Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
VICTORIA -The water licence application process became easier for clients, effective Dec. 6.
"Government has made significant steps to streamline the natural resource permitting process,” said Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson. “These latest changes will allow for quicker turn-around on application approvals and easier access to the information clients need."
Amendments to the water regulation to assist clients in obtaining permit approvals faster include:
* Changing the quick licensing procedures to allow applicants to deliver information to landowners electronically regarding water licence applications where there is ample water available. Currently, information about the application must be delivered by hard copy; and
* Eliminating the current requirement to provide duplicate signatures on water licence applications.
Starting Dec. 6, 2013, the application for new water licences will be available online, replacing the existing paper application forms: www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca
The online water licence amendment application will follow a few weeks later.
The changes to the water regulation and addition of electronic water applications build on the BC Jobs Plan commitment to increase job creation in the natural resource sector and making it easier and faster for industry to invest in the economy.