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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Crowdfunding Campaign Protects Large Waterfront Property on Saturna Island – including a MPFS contribution
by BC Parks Foundation February 3, 2025 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vancouver, BC – Thanks to an extraordinary community effort, 372 acres of […]
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Update from the Ladysmith Yacht Club
Diane Charles, Commodore of the Ladysmith Yacht Club, is giving an update on what is happening with the Ladysmith Yacht […]
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Prideaux Haven – Follow ‘no anchoring’ buoys and signs to protect eelgrass beds
https://bcparks.ca/desolation-sound-marine-park Desolation Sound Marine Park is home to eelgrass habitats that play a crucial role in supporting marine biodiversity. To […]
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Kelowna Yacht Club Chronicle
The Kelowna Yacht Club is excited to announce another edition of the KYC Chronicle, which is dedicated to celebrating the […]
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MBYC Park Host Program – End of 2024 Season Report
The Maple Bay Yacht Club has been volunteering as park hosts at Pirates Cove Marine Park since 1986 and in […]
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2024 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales
2024 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales | Pacific Region | Fisheries and Oceans Canada Southern Resident killer […]
Council News
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CBCYC Newsletter December 2024
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Updated presentations for the Council and MPFS posted
Check out the updated presentations for the Council of BC Yacht Clubs and the Marine Parks Forever Society here
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CBCYC meeting on September 14, 2024 – minutes and reports posted
Agenda, reports and attachments are posted in our members-only area!
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CBCYC Newsletter August 2024 for delegates
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CBCYC Newsletter June 2024 for Delegates
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Steve Macdonald and Peter Stockdill appointed as Directors-at-Large
The Council of BC Yacht Clubs has recently appointed Steve Macdonald and Peter Stockdill as Directors-at-Large. This recognition comes in appreciation of their ongoing dedication to research […]
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