To further streamline the natural resource application process and help make business easier for clients, Notice of Work applications, pursuant to Section 10 of the Mines Act, will now be available exclusively through FrontCounterBC's online application system starting Feb. 28, 2013.

The addition of Notices of Work to FrontCounterBC's online system follows on a BC Jobs Plan commitment to reduce the backlog of Notice of Work, Land Act and Water Act authorizations. The online system will also streamline the application process to help provide the business certainty necessary to create jobs that support B.C. families.

The new electronic forms also include easy online help with filling out applications and the ability to monitor the progress of applications in real-time when submitted with a BCeID profile.

Throughout 2013, FrontCounterBC will be adding more applications to the online system, including water licences and more Land Act authorizations. Hardcopy application forms will be phased out as the program shifts to an electronic-only submission process for all applications.

For more information and status updates of upcoming changes to the online application system, please visit: www.frontcounterbc.ca/news/

Quick Facts:

• FrontCounterBC can assist with more than 130 natural resource-related permits and authorizations at each location.

• FrontCounterBC provides services on behalf of 16 partner agencies.

• Since Jan. 1, 2005, over 55,100 authorizations have been processed.

• Preliminary estimates for mineral exploration expenditures in 2012 are $680 million.

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261