Updates to 2025 Memberships: A Collaborative Effort by PORCA and PVTA
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!