The Association plays an important role in advocating effectively to all levels of government and to private industry the benefits of recreation, parks and culture in terms of quality of life, health and wellness.

 

Advocacy Initiatives

 

Recreation Infrastructure Renewal

BC's aging recreation facilities put healthy communities at risk.

A new report released by BCRPA states that 68% of the province's recreation infrastructure is at least 25 years old and in urgent need of funding for renovation or replacement.

Findings:

The BCRPA's - A Time for Renewal: Assessing the State of Recreation Facilities in British Columbia- takes stock of the condition of BC’s recreation infrastructure. Based upon 5 years of comprehensive research, study and analysis, the report highlights that $5.2 billion is needed over the next decade to upgrade and replace the province's aging indoor recreational facilities. BC's aging infrastructure is unable to keep up with the demands of a growing population that has changing needs and is reaching the crisis point on funding requirements. Click here to access the reports.

Actions:

The BCRPA has set out to make recreation infrastructure renewal a top priority and is working with decision makers at all levels to gain their support and commitment in making this issue a public policy priority. Join us in our campaign to turn a pressing need into a public policy priority. Click here for more information and resources.
 

Letters of Support
The BCRPA has been receiving support from around the Province.

Federal Budget Priority Submission
The BCRPA submitted a brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance to make recreation infrastructure renewal a priority for the 2011 federal budget. Read the brief here.

Provincial Budget Submission
The BCRPA submitted a brief to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services advocating that recreation infrastructure renewal be considered a provincial budget priority. Read the brief here.

Media Relations
Letter to the editor, Vancouver Sun. Printed August 7, 2010
Editorial to all BC media. 2009

BCRPA Submission for Renewal of Federal Health Accord

The BCRPA has submitted a brief to the Premiers and Health Ministers in Canada advocating that they prioritize and direct funding to the promotion of health and the prevention of chronic disease as a means by which to address the national escalation of health care costs and the deterioration of our nation’s health.

Healthy Families BC Communities Initiative

The Province is hosting a comprehensive province-wide consultation with the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and local governments (councils and senior staff) on its Healthy Families BC Communities Initiative. For more information and consultation schedule, please refer to the overview and registration information.

In support of its members, BCRPA has produced a brief that introduces the perspective of the recreation sector in these discussions.

Downlad BCRPA brief.

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and Recreation

In early December 2009, the BCRPA wrote to then Minister of Finance Colin Hansen requesting that the provincial government provide an exemption from the 7% provincial portion of the HST for recreation services, programs, memberships and facility rentals to ensure that everyone continues to receive the health and social benefits of participation in physical activity.

Click here to read the letter to Minister Hansen - December 2009


In Spring 2011 the provincial government requested feedback from citizens regarding possible amendments to the HST. In response the BCRPA  requested government provide an exemption from the HST to those programs and services that facilitate and encourage access to and participation in physical activity and recreation, and that future key healthy living services also be exempt.

Click here to read the letter to Minister Falcon - June 2011

Swimming Pool, Spray Pool and Wading Pool Regulation

For several years now, BCRPA in collaboration with the Lifesaving Society has been advocating for revisions to the Swimming Pool, Spray Pool and Wading Pool Regulation.

Click here to read the correspondence between BCRPA and the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport.

Early Childhood Learning Agency Consultation Paper Review Response

The BCRPA recently asked its members for input on a consultation paper released by the BC Ministry of Education's Early Childhood Learning Agency titled "Expanding Early Learning in British Columbia for Children Aged 3-5".  We have now compiled these responses and submitted the following letter to the Ministry of Education.

Re: Early Childhood Learning Agency Consultation Paper Review Response
 

 

 

Conversation on Health

Read all of the BCRPA Conversation on Health here.


 

Childcare Regulations
View the responses the BCRPA task group on child care regulations has drafted to changes proposed by the provincial Child Care Licensing Regulatory Review Steering Committee.

Child Care Regulations Exemptions Summary (28KB doc)
Child Care Cover Letter - January 31, 2005 (100K pdf)
Child Care Review Response - January 31, 2005 (115K pdf)
 

The Winning Legacy
Read more about the plan for improving the health of British Columbians by 2010.
 

Pool Operator Regulations
Recommended operating guidelines (115K pdf) for swimming pools in the province of BC.

Tax Relief for Parents
Read about Christy Clark's Private Members Motion for tax credits to families. (104K pdf)

 

Parks and Recreation Benefits Your Community
View the presentation "Together We Can Make a Difference" (zipped .exe file 2.7MB, PC only) and discover how parks, recreation and physical activity play a critical role in the building of strong, healthy communities.