Name and contact information
The name and contact information of the applicant and the applicant's agent, if applicable. If there are co-applicants for the abandonment, a BCeID is required in order to complete and submit the application.
Before you start
If you only wish to partially abandon your rights and obligations (abandon some of the water allocated on your licence) you must use the water licence amendment application.
Overview
This application allows you to request to entirely abandon your rights and obligations under an existing water licence.
There are no fees charged for this application.
Apply
Collect the following information and documents before you start your online application.
Water licence number
The water licence number is a unique number assigned when the licence is issued. The water licence number contains six numbers and may be preceded with a C or F, for example 503410 or C123456 or F3456
Your water licence number can be found in the following ways:
- In the reference column of your statement
- On the bottom right of the water licence document
- Looking it up using the Water Licence Search tool. You can search by client name or the name of the stream (source name) as well as other options
Letter of release
If the mortgage was filed with the comptroller of water rights or regional water manager then you will need to upload a digital copy of the letter of release.
Sales agreement
If there is a pending sales agreement for the land, upload a digital copy of the pending sales agreement.
Approval of all parties
Written approval of all parties who are on title for the appurtenant land, mine or undertaking. An approval form with the appropriate details will be generated for you by the online application system. Approval can be in writing by signing the form or electronically by e-mail.
Submit an application
Once you have assembled the required documents for your application, apply online.
Update your application
After you have submitted an application, you can amend or cancel it:
- If you applied with a BCeID, log in to manage your application including updating or cancelling it
- If you applied without a BCeID, log in to update a submitted application or cancel an application
After you apply
There are a number of steps which will take place before a decision will be made on your application.
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Receiving the application
FrontCounter BC staff will review your application to make sure that it is complete. Only complete applications can be processed. To be complete, FrontCounter BC must receive all signatures (including applicant, co-applicant and affected landowners) with the application. If more information is required they will contact you. Your application will not be accepted for adjudication until all required information is received. -
Consultation and referrals
Other government agencies, affected landowners, other licensees, community groups or other parties may be notified of your application and given the chance to respond. First Nations in the area may also be consulted if required. -
Review
Once FrontCounter BC receives all comments and objections from potentially affected parties, and any additional information provided by you, your application will undergo a technical review. During the technical review process you may be asked to provide additional information or may be required to undertake further study to support your application. On the basis of this review, a recommendation is made for the consideration of a statutory decision maker, normally a water manager, who is authorized under legislation to amend a water licence. -
Decision
A water manager will decide whether to approve your application after weighing the information and will inform you of the decision.
Application enquiries
Read more about application processing and how to check the status of your application.
Contact information
Find the FrontCounter BC office closest to you.
FrontCounter BC Toll Free
1-877-855-3222
1-877-855-3222