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As we look toward 2025, the Pemberton Off-Road Cycling Association (PORCA) and Pemberton Valley Trails Association (PVTA) are excited to announce some important updates to our membership systems. These changes, mandated by regulatory updates, aim to enhance governance and transparency while continuing our dedication to the stewardship and advocacy of mountain bike trails in Pemberton.
Since PORCA's founding in 2016, the partnership between our two organizations has been integral to the growth and maintenance of the trail network. Historically, our two memberships were connected through a shared registration software, a structure that proved beneficial over the years. However, as a registered not-for-profit under the B.C. Societies Act, PORCA operates differently from the PVTA, which is a registered charity governed by the Canadian Revenue Agency. What is changing and why? Following a thorough review and update of PORCA’s bylaws in 2024, the two organizations determined the need to separate the membership systems to comply with legal regulations. This separation is designed to enhance governance, transparency, and accountability to our members and donors, respecting the differences in operation required under the B.C. Societies Act and Canadian Revenue Agency guidelines. Will my PORCA membership still contribute to the PVTA's important work of sustaining the trail network? Absolutely! While memberships will now be separate, PORCA remains committed to supporting PVTA's essential work. For each adult PORCA membership, PORCA will donate $20 (minus processing fees) directly to PVTA. Your membership will continue to fund the maintenance and care of Pemberton's mountain bike trails, ensuring they remain a beloved resource for the community. Is this due to a rift between the two organizations? Not at all. The partnership between PORCA and PVTA has never been stronger. This decision reflects our mutual commitment to sustainability. By clarifying our membership processes, we aim to bolster both organizations' abilities to fulfill our shared mission of trail preservation. What will your partnership look like in the future? Looking ahead, PORCA and PVTA plan to formalize our collaboration with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2025. This MOU will outline our shared goals and responsibilities, providing a clear framework for how funds raised through PORCA memberships will support PVTA's work. It will be reviewed annually to ensure transparency and enable us to report effectively to our members and donors about the impact of our partnership. Does the $20 from my membership fee that will be donated by PORCA to the PVTA provide me with a PVTA membership, or do I still need to buy a PVTA membership? The PVTA is deeply grateful for the $20 contribution that will be included in your PORCA membership, as it will directly support PVTA's work of maintaining and sustaining the trails we all enjoy. However, since this contribution will be made as part of PORCA's donation to the PVTA rather than as an individual membership fee, it cannot be processed as a PVTA membership. In 2025, the PVTA will continue to offer individual memberships, which offer additional benefits, including attending and having voting rights at the annual AGM. If you'd like to support the PVTA beyond your PORCA membership, you could consider purchasing an individual or corporate membership or exploring other ways to give back, such as PVTA raffles, merch, volunteer opportunities and more. Your ongoing support will help the PVTA continue to take care of the trail network. The Impact of Your Support Your contributions have been crucial. In 2024, membership funding facilitated over 430 hours of mountain bike trail maintenance by PVTA's dedicated three-member trail crew. This ongoing support is vital for the continued care and enhancement of the Pemberton trail network. Thank you for your understanding and support as we implement these changes. Together, we are building a stronger and more resilient mountain biking community in Pemberton. We look forward to continuing our shared journey with clarity, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to the trails we cherish. PORCA memberships go live on January 20th! Purchasing a membership is easy, and takes less than 5 minutes. You can head to www.porcabikes.com to purchase. Thank you for taking the time to read through these updates and learn more about the ongoing work to strengthen PORCA and PVTA. We both are excited about the future of our partnership and are confident that these changes will further strengthen our collective impact on the trails we all enjoy. Your ongoing support is what makes these efforts possible, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. Stay tuned for more updates and, as always, thank you for being a part of the PORCA and PVTA community!
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After more than two years of dedication, vision and hard work as the PVTA's part-time Executive Director, Allison Gilchrist is moving on. Allie has helped lay the foundation for an exciting future and we couldn't be more grateful. Now, we are looking for a new Executive Director who can carry this momentum forward.
If you are a dynamic leader with a love of the trails, expertise in nonprofit management and a commitment to collaboration and inclusion, we want to hear from you. As the Executive Director, you will lead the PVTA by overseeing operations, strategic planning, community engagement, and ensuring the sustainability of the trail network. Key responsibilities include managing a small staff team, collaborating with the Board of Directors, strengthening partnerships with local organizations, securing diverse funding, and representing the PVTA in the community. You will work respectfully with community partners, including and importantly with Líl̓wat Nation, whose unceded territory we gratefully live, work and recreate on. Employment Details:
Read the full job posting with details on how to apply here. Applications will be accepted until January 3rd, 2025. Questions about the PVTA or this role? Please contact Julia Poetschke, Vice President, for more information: [email protected] The PVTA is thrilled to announce Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) has granted a Section 57 for Tour de Soo 1, 2, 3, Dogwood Ridge and Umik.
A Section 57 is like a work permit for recreation infrastructure, ensuring trails will be preserved and protected for generations to come. As most trails in the Pemberton network do not have a Section 57, this is a significant achievement. This deeply collaborative process, led by Brenda Williams and with support from Líl̓wat Land & Resources, the SLRD and the PVTA, took many years of work and commitment. Among other requirements, an archaeological study was completed by Líl̓wat Land & Resource field technicians. The PVTA can now take these trails into our inventory and maintain them safely now and into the future. Thank you to Líl̓wat Nation for granting permission to use this land recreationally. Here’s a breakdown of the trails and their intended user groups: Tour de Soo 1: MTB, Horse, Hike Tour de Soo 2: Horse, Hike Tour de Soo 3: Hike Dogwood Ridge: Horse & Hike Umik (to go upstream by land): Horse & Hike Special note: From the Trails Master plan “Uphill of Tour de Soo has cultural and environmental values that may be impacted by trail development and use.” Out of respect trails should not be built above the Tour de Soo. Curious about what goes into a Section 57 application and why it is so important to sustain the trail network? Learn more here President’s Welcome: Kyle Leitch
Welcome, members, directors and staff. The PVTA has continued with its mandate to maintain the Pemberton trail network with guidance from the Trails Master Plan, the Trails Working Group, local user groups and a dedicated membership base. We thank you for your time and input. To our Trail Crew, Darren, Jarrord and Braedyn - for your outstanding work, and to all the local volunteers who generously give their time to help keep the trails in great shape, thank you. Gratitude to our Executive Director, Allie, the PVTA was able to expand the trail crew from just 1 in 2022 to 3 in both 2023 and 2024. We are confident that with ongoing efforts, the PVTA will secure the necessary funding to sustain its work for 2025 and beyond. To our volunteer board, none of this would be possible without your support and dedication. It takes a very special person to do what you do, thank you. Directors: Kyle Leitch, Julia Poetschke, Andrew Benson, Aimee Fishman, Thea Sturdy, Luke De Jager, Caleb Smith, Will Cadham, Kailey Moran, Mark Beaton Trail Crew (Staff): Darren Nicoll, Jarrod Anderson, Braedyn Kozman, ED (Staff): Allie Gilchrist TREASURER'S REPORT Andrew Benson, read by Julia Poetschke For 2023 the PVTA recorded its highest ever level of revenue: $95,201. This compares favorably with the previous high of $80,936 for 2022.
Accomplishments: Allie Gilchrist
Membership: Thea Sturdy
Events: Mark Beaton
Supporters: Allie Gilchrist
Trail Work: Will Cadham
Advocacy: Kyle Leitch These are all big collaboration protects, many with PORCA, the Líl̓wat Lands & Resource department and local Sea to Sky nonprofits.
Upcoming Projects: Julia Poetschke Some projects have already been identified for next year, but there will be more discussion and planning to come with the entire board. Our work continues to be guided by the Trails Master Plan, the Trails Working Group, and our membership.
Elections: Allie Gilchrist Acknowledgement of Outgoing Directors Andrew Benson -Treasurer Aimee Fishman -Secretary On behalf of everyone involved with the PVTA we want to thank them for their contribution, dedication, support and hard work over their time on the board. Board of Directors Nominations Vacant Positions Treasurer Vacant Position Candidate: Angie Fulton Secretary Vacant Position Candidate: No Applications Fundraising Incumbent Candidate: Mark Beaton Membership Vacant Position Candidate: Thea Sturdy (Current Director at Large) Moto Rep Incumbent Candidate: Luke DeJager Horse Rep Incumbent Candidate: Caleb Smith Positions continuing on in the second year of their term:
The Pemberton Valley Trails Association (PVTA) said this year’s cross-country ski season was completely saved by a kind gesture from a local business.
The association previously brought groomed tracks first to Beer Farmers and more recently classic and skate tracks to @bigskygolf. Recently, it became clear a previously donated snowmobile used for cross-country ski grooming would not survive the 2024 season. The organization turned to the local community, who did not disappoint. Some offered temporary technical solutions for the sled, or generously donated money towards a new vehicle. Others volunteered to groom the trails themselves to kick-start the season. Thankfully, @backcountrymotorsports performed a “Christmas miracle” and saved the season. The team offered PVTA access to a Polaris 4-stroke corporate demo machine for the 2024 winter season entirely free of charge. PTVA has been blessed by kind acts of kindness from the community since its cross-country ski program first started in 2020. Executive director, Allison Gilchrist, said its first donated sled started a series of heart-warming gestures. “As a small non-profit charity, we rely on the support of the community to maintain the trails,” said Gilchrist. “We are so grateful to the team at Backcountry Motorsports for helping to make sure our cross-country ski program can go ahead as planned this year—once the conditions are right. Currently, Big Sky Golf Club generously offers the community the use of its facilities and donates staff time for grooming to provide an exceptional experience for cross-country skiers” Backcountry Motorsports’ owner, Andrew McBride, said they were eager to keep the fun going this season. “We try and support the local community whenever the opportunity presents itself and it's within our capability,” said McBride. “The Pemberton Valley Trails Association is an awesome local asset for the community and our support of them runs deeper than just the XC Ski track.” PTVA is eternally grateful to local companies for keeping the program going, but a more permanent solution is needed. “We are glad that together with Big Sky Golf Course and Backcountry Motorsports we can offer the community access to one of their favourite cross-country ski tracks this winter,” said Gilchrist. But the organization is still in need of a permanent, tow-capable, working sled that partners can use with PVTA’s grooming equipment next season and beyond. The association is eager to make sure this the trails are open for many years to come. “We know that many people in Pemberton value these winter trails—our next step is to find a permanent tow-capable solution, whether that be through a grant, donation or a formal partnership, so we can offer this program for years to come,” said Gillchrist. “We hope the community will join us in finding one.” Businesses or community members who may be interested are encouraged to get in touch with PVTA at [email protected]. PVTA also welcomes donations of any size from cross-country skiers and community members who would like to support the program. Read more at pembertontrails.com/give-back.html. @spelkumtncommunityforest will be undertaking an important fuel-thinning project near One Mile Lake. PVTA is assisting SCF to ensure selected trail-side trees are retained and that all user groups are kept up to date on trail access. Some trails will be closed for public safety starting on January 3rd 2024. More information from SCF is below:
SCF, through funding from FESBC, will be carrying out fuel thinning work near OneMile Lake. The project encompasses high hazard forest land and is part of ongoing work to reduce risk to nearby residences, infrastructure and downtown Pemberton. We recognize this is a high use trail area and Líl'wat Spirited Ground. Extensive engagement has been done with Líl'wat Nation and trails organizations. One of the key planning parameters was to reduce impacts to trails and sensitive ecosystems while still achieving risk reduction objectives. Líl'wat Forestry Crews will be conducting the work - manual pruning, piling and burning. Some trails will be closed for public safety. Please obey all signs and instructions from the crew. Work and trail closure information will be updated as regularly as possible. There have been some changes this fall to the PVTA Board as we’ve welcomed new faces and new roles while saying farewell to others.
Crystal Conroy, our former Director of Communications has stepped down after two years of volunteer service, helping to renew the PVTA brand and setting up PVTA comms for success. Crystal championed Indigenous learning programs for the board, improved board processes, ensured all user groups were represented, attended many trail days, and much more. We’ve also said goodbye to Madison Perry, our former Community Engagement Director, who helped lead the 2023 PVTA survey and supported our work in the community. Please join us in saying THANK YOU to Crystal and Madison! 👏 We’re thrilled to share that Julia Poetschke, former Membership Director, has agreed to help lead the PVTA as our new Vice President. Julia has been central to the growth of our commercial and corporate membership drives, helped lead our cross-country ski program, and will now be at the helm of the organization. We’ve also welcomed Kailey Morin as our new Director of Communications. Kailey brings with her over a decade of experience working in nonprofit communications and fundraising. She is excited to get to know the trails and the community even better. All of us here at the PVTA have been out enjoying time on the trails. We are once again thankful for our volunteers and donors who help to create opportunity for our organization to do great things!
read on: Click here LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Pemberton Valley Trails Association are grateful to live, work and recreate on the unceded lands of the Líl̓wat Nation. We are committed to deepening our understanding and respect for the Líl̓wat Nation and the land
In Attendance: Crystal Conroy, Kyle Leitch, Luke Dejager, Darren Nicoll, Mark Beaton, Andrew Benson, Aimee Fishman, Allie Gilchrist, Jay Molloy, Paul Horan, Eric Ayotte, Jack Lowrie, Kailey Morin Call to Order: Kyle: I call to order the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the PVTA. Time: 9:47 Please ensure that you have signed in. Approve the 2023 AGM Agenda: Kyle: Could I have a motion to approve the 2023 AGM Agenda as distributed? MotionBy #1 Aimee Fishman #2: Luke De Jager Approve the Minutes of the 2022 Annual General Meeting: Kyle: Could I have a motion to approve the Minutes of the 2022 AGM (by someone who attended last year). Motion By #1 Luke De Jager #2 Aimee Fishman Kyle President Report:
Trail Maintenance:
TrailForks Usage Stats (Jan-Sept):
Achievements:
Work In Progress:
We hope everyone is having a wonderful summer so far. All of us here at the PVTA have been out enjoying time on the trails in numerous ways. We are once again thankful for our volunteers and donors who help to create opportunity for our organization to do great things!
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The Pemberton Valley Trails Association is a Registered not-for-profit Charity organization.
Registration no.: 870214111 RR 0001 If you would like to make a donation we will email you a tax receipt. |
Special thank you to @bruhnsphoto, @jake.paddon, @elodyemartin @srobarts
and the PVTA community for sharing images for this site.
and the PVTA community for sharing images for this site.
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