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Enhance Access to Crown Lands

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

In November 2016, our Government will launch a new municipal leasing program that will allow municipalities to access Crown Lands within their municipal planning boundaries for economic development purposes through long-term leases with flexible payment options, including payment deferral until the development is generating revenue. In 2018, our Government will provide Crown Lands applications online and will have implemented new, publicly available, streamlined approval processes.

What We’ve Accomplished:

  • Launched a new Municipal Leasing Program for Crown Lands.
  • A new policy for municipalities regarding lease-to-own arrangements for Crown Lands was announced on November 30, 2016.
  • The new policy enables municipalities to access Crown Lands within their municipal planning boundaries for economic development purposes.
  • Municipalities can qualify for long-term leases with flexible payment options, including payment deferral until the development is generating revenue.
  • Continuous improvement initiatives to increase access and shorten approval times for Crown lands were released on February 14, 2018. Improvements include access to a new Land Use Inquiry Map, implementation of a toll free dedicated line and email, a 90-business day service standard and a commitment to eliminate backlog, and the launch of an online fillable PDF application form.
  • On March 14, 2019, a proposed amendment to the Forestry Act went through second reading in the House of Assembly that will exempt holders of agricultural Crown land leases from requiring cutting permits to clear land, unless they intend to sell or trade harvested timber. The exemption is intended to simplify the land development process for farmers accessing Crown land.
  • On July 29, 2019, the Provincial Government announced a new feature to the Crown lands application process that allows applications to be completed and submitted online to ensure faster, more efficient processing.
  • The application processes for Crown land now feature:
    • 1-800 line upgraded to an Automatic Call Distribution System to support increased telephone calls;
    • step-by-step process to complete an application online with assistance available through the Inquiries Line, dedicated email, group information sessions, or one-on-one assistance by in-person office appointment, skype or telephone;
    • applicants can also access an application in a fillable PDF format, and submit the document via email; and the,
    • new online payment option allows for greater security and protection of personal and financial information, and provides enhanced self-service options in the application process.

News Releases

Premier Announces Enhanced Access to Crown Lands for Municipalities

Proposed Amendment to Forestry Act Would Reduce Red Tape for Farmers and Ensure Level Playing Field for Forest Harvesters

Crown Lands Continuing Improvements Now Include Online Application, Updated Inquiries Line