Crown land registry (Tantalis)

Last updated on June 27, 2024

The Crown land registry is a record of Crown land ownership, rights, interests and encumbrances according to the Land Act.

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About the Crown land registry (Tantalis)

British Columbia has been keeping records of land ownership since the 1850s. These records were digitized in the 1980s and made available online in the 1990s. The provincial government ensures spatial representation of Crown land registry records are accurate and complete. 

Government Crown land records include: 

  • Current and past Crown land areas
  • Survey plans and reference maps
  • Changes in land ownership
  • Records of land purchases

Online database

Tantalis is an online database application that stores Crown land records. The public can access these records through a tool called GATOR.

Spatial Crown land data

Tantalis spatial data consists of current and historical Crown land survey and tenure information from across British Columbia. It also features several types of administrative areas relevant to land disposition, including:

  • Land districts
  • Regional districts
  • Municipalities

The spatial data in Tantalis was compiled using coordinate geometry. It referenced information from existing surveys and geographical data available at that time.

Access Crown land records

GATOR

The public can access Crown land records through the Government Access Tool for Online Retrieval (GATOR). GATOR is an online search and retrieval system. It allows you to search for information from the B.C. Crown Land Registry, Tantalis. 

You can use GATOR to view, copy, and print online records. You can also find scanned original Crown land documents, such as:

  • Original Crown grants
  • Crown land survey field notes
  • Official plans

ParcelMap BC

Public access to Tantalis spatial data is available through the Land Title & Survey Authority (LTSA) of B.C.'s app, ParcelMap BC. ParcelMap BC is the current, complete and trusted mapped representation of titled land parcels across British Columbia.

Contact us

GeoBC manages geospatial information and products, aiding natural resource management and offering consultations to agencies.

General enquiries: GeoBCinfo@gov.bc.ca 

Deliveries courier
3rd Floor, 3400 Davidson Ave
Victoria, BC V8Z 3P8

Mailing address
PO BOX 9375 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, BC V8W 9M5