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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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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PHARA challenges BC Reconciliation Law
A petition has been filed by the Pender Harbour Area Residents Association (PHARA) in BC Supreme Court, challenging the Declaration […]
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Upcoming information sessions: shíshálh Nation – British Columbia Foundation Agreement and shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan
shíshálh Nation and the Province recently renewed the 2018 Foundation Agreement. Join B.C. representatives for a virtual information session to […]
Boating News
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BC Coastal Marine Strategy – Implementation Planning Update
The B.C. Coastal Marine Strategy establishes the province’s first shared vision for the B.C. coast. The presentation below gives an update on the implementation […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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BC Marine Trails website
The BC Marine Trails website Kayak Resources, BC coast, Kayak Map, Paddling Vancouver is a very interesting resource also for […]
Council News
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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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Newsletters posted
The June 2025 Newsletters written by Phil Aldrich (Region 1) and John Green (Region 3)have been posted in the members-only […]
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CBCYC meeting on May 31, 2025 – minutes and attachments are posted
The minutes and attachments of our meeting on May 31, 2025 at the Nanaimo Yacht Club and via Zoom are […]
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Park Host Standing Committee minutes
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Council meeting on February 15, 2025 – Meeting minutes and all attachments posted
The minutes and attachments of our Zoom meeting on February 15, 2025 are posted in the members-only section of the […]
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Council meeting and AGM on November 30, 2024 – Meeting minutes and all attachments posted
The minutes and attachments of our meetings on November 30, 2024 at the Nanaimo Yacht Club and via Zoom are […]
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