membership matters
Become a BCRPA Member
Our Members
The Value We Create is Measured by the Difference We Make
BCRPA members span communities across BC, representing more than 95% of the population, including local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits, post-secondary institutions, and corporate partners.
Together, our members create and maintain essential spaces, places and programs that connect people, support wellbeing, and strengthen resilience.
We Thrive Together
Benefits of Membership with BCRPA
Join a thriving province-wide network of professionals dedicated to shaping healthier futures. Unlock meaningful benefits that support your growth, leadership, and impact.
Grow Professionally
Access learning, events, and training that advance your career.
Expand Your Network
Engage with other leaders driving change in the sector.
Unlock Value
Maximize your membership with savings on conferences, events and job postings.
Amplify Advocacy
Share your local priorities to shape provincial and national action.
Discover Insights
Stay informed with leading practices from across BC.
Strengthen Your Community
Be part of a collective voice driving local impact.
Access Regional Support
Connect regionally. Strengthen locally. Thrive provincially.
Engage and Influence
Access member-only resources, a member-to-member platform, and vote annually for your Association’s leadership.
Membership Types
Find the Right Fit
Find the membership type that suits you and your organization, company or local or First Nations government. Join our vibrant professional network today.
Membership renews annually Jan 1 – Dec 31.
Join a movement of over 5,400 professionals transforming the health and vitality of communities across BC.
When your local or First Nations government becomes a member, all of your employees, volunteers, board and committee members and retirees become BCRPA members. They gain more than a title, they gain connection. Access inspiring education, innovative ideas, and a network of peers who share a passion for shaping healthier, more sustainable communities.
Membership opens doors to professional growth, collaboration, and exclusive member discounts for conferences, events, and training opportunities.
It’s the easiest way to stay informed, inspired, and connected to what’s emerging in recreation and parks.
Fees
Membership fees are set annually.
Membership runs Jan 1 through to Dec 31 each year.
Our population-based enrollment fee is fair, accessible, and modeled after UBCM’s proven tiered structure — ensuring every community can take part and benefit.
Becoming a New Member
Contact us directly to inquire about your community’s membership fee and to become a new member.
If you work for a local government or First Nations currently enrolled as a member with BCRPA, your membership is automatically assigned through your employment.
All you need is to:
- Sign up for your myBCRPA Account.
- Enter your employer in the Company Name field. No need to use “The” or “City of”, just the community name. For example: Richmond. Not “The City of Richmond”.
If your community is enrolled with BCRPA, your membership status will update automatically, and your membership expiry date will appear under your name.
If you don’t see an expiry date, it may mean your employer isn’t currently enrolled or the Company name was entered incorrectly.
Membership Renewal
Membership runs Jan 1 through to Dec 31 each year.
Once your local government, First Nations or Regional District renews, your membership is automatically renewed—no other action needed.
Need Help?
If your community isn’t enrolled—or you’re unsure about your membership status—please contact us. We’ll help you confirm your details or set up a new Local Government enrollment.
Affiliate Membership with BCRPA opens doors for you and your organization.
Connect directly with BC’s network of recreation, parks, and fitness professionals to share ideas, build relationships, and help strengthen the sector.
Annual Fee
Choose the tier that works best for your organization:
- Tier 1 – Small Orgs: Up to 3 individual memberships – $500
- Tier 2 – Medium Sized Orgs: 4 to 7 individual memberships – $800
- Tier 3 – Larger Orgs: 8 to 15 individual memberships – $1,200
- Tier 4 – Institutions: Over 15 individual memberships – $2,000
Individual Affiliate Memberships within each tier can be assigned to staff, volunteers or retirees of your Affiliate organization.
Becoming a New Affiliate Member
Please contact us if you would like to take out a new Affiliate Membership for your organization.
Provincial Awards of Excellence
These annual awards honour the innovators within our membership. Each recognizes the outstanding achievements within the recreation and parks sector and the impact for BC’s communities.
Learn More
Student Awards & Scholarships
BCRPA’s student awards and scholarships celebrate the next generation of leaders in recreation, parks, and aquatics.
Student Awards & ScholarshipsHonouring Their Legacy
BCRPA Honorary Life Members
Honorary Life Membership is a special distinction awarded by BCRPA’s Board of Directors to members who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the Association and the recreation and parks sector.
Applications for Honorary Life Members open each year alongside applications for Awards of Excellence.
Applications for 2026 are now closed.
To Nominate a Member:
- Review the Nomination Guide
- Prepare your documents
- Complete the online Nomination Form
BCRPA’s Honorary Life Members receive:
- BCRPA Membership status for the lifetime of the individual
- An invitation to BCRPA’s Awards Luncheon.
Current Honorary Life Members
We salute the following people for their impressive dedication and the positive impact they have had on our sector:
- Brian Johnston
- Ken Winslade
- Mike Murray
- Norman Olenick
- Rebecca Tunnacliffe
Honorary Life Members Luncheon, 2024
L-R: BCRPA CEO Katie Fenn; BCRPA Board President Elizabeth Ayers; Honorary Life Members Ken Winslade, Brian Johnston, Rebecca Tunnacliffe, Mike Murray, Norman Olenick; and BCRPA Board President-Elect Steve Kellock.
Provincial Awards of Excellence
These annual awards honour the innovators within our membership. Each recognizes the outstanding achievements within the recreation and parks sector and the impact for BC’s communities.
Learn MoreStudent Awards & Scholarships
BCRPA’s student awards and scholarships celebrate the next generation of leaders in recreation, parks, and aquatics.
Student Awards & ScholarshipsSign Up To Learn More
Stay Connected
Learn more about upcoming BCRPA events, education, programs and partnership opportunities
Sign Up