 100 acres of coastal forest and nearly […]
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Jervis Inlet Power Line Removal and Marine Traffic Closure – Update
Jervis Inlet Power Line Removal and Marine Traffic Closure Good afternoon, I’m pleased to provide an update on the Jervis […]
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“Underwater Sound” – Presentation by Tom Dakin
Tom Dakin, Ph.D., the Chief Scientist for Sea to Shore Systems Ltd., gave an excellent presentation at the last Council […]
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Whale-Safe Boating Course is available online
Calling all boaters in coastal BC—whether you paddle, sail, or motor, it’s time to make the water safer for everyone, […]
Council News
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A Tribute to Peter Stockdill
Sad news: Dr. Peter Stockdill, a major force in fighting for the rights of recreational boaters, passed away suddenly on […]
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January 2026 Newsletter
The January 2026 Newsletters written by Phil Aldrich (Region 1) is available! It has news and updates about
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CBCYC meeting and AGM on November 22, 2025 – minutes and attachments are posted
The minutes and attachments of our meetings on November 22, 2025 in Ladner and via Zoom are posted in the […]
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Fundraising for Desolation Sound – Prideaux Haven property successful
The BC Parks Foundation announced that the fundraising of $1.25 million to protect 100 acres of coastal forest and nearly […]
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September Newsletter posted
The September 2025 Newsletters written by Phil Aldrich (Region 1) has been posted in the delegates-only section under “Newsletters”. Enjoy!
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CBCYC meeting on September 13, 2025 – minutes and attachments are posted
The minutes and attachments of our meeting on September 13, 2025 via Zoom are posted in the members-only section of […]
Yacht Club Job Postings
⚓ No postings today, but the tide is always changing—new opportunities may dock soon!
Council Meetings
Our next meeting is on
Saturday, February 28, 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 (tbc) and via Zoom