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

  • 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…

  • “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.

  • 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  

Boating News

  • October 2026 Newsletter

    The October 2026 Newsletter written by Phil Aldrich is available! It has news and updates about … Enjoy!

  • Comox Valley Yacht Club ends Park Host stewardship for Sandy Island

    The Comox Valley Yacht Club is ending its involvement with the marine park at Sandy Island at the North end of Denman Island, and will no longer be responsible for the mooring or other infrastructure there. End of an era – the club has done a great job of stewardship over many years. See below…

  • September 2026 Newsletter

    The September 2026 Newsletter written by Phil Aldrich is available! It has news and updates about … Enjoy!

  • 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…

Council News

  • October 2026 Newsletter

    The October 2026 Newsletter written by Phil Aldrich is available! It has news and updates about … Enjoy!

  • September 2026 Newsletter

    The September 2026 Newsletter written by Phil Aldrich is available! It has news and updates about … Enjoy!

  • Council letter to WLRS Ministry regarding concerns on proposed land use objectives for Gambier Island

    A new initiative by Water Lands and Resource Stewardship and the Squamish First Nation proposes Sea to Sky land use objectives for numerous areas in our region, including Gambier Island. In that proposal there are significant restrictions on public access and use of a large tract of Gambier’s public land, ostensibly for the protection of…

  • Provincial Budget 2027 Consultation – Presentation to the Financial Committee

    Jim Phillips and Roger Hind attended the Parliamentary budget  briefing in Victoria on June 1, 2026 on behalf of the Council and MPFS, see also our email dated March 30, 2026.  Roger presented  the abridged briefing to the committee (one speaker with  time constrained to a 5 min presentation). Jenifer Jennings and Alison Meredith had  created  the briefs and…

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, November 21, 2026/11:00 at the
West Vancouver Yacht club and 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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