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

  • Southern Gulf Islanders Call for Urgent Action on Waterfront Issues

    Ganges, British Columbia – August 1st , 2024 – Today, Southern Gulf Islanders for Collaborative Partnerships and Reconciliation (SGIR) called on the BC Government to take urgent action on waterfront issues in the Southern Gulf Islands. SGIR is an informal group involving 800 waterfront owners in the Southern Gulf Islands. Here is the link of…

  • Waterfront Protection Coalition meets with Premier Eby and Minister Cullen on the DMP

    After months of advocacy, the WPC met with Premier David Eby and Minister Nathan Cullen today, to voice the concerns of our coalition members regarding the Dock Management Plan. We discussed the fundamental issues and outlined a transparent process that we view as the best path forward. For details, see the WPC news release.

  • Updates to the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan

    Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, together with shishalh Nation, announced today proposed changes to the Dock Management Plan: “Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts about the proposed changes to the Dock Management Plan. Your feedback has been invaluable as we continue to work together with shishalh Nation to…

  • Updates to the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan

    Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, together with shishalh Nation, announced today proposed changes to the Dock Management Plan: “Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts about the proposed changes to the Dock Management Plan. Your feedback has been invaluable as we continue to work together with shishalh Nation to…

Boating News

  • Southern Resident Killer Whales management measures

    The SRKW management measures to protect our ORCAs are in place again since June 1st. The vessel based measures complement existing annual management measures in place to address key threats to Southern Resident Killer whales and maps with more detailed descriptions of each area and measures can be found on the Southern Resident killer whale…

  • Esquimalt and Nanoose Harbour, Whiskey Golf

    Heather Skippen, the Kings Harbour Master Official and Transport Canada Enforcement Officer, gave a very interesting presentation about Esquimalt and Nanoose Harbour, and Whiskey Golf testing range. It talks about their regulations, safety protocols and recent developments. The presentation is available here. Important to remember:

  • Port of Vancouver releases Boaters Handbook for safe navigation

    Vancouver has a busy harbour. With thousands of commercial and recreational vessels moving through the waters that make up the Port of Vancouver every year, alongside ferries and seaplanes, it is crucial for all marine users to be aware of the rules and procedures to follow to ensure safety and harmony on the water. As…

  • Expired marine flares disposal – updated for Nanaimo

    Do you have expired marine flares ? Flares manufactured in 2021 or earlier expire this year, as Transport Canada approves them for four years. They should be replaced every third or fourth boating season. To dispose of expired flares, do not light them, throw them overboard, or add them to household garbage. Transport Canada no…

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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