You’ve probably noticed those special BC Parks licence plates around—but did you know that they help pay for the work GaLTT does?
The BC Parks licence plate program was created in 2017, and in the past few years it has supported a lot of projects GaLTT is involved in. That’s because the revenue generated from licence plate sales is used to fund BC Parks projects and initiatives such as the PEF (Parks Enhancement Fund) program, which supports community-led conservation or recreation initiatives in provincial parks. (You can find a list of licence plate-funded projects on the BC Parks website.)
GaLTT has applied for and used funding from six PEF grants in past years to support meadow restoration and accessibility improvements at Gabriola Sands and Drumbeg provincial parks. We continue to work collaboratively with BC Parks staff to identify future projects that will make a difference to our community—there’s always more to do!
Buying a BC Parks licence plate is another way to support the work of GaLTT and other community groups, so please consider it. (There are three different designs to choose from.) The specialized licence plates are available at the Coastal Community Credit Union Insurance office on North Road.
Gabriola Sands Provincial Park
At Gabriola Sands, PEF grants have funded improvement to accessibility. We’ve improved a path to Pilot Bay and modified the restrooms and a picnic table above the beach to be wheelchair accessible. On the Taylor Bay side, we’ve gravelled the access roadway to mitigate the challenges of seasonal mud and create a more accessible route across the fields.
Drumbeg Provincial Park
In Drumbeg, PEF grants helped GaLTT built a more accessible pathway to the picnic table closest to the parking lot so that people with mobility challenges can enjoy the view. Over the past five years a series of PEF grants have also enabled us to work on meadow restoration in Drumbeg, in areas where we removed invasive Scotch broom. The value of these grants has varied considerably over this period, reflecting the funds raised annually through licence plate sales, so in years when many are sold we stand to gain directly from this program!
