Grant and Funding Programs Offered by British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Recreation Sites and Trails BC (ORV)

The Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Fund is a provincial funding program administered by Recreation Sites and Trails BC within the Government of British Columbia. Established in 2017, the fund reinvests annual off-road vehicle registration fees into safe and sustainable ORV trail projects throughout the province. Revenues are deposited into the ORV Special Account, which determines the budget available for each intake.

The ORV Trail Fund provides project-based financial support to improve, build and maintain trails used by off-road vehicles, as well as to support related safety initiatives. Eligible proponents include clubs, non-profit organizations, communities and, in some cases, businesses when specialized skills or equipment are required. By directing resources to priority trail networks, the fund strengthens local recreation opportunities for residents and visitors and supports responsible motorized recreation on Crown land.

The program operates through defined application intakes. For the 2026 intake, applicants could request between $5,000 and $25,000 in funding and had an extended application window. A standardized online form, guidance documents, budget template and sample applications are provided to help proponents prepare strong, shovel-ready project proposals.

Applications are screened by Recreation Sites and Trails BC to ensure they meet mandatory requirements and align with fund policy. Eligible applications are then scored using published evaluation criteria, including technical assessment by both RSTBC and the Back Country Power Sports Coalition partners (ATVBC, BCORMA and BCSF). Final funding decisions are made by RSTBC based on policy, scores and the available budget.

While specific project lists are published separately for each year, the fund focuses on initiatives that enhance the safety, sustainability and connectivity of ORV trail systems. This can include work on trail networks, signage, and provincial safety programming proposed by sector organizations, all aimed at supporting safe and responsible off-road vehicle use across British Columbia.

The ORV Trail Fund publishes annual recipient lists and infographics that summarize funded projects and allocations. A detailed fund policy, evaluation criteria and authorization FAQs are available online, clarifying what activities are eligible, how applications are reviewed and how decisions are made. Successful applicants typically have up to two years to complete their projects, following the approved scope of work and seeking RSTBC approval for any significant changes.

By channeling ORV registration revenues directly back into trail systems, the fund creates a feedback loop that benefits riders, local communities, tourism operators and stewardship partners. The program supports community-based trail stewardship, improves safety for users and helps protect environmental values by encouraging well-designed, authorized trails for motorized recreation across British Columbia.