Utility - Industrial

Utility - Industrial

Utility - Industrial: Application to build and maintain a power line/water/sewer line or other utility across Crown land longer than 25 km. This also includes applications to build and maintain a power line on Crown land for power distribution and for connection to the grid.

Related Activities: Thermal Loop, Water - Sewer Lines

Contents:

About this Activity Guide

This guide summarizes the most common requirements and recommendations for your chosen activity and is designed to help you submit a complete application. Be aware that this information is for guidance purposes only.
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Mandatory Authorizations

Authorization Name Link to Authorization Guidance Link to Application
Land Act authorization - Utilities Authorization Guidance Apply Now

Costs

Cost may be a specific value or range of values. The cost includes GST, where applicable.

Cost Type Cost Description Cost Link to Details
Application fee Application processing fee is charged hourly but a fixed amount is collected as a deposit at application submission to draw down from. $2,625.00 deposit drawn down by $52.50 per hour of processing time Crown Land Application Fee Structure
Rent Rent is typically prepaid for the term based on a zone land value. Varies Crown Land Use: Utilities Policy - See Section 7.3
Insurance A minimum level of liability insurance as specified in Section 9.1 of the policy. Varies - consult your insurance agent Crown Land Use: Utilities Policy - See Section 9.1
Security A security deposit may be required to ensure the tenure holder complies with and completes all the obligations and requirements specified in the tenure. Varies Crown Land Use: Utilities Policy - See Section 9.2

Eligibility Requirements

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.

Requirement Description
Age Must be 19 years of age or older if applying as an individual.
Canadian Citizen or permanent resident You must be a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident if applying as an individual.
Company eligible to do business in BC Must be incorporated through the BC Companies Registry, or extraprovincially registered if applying as an organization.
First Nations Must apply through Band corporations or Indian Band and Tribal Councils (Band or Tribal Councils require a Band Council Resolution), if applying as First Nations.

Information Requirements

Requirement Description Link to Details
Land Act Online Application An online system which requires you to enter information onscreen and upload documentation, digital files and/or maps to support your application. See the link provided for a checklist of requirements. You can link directly to the online application in the Mandatory Authorizations section. Utilities Application Requirements Checklist
Crown Land Use Management Plan A written report explaining the proposal in detail. Refer to link provided for the Crown Land Use Management Plan template, as well as guidance to help you complete your plan. Crown Land Use Management Plans
Location and Site Plan Map Create a Location Map and Site Plan Map as per the "Road, Utility, Telecommunications, Water Power" mapping instructions on the linked page. A digital file in the form of a shapefile, KML or Geomark link is preferred although not required. See Links section for mapping tools to assist with digital files. Site Map Samples Web Page

Potential Additional Requirements

Requirement Description When is it Required?
Agent Letter Signed and dated letter providing approval for agent or consultant to act on behalf of applicant. Legal names/entities to be used on letter. Refer to Links section for template. When an agent or consultant will be acting on behalf of applicant.
BC Hydro Approval Approval to be requested from BC Hydro. Refer to Links section for additional information. For large supply projects when power will be supplied to a power company.
Burn Registration Number See Guide to Open Burning in the Links section for additional information. When planning an open fire, you may require a Burn Registration Number.
Co-Applicant Permission A co-applicant authorization letter is generated within the Online Application system which must be signed digitally or printed, signed and uploaded. The letter authorizes the main applicant to provide personal information for all co-applicants. A separate letter is required for each coapplicant. When more than one applicant has requested to be named on the tenure document, which makes them coapplicants.
Occupant Licence to Cut An authorization for trees to be cut on a Crown land tenure. Refer to Links section for additional information. When the tenure holder needs to cut timber on the Crown land tenure.
Road Use Permit or Maintenance Agreement Road Use Permit (RUP) for a Forest Service road or a Maintenance Agreement with an existing permit holder, if the road is under road permit or special use permit. Refer to Links section for additional information. If you will transport heavy equipment or materials on an existing forest road.
Water Sustainability Act - Change or Use Approval An authorization under the Water Sustainability Act which allows you to make changes in and about a freshwater source. Change or Use approval applies depending on activity and length of use. If you will be working in or around freshwater.
Link Description
Agent Letter (Letter of Agency) A document to be signed to allow another party to manage an application on behalf of a client.
BC Hydro Approval Web Page Web page which provides information on connecting to the grid.
Crown Land Use: Utilities Policy The Crown Land Use Policy which provides the details of the land use program being summarized by this document.
Crown Land Use: Utilities Web Page A web page providing additional detail.
FrontCounter BC Discovery Tool A Google Earth based mapping tool where you can create a Geomark or KML.
Guide to Open Burning An informative guide with details including when to obtain a burn registration and the requirements for open burning.
iMapBC A mapping tool where you can create a shapefile.
Occupant Licence to Cut Form A form to use if requesting to cut or cut and remove trees on a Crown land tenure.
Road Use Permit Application Form A Road Use Permit (RUP) application form.
Water Sustainability Act Change or Use Approval A web page providing additional detail.
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Other Things You Should Know

Archaeology Information
Archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and must not be altered or damaged without a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. Information regarding potential risks to protected archaeological sites may be obtained by submitting an online data request form to the Archaeology Branch or by contacting a professional archaeologist via the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (www.bcapa.ca) or via local directories. Visit the Archaeology Branch website for more information.

BCeID - What Is It and Why Get It?
BCeID is an online service that allows you to create a user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia. The benefits of having a BCeID account include:

  • Stop and start. Save and return later to complete your application without losing any information previously entered.
  • Real time status information. Check the status of your application in real time.
  • Access your applications for multiple people (Business BCeID only) to edit or submit your application or check its status. To enroll in this service, visit the BCeID web page: FrontCounter BC - BCeID

Consulting with First Nations

  • The Province is committed to reconciliation as part of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act.
  • The Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation.
Proponents are encouraged to engage with First Nations as early as possible in the planning stages to build relationships and for information sharing purposes. To get more information about the guidelines and procedure manuals that are designed to assist government officials and proponents with meeting consultation obligations, please visit the Consulting with First Nations web page.

Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides the most current and accurate information available to the Government of British Columbia at the time of publishing; however, we make no warranty regarding the completeness, currency or accuracy of this information. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not replace legislated requirements. Each application is unique and circumstances may result in additional requirements beyond those included in this guide.

Last Updated: July 14, 2023