Effective June 8, 2015, short-term water use applications will go online, making them easier for clients to access, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson announced today. 

Under sections 8 and 9 of the Water Act, short-term water approvals are issued for up to two years and for changes in and about a stream. Approximately 1,900 short-term water approvals are issued each year. Now, all water-use applications will be available online.

The online system streamlines the applications process, promotes more complete applications, supports faster turn-around time and enhances client access to government information and services.

Once the electronic application is launched, paper application forms will no longer be available or accepted for processing. Clients must use the new application form on FrontCounter BC’s website: www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca
Clients requiring assistance with their application forms can visit any FrontCounter BC location or contact an agent through the FrontCounter BC Contact Centre at 1 877 855-3222.

Quotes:

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resouce Operations - 

“With today’s announcement, 45 resource management authorizations are now available online supporting more complete applications and shorter processing times.”

Quick Facts:

• FrontCounter BC offers access to more than 160 natural resource-related permits and authorizations at each location.
• FrontCounter BC provides services on behalf of eight additional partner agencies.
• Since Jan. 1, 2007, FrontCounter BC has processed over 76,500 authorizations.
• The FrontCounter BC contact centre handles more than 29,000 inquiries annually.

Learn More:

FrontCounter BC:  http://www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations: http://www.gov.bc.ca/for/index.html

Media Contacts:

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