viaSport BC Project to Strengthen Sport Capacity Enters Final Phase

In late 2024, viaSport launched its multi-year Operational Enhancement Initiative (OEI), funded by the Province of BC, with the goal of strengthening capacity and fostering sustainability of viaSport Designated Sport Organizations in BC. Strong organizational governance and operational effectiveness is needed at all levels in the BC amateur sport system and this project focuses at the provincial level. The project began in September 2024 with an expected completion date of December 31, 2026.  

viaSport and Sport Law designed an inclusive, methodical approach that has been adapted to meet the specific needs and pressure points for each Designated Sport Organization, while also building in support by way of governance coaching to implement more complex recommendations. The project ensures governance and operational practices of viaSport Designated Sport Organizations are up to date with leading practices and are positioned for continued improvement.  

The scope of OEI is to align with the Canadian Sport Governance Code and leading practices (governance & operations), and looks at a number of organizational areas. Additionally, this sector-wide project is designed to gather sector themes and trends to help inform future decision making from an overall sport system improvement lens. Of note, viaSport itself was the first organization to work through the process, and we are pleased to report that all the recommendations received have been actioned. Download viaSport OEI Report 

All 70+/- viaSport Designated Sport Organizations (Provincial, Disability, and Multi-sport Organizations) are participating in the initiative which commenced with an intake group of 10 organizations in October 2024 with each intake lasting approximately 4-5 months. In total, thirty-two organizations have completed the process, thirty-one are still in progress, and the final intake commenced June 10, 2026. 

The most typical themes across the sector discovered through this initiative include the desire and need to work on: 

• Modernizing Governance to ensure board and committee roles and structure, policies, and processes are in place to support appropriate oversight and understanding in decision making and overall effective organizational governance 

• Club Standards Development that aligns local clubs better with their provincial sport organization, and effective standards to ensure local programs and activities, and the participants within, are supported as best as possible 

• Membership and Revenue Growth to support expansion and diversification of participants and revenue sources  

As the initiative moves into its final phase, we continue to appreciate the Designated Sport Organization’s openness to fully participate in the initiative. The insights to-date have not only supported each individual organization in identifying ways to improve, but also the collective amateur sport system in BC. The more the BC amateur sport sector is collectively informed and works together to improve, with the goal of improving the sport experience for all those involved, the better!   

The Future of Sport in Canada Final Report included several references to strengthening the sport sector across the country, primarily focusing on the national level. However, there are actions that can be implemented starting at the provincial level. viaSport’s OEI project work is fully aligned with many of the Future of Sport recommendations. Read viaSport’s response to the report, here.