Review application requirements
Prior to starting your application, carefully review the application requirements including, but not limited to, supporting documents. Requirements vary by amendment type and are described below.
Before you start
This application allows you to request any of the following changes to your existing change approval:
- Transfer of appurtenancy– apply to transfer all or part of the rights and obligations under a change approval to a different appurtenancy (i.e. parcel of land or another mine or undertaking). Approval holder must own the property described in the change approval
- Change of works – apply to change the works previously approved under your change approval
- Extension of term – apply to extend the term of the change approval
You can apply for one or more options through one amendment application, but not in combination with a transfer of appurtenancy.
Overview
Costs
Application fees are charged at the time of submission and can be paid online or at a FrontCounter BC location. See the payment guidelines for more information.
Application fees are not required from:
- Provincial or federal ministries
- First Nations using water on reserve land
- Nisga'a citizen or entities applying to use water from the Nisga'a Water Reservation
- Amendments that are processed by the BC Energy Regulator
Exemption for use of water on Treaty lands is also possible. Individual Treaty Agreements will be referenced when determining exemptions.
The fees can be found in Schedule 1 of the Water Sustainability Fees, Rentals and Charges Tariff Regulation.
Apply
Collect the following information and documents before you start your online application.
For all applications
The following information is required to complete an application for all amendment types:
- The name and contact information of the applicant and the applicant's agent, if applicable. If there are co-applicants, a BCeID is required in order to complete and submit the application. Obtain the BCeID before starting your application as you will not be able to save your application without it
- Job number or the vFCBC tracking number of the existing change approval that is being amended
- Description of the changes you would like to make and the reasons for the changes
Documents:
- A copy of your Letter of Agency (PDF, 75KB) or other proof of authorization if you are completing the application on behalf of the applicant
- If you share or are connected to another person's works, it is recommended that a Joint Works Agreement (PDF, 375KB) outlining each party's role and responsibilities be completed
A detailed list of information requirements can be found in the Water Sustainability Regulation.
For a transfer of appurtenancy
- If you want to transfer only part of your approval, provide a description of the part of the change approval being transferred
- Description of the land, mine or undertaking to which some or all of the rights under the approval are being transferred (legal description, PID, or description if the land is unsurveyed) and the name of the new owners (if applicable)
If any changes to the works are required you will also have to fill out the 'Change of Works' section of the application.
For a change of works
- Changes to works you would like to add and works you would like to remove from the existing approval
For an extension of term
- New proposed end date of the term
- Reason for requesting an extension in the approval term
Potential additional requirements
- Federal authorizations to address the parts of your proposal that may apply to Federal Navigable Waters Protection Act, Migratory Birds Regulation and Department of Fisheries and Oceans Assessments for projects near water
- Fish and wildlife general permit to allow for destruction of a beaver or muskrat den, house or beaver dam. This permit is generally issued only to protect against property damage
- Supplemental information or technical reports that provide case-specific information required to make a decision on your application. This information supplements what you already submitted. Examples include geotechnical report, fish report, erosion control plans, etc. Government staff will ask you to provide this information when required
Submit an application
Once you have assembled the required documents for your application, apply online.
Amend 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
Your application will go through the following process before any decision is made about whether the change approval amendment will be granted.
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Receiving the application
FrontCounter BC will process your payment and review any documents you might mail or bring to one of the FrontCounter BC offices. If more information is required, they will contact you. Your application will not be accepted for adjudication until all required information is received. -
Consultations and referrals
Applications may be referred to other provincial and federal regulatory agencies for comment during the adjudication process. Consultation with First Nations, other water users, community groups or other parties may be required if existing rights could be affected by your application. -
Review
Once all comments and objections from potentially affected parties, and any additional information provided by you or affected parties, applications 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 grant a change approval. -
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