Trouble is brewing for cycling in British Columbia where there is a proposal to eliminate the fiscal deficit in its Natural Resources Ministry by implementing user fees for all Crown Lands and Parks, and discussions are underway on a new tax on all recreational equipment sold in the province. This would include everything from fishing reels to mountain bikes. Non-residents will pay a lot more for access fees than residents. Called Competitive Market Value, it also means existing fishing and hunting licences will cost more, and the province is developing new special-opportunity licences.

B.C.'s Recreation Stewardship Panel released a 43-page draft document entitled “A New Management and Funding Model for Fish, Wildlife and Park Recreation” that contains 31 recommendations, with final proposals to go to the minister at the end of November.

This has the potential to become precedent-setting and impact negatively on new people entering the sport of mountain biking, as well as camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and skiing.

The panel also failed to suggest a fiscal framework of accountability for the recommendations. Hence, there is no mechanism to ensure that these fees will not just go to fixing potholes on provincial highways.

The Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC) has issued a formal letter voicing strong opposition to user fees, and companies such as Shimano Canada have also voiced concerns and expressed the hope for revisions to the new initiative before it is implemented.