Outdoor groups interested in funding opportunities to improve off-road riding conditions and safety can now apply to the Off-road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Fund.

The funding is intended to improve outdoor motorized vehicle opportunities for B.C. residents and visitors.

The total available funding in 2019 is $200,000, with 25% of the money set aside for safety promotion and 75% marked for construction and maintenance.

Requests for funding from $1,000 to $20,000 will be considered. To apply, visit: gov.bc.ca/ORVFund

The deadline to apply is March 20, 2019. Successful applicants will be notified about a month after the application period closes.

Applications will be accepted by any legal entity in the province, except for individuals. This includes:

• First Nations;
• local governments (such as municipalities and regional districts);
• ORV organizations (including those representing quads, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, motorbikes and side-by-sides);
• non-profit societies; and
• businesses.

Submissions will be adjudicated by provincial recreation staff, with input from provincial-level ORV representatives.

This is the second year for the funding program. Future planned yearly disbursements will be between $100,000 and $250,000 per year, depending on the growth of the fund.

Created in 2017, the ORV Trail Fund was established as a part of the Off-Road Vehicle Act and regulations. The act requires registration of all off-road vehicles within British Columbia. A portion of the registration fees collected by ICBC are redirected to the ORV Trail Fund.

Quick Facts:

• About 10,000 kilometres of ORV trails are managed by the Recreation Sites and Trails Branch, in partnership with community-based ORV groups around the province.
• There are significant ORV riding opportunities, including approximately 600,000 kilometres of resource roads and managed riding areas.

Learn More:

Apply and learn more about the fund and the judging criteria: gov.bc.ca/ORVFund

To find a recreation site or trail nearby, visit: sitesandtrailsbc.ca