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 to incorporate some of our thinking in future iterations of the DMP.
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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 revisited after this year’s election. See the Province’s press release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024WLRS0009-000236
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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 Sec 7.1 of UNDRIP will impact 15,000 recreational boaters ((see: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/engagement/land-act-amendments/). The Council has therefore sent letters to provincial ministers, MLA’s and some publications to raise our concerns, attached below, which describe our concerns in…
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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 several concerns about the proposed amendments to the Plan and their impact on member organizations with facilities in Pender Harbour. Furthermore, we understand that the proposed regulations build off regulations from other jurisdictions (e.g. Burrard…
Boating News
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Change of Princess Louisa Dock closure dates
The Princess Louisa International Society has just been notified by B.C. Parks that Blue Water Systems will not will not be onsite and starting on the Pier, Ramp and Dock repairs/replacement until June 4-5th, with completion hoped for by June 10th. Access to the park via the dock may be limited or unavailable during this…
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Electric Outboards – Pilot study by Rowing BC
Rowing BC embarked on a pilot study of electric motors during which multiple electric outboard motors were tested in real-life rowing scenarios across the province. This study provided clubs with objective, relevant and easily accessible information on cost, performance and user-experience gathered in real world situations helping to make informed purchasing decisions. It also increased…
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Chatterbox Falls Moorage Facilities -Swíwelát, Princess Louisa Inlet – Temporary access interruption
Update of Notice to members, PNW Boaters, & friends of the inlet Princess Louisa Provincial Marine Park To facilitate Phase 1 of infrastructure improvements at Princess Louisa Provincial Marine Park, specifically at the Chatterbox Falls location, work will be undertaken to replace the pier and the two sections of the main dock facilities. As…
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April 2026 Newsletter
The April 2026 Newsletters written by Phil Aldrich is available! It has news and updates about …
Council News
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April 2026 Newsletter
The April 2026 Newsletters written by Phil Aldrich is available! It has news and updates about …
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March 2026 Newsletter
The March 2026 Newsletters written by Phil Aldrich is available! It has news and updates about … Enjoy!
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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 January 27th, 2026. Peter was a consummate sailor, environmentalist, researcher, letter-writer, lobbyist, enthusiastic serial meeting attendee, ham radio operator, effective emissary, and source of wisdom and history. Most important, he was simply a very nice…
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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
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