The British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA)—the leading organization supporting recreation and parks professionals in British Columbia—held its annual Symposium from May 6-9 at the Fairmont Château Whistler.
This flagship event, the only conference of its kind in the province, gathered over 400 professionals, planners, volunteers, and sector partners to engage with the theme ‘Building our Future: Inspiring Belonging and Connection’. Attendees explored innovations and best practices to foster healthy, inclusive communities across British Columbia.
A highlight of the event was the session ‘Recreation Prescription and Social Prescribing’, presented by Prof. Joanne A. Schroeder, Chair of the World Leisure Organization and Professor at Vancouver Island University, alongside Damon Johnston, Manager of Recreation Services for the City of Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture.
Together, they explored how leisure activities—from parks and sports to arts and community events—can help combat social isolation, often called the ‘disease of disconnection’. They shared emerging evidence supporting recreation as a powerful tool to improve well-being, create belonging, and reduce demands on healthcare.
Joanne was accompanied at the event by Dr. Aggie Weighill, coordinator of the World Leisure Centre of Excellence of Vancouver Island University and past BCRPA board member.
The BCRPA Symposium remains a vital forum for advancing recreation’s role in building stronger, more connected communities—offering top-quality programming, networking, and practical solutions for the sector.
