Victoria, B.C.- The Provincial Government has made some changes to the Occupiers Liability Act in order to keep more resource roads open and reduce the possibility of injury related lawsuits. 

The near 450,000 kms of resource roads in the province provide a line to the back country, and endless recreation possibilities.

 As it stands now, roads that don’t access year-round communities are sometimes closed to the public after an industrial user no longer needs the road. 

The changes will help keep more of these roads open, by making the road users responsible for their own safety. The changes will also shift the onus for personal injury insurance coverage to third-party users. 

Terry Wardrop, ATV Association of BC spokesman Terry Wardrop applauds the changes “"We use these roads, both new and old, and feel they should be left open whenever environmentally possible. As recreational users, we’re willing to accept reasonable accountability in return for the ability to enjoy our sport in a sustainable manner." 

Bill Bosch, President of the B.C. Wildlife Federation also supports the changes “We support these amendments because they will keep more back country  roads open for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. The B.C. Wildlife Federation can provide liability insurance to its members through clubs,  direct members and programs such as the outdoor passport."