Investigate Clean Energy

Investigate Clean Energy

Investigate Clean Energy: Application to investigate the use of Crown land for potential viability of a water, wind or ocean power project.

Related Activities: Investigate Clean Energy

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.

Mandatory Authorizations

Authorization Name Link to Authorization Guidance Link to Application
Land Act authorization - Ocean Energy, Waterpower or Wind Power 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 due when application is submitted. $500.00 Crown Land Application Fee Structure
Rent Land rental fee which is prepaid on an annual basis. Click the link provided on the right, select the applicable program and a summary of this information can be found under ‘Fees & Costs’. For further information refer to the Pricing Policy. $500.00 Crown Land Use – Clean Energy Web Page
Insurance A minimum of $2 million liability insurance. Click the link provided on the right and select the applicable program. Under ‘Application Documents’ you will find insurance requirements in the program policy document. Varies - consult your insurance agent Varies–consult Crown Land Use – Clean Energy Web Page
Security A security document is required to ensure the tenure holder complies with and completes all of the obligations and requirements specified in the tenure. Click the link provided on the right and select the applicable program. Under ‘ Application Documents’ you will find security requirements in the program policy document. Varies Crown Land Use – Clean Energy Web Page

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 provided link for access to checklists of requirements. You can link directly to the online application in the Mandatory Authorizations section. Crown Land Use: Clean Energy Web Page (choose appropriate purpose, then view Requirements)
Investigative Plan A written report explaining the proposal in detail. Refer to link provided for the Crown Land Use Investigative Plan template, as well as guidance to help you complete your plan. Crown Land Use Management Plan
Maps
  1. Location Map
  2. Site Plan Map
Create a Location Map and Site Plan Map as per the "Commercial and Industrial" 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.
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.
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
Crown Land Use: Investigate Clean Energy - Template An example of a Clean Energy Investigative Plan template.
Crown Land Use: Investigate Clean Energy (Ocean Energy Projects) Policy The Crown Land Use Policy which provides the details of the land use program being summarized by this document.
Crown Land Use: Investigate Clean Energy (Waterpower) Policy The Crown Land Use Policy which provides the details of the land use program being summarized by this document.

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