Outdoor Access Improvement Project
Dock Accessibility
Making outdoor recreation accessible for all is a constant goal for BCWF. As such, the Fish Habitat Restoration Education Program team has prioritized improving dock accessibility to ensure improved access to fishing and freshwater lakes across the province.
For people with disabilities; low-impact and affordable outdoor activities such as fishing offer experiences and benefits that are typically only available to abled-bodied individuals. Some of these benefits include enhanced access to inclusive communities, increased ability to secure wild food, and improved participation in overall outdoor recreation. Additional advantages that come with improved accessibility to the outdoors include reductions in stress, depression, anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
With support from the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program, Columbia Basin Trust, and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C., the BCWF has improved access to outdoor spaces by increasing accessibility features on trails, fishing docks, and lake amenities.
Since the program’s inception, 23 lakes have seen accessibility upgrades near urban centers and in regional and provincial parks throughout B.C. Completed upgrades include the installation of the following:
- 5 new docks over fish-attracting shoals or drop-off areas,
- 15 transition plates and 2 concrete transition platforms to allow wheelchair access from trail to dock,
- 3 accessible washroom facilities,
- 5 trail enhancements to allow for low-mobility and wheelchair access,
- Several accessible fire pits at Idlewild Lake in Cranbrook, and
- Interpretive signage to Idlewild Lake in Cranbrook
The project is currently put on pause until additional funding allows for continued upgrades. See our 2022/2023 Dock Accessibility project photos here.
B.C. Lakes Access Guide
Complementing our dock accessibility efforts, the B.C. Lakes Access Guide provides detailed information on lake amenities, terrain, and accessibility features, accompanied by 360-degree virtual tours to assist users in planning their visits.
Making the Outdoors Accessible through our Fishing Forever Program
The Fishing Forever program offers people with diverse abilities the opportunity to learn—or continue—to fish and enjoy the outdoors.
BCWF Watershed Team 