FRONTCOUNTER BC OPEN TO SERVE NANAIMO & AREA

NANAIMO – FrontCounter BC is now open in Nanaimo to assist clients with natural resource authorizations, Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell announced today.

“When we asked our natural resource clients how we could better serve them, they told us a single window to access permits and licenses would help them tremendously,” said Bell. “Before FrontCounter BC, natural resource-based clients often had to go from office to office filling out various forms, and sometimes travel to different communities in search of information. FrontCounter BC simplifies the process by serving as a single point of contact.”

FrontCounter BC is part of government’s ongoing, long-term plan to deliver services when and where they are needed. The goal is to give natural resource business clients access to the services they need in one location instead of having to make numerous queries at several different natural resource agencies. Ultimately, FrontCounter BC fosters vibrant, robust B.C. communities by making it easier for businesses to invest in natural resource opportunities.

“Citizens and small-to-medium-sized natural resource-based clients have direct access to expert staff who can help them through the application and permitting process from start to finish,” said Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon. “I’m really proud to be able to say that the first FrontCounter BC on the island is in Nanaimo. This is proof of government’s commitment to deliver the services British Columbians ask for when and where needed.”

Obtaining permits and authorization can be a complex and time-consuming process. For example, a typical ginseng grower requires an estimated 30 to 40 licenses and permits from up to five different provincial natural resource agencies and six other agencies. An average logging contractor requires licenses and permits from up to three provincial natural resource agencies and three other agencies. FrontCounter BC simplifies the process by offering single access to the required permits and authorizations.

“We’re in the business of taking people outside to enjoy the wilderness,” said Andrea Stapff of Strathcona Park Lodge. “Two years ago, we went through the cumbersome permitting process. It was frustrating being stuck inside filling out applications at a number of different offices. FrontCounter BC solves that problem.”

FrontCounter BC provides complete information across the provincial natural resource sector and accepts applications and fees for up to 85 permits, licenses, tenures and related authorizations on behalf of partner agencies. Clients can pay for services using cash, debit or credit card. Staff do not ‘lobby’ to have projects approved; they act as liaisons between the client and host ministries and agencies, advocating for timely decisions and responses. In March, FrontCounter BC gained major recognition by taking top honours in the cross-government integration category at the Premier’s Innovation and Excellence Awards.

The Province is also working with the KNT First Nations to develop an innovative pilot project that would see the development of a First Nations equivalent to FrontCounter BC. The KNT First Nations, made up of several Nations, are working with the Province to create their own version of FrontCounter BC. The so-called “clearinghouse” will act as a single window for First Nations consultations related to natural resource applications in the KNT territory. Input from the appropriate First Nations will be collected, consolidated and provided to the Province.

“The partnership between FrontCounter BC and our clearinghouse pilot project provides an excellent opportunity to build and implement a model that embodies the essence of the New Relationship,” Dallas Smith, chairman of the KNT First Nations. “We hope this initiative will help the Province and First Nations address natural resource development opportunities with greater efficiency and effectiveness.”

“I’d like to congratulate the KNT First Nations for their vision,” added Bell. “This is tangible proof that the New Relationship forged between government and First Nations is working. We are creating innovative concrete outcomes that benefit all British Columbians and foster social, environmental and economic prosperity.”

FrontCounter BC Nanaimo specializes in aquaculture tenures as all Land Act applications for aquaculture in B.C. are processed by the office. Nanaimo is the third of several FrontCounter BC offices opening across the province. Prince George and Kamloops offices are already open. Additional FrontCounter BC centres will open officially in Surrey, Cranbrook, Williams Lake, Fort St. John, Smithers and Victoria later this year.

In addition to its single-window service for clients of provincial natural resource ministries and agencies, FrontCounter BC also offers OneStop Business Registry services as well as access to a wide range of government information and services available online via a Community Access Terminal (CAT).

For more information on FrontCounter BC, visit www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca or call our toll free number at 1-877-855-3222 (FCBC).

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Backgrounder attached outlines some of the natural resource-related permits and authorizations handled by FrontCounter BC.

1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Liz Bicknell Communications Director Ministry of Agriculture and Lands 250 356-2862 250 213-3072 (cell)

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