The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC), in collaboration with Selkirk Innovates, is seeking rural BC communities for case studies on economic development driven by outdoor recreation. Local governments or First Nations are encouraged to submit expressions of interest to take part in the research project, Trails, Towns, Talent: Building BC’s Rural Outdoor Economy. Deadline for expression of interest is Saturday, October 10.
“Trails, Towns, Talent” will focus on four to five case study regions that already have outdoor recreation assets and activity, such as trails, waterways, recreation sites, snowmobile areas or mountain biking networks, along with some level of community collaboration and a shared interest in using outdoor recreation as a way to support their local economy. The project looks to identify how such assets can bolster local businesses, workforce development and economic diversification.
In 2024, outdoor recreation contributed $6.6 billion in real GDP and supported approximately 86,000 jobs across the province. Rather than building more trails, campsites, or other recreation infrastructure, the “Trails, Towns, Talent” project will analyze the economy around existing assets. ORCBC and Selkirk Innovates will learn about the existing outdoor recreation economy of participating regions, identify promising opportunities, assess their feasibility and potential benefits, and develop practical next steps. The goal is to achieve a stronger understanding of what rural communities need to turn their recreation assets and local strengths into lasting economic opportunities.
Trails, Towns, Talent: Building BC’s Rural Outdoor Economy is funded through the Province of BC’s Rural Economic Development and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). Questions about the project may be addressed to Ximena Diaz Lopez at ORCBC.