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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Feedback opportunity on Dock Management Plan for the southern Gulf Islands
The Province is seeking feedback on a draft Strategic Management Plan for private marine docks in the southern Gulf Islands and southeastern Vancouver Island.
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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…
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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 rural character of the Gulf Islands and surrounding waters in the Salish Sea. On July 29, 2025, Islands Trust Council (ITC) gave first reading to the Islands Trust draft Policy Statement. The multi-year process to…
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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 the Islands Trust Area. Inside, you’ll find highlights of projects and initiatives from the past year and details about progress on Islands Trust Council’s strategic goals. You are invited to read the report and learn…
Boating News
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Fundraising for Desolation Sound – Prideaux Haven property successful
The BC Parks Foundation announced that the fundraising of $1.25 million to protect 100 acres of coastal forest and nearly one kilometre of untouched shoreline in Prideaux Haven was successful. The Marine Parks Forever Society contributed $ 100,000 to this effort. With the Wilson 5 Foundation’s matching gift, the $2.5 million to purchase the property…
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Jervis Inlet Power Line Removal and Marine Traffic Closure – Update
Jervis Inlet Power Line Removal and Marine Traffic Closure Good afternoon, I’m pleased to provide an update on the Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel Power Line Replacement Project, including the confirmed schedule for transmission line removal over Jervis Inlet, the dates of the marine traffic closure, and information about the Sunshine Coast Trail closures that…
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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 meeting on underwater sound, explaining how marine animals use sound for communication, navigation, finding food, and other vital functions, and how human-made noise impacts marine life. Marine animals use sound for communication, navigation, finding food,…
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Whale-Safe Boating Course is available online
Calling all boaters in coastal BC—whether you paddle, sail, or motor, it’s time to make the water safer for everyone, including marine mammals. As someone who signed up for our Alert List, we are letting you know FIRST. The Whale-Safe Boating Course is NOW available! Launched today, this free online course gives recreational boaters the knowledge…
Council News
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Fundraising for Desolation Sound – Prideaux Haven property successful
The BC Parks Foundation announced that the fundraising of $1.25 million to protect 100 acres of coastal forest and nearly one kilometre of untouched shoreline in Prideaux Haven was successful. The Marine Parks Forever Society contributed $ 100,000 to this effort. With the Wilson 5 Foundation’s matching gift, the $2.5 million to purchase the property…
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September Newsletter posted
The September 2025 Newsletters written by Phil Aldrich (Region 1) has been posted in the delegates-only section under “Newsletters”. Enjoy!
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CBCYC meeting on September 13, 2025 – minutes and attachments are posted
The minutes and attachments of our meeting on September 13, 2025 via Zoom are posted in the members-only section of the website.
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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 meeting on underwater sound, explaining how marine animals use sound for communication, navigation, finding food, and other vital functions, and how human-made noise impacts marine life. Marine animals use sound for communication, navigation, finding food,…
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