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Ministry of Agriculture and Lands |
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CRANBROOK GAINS FRONTCOUNTER BC EXPERTISE |
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CRANBROOK – A new FrontCounter BC office is now open in Cranbrook to provide business and citizens access to natural resource-related information and authorizations, Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell announced today.
“This is an award-winning service that we’re proud to offer to the people of Cranbrook,” said Bell. “Natural resource clients told us they were frustrated with the permit and authorization process because they found it time-consuming and confusing. FrontCounter BC streamlines the application process, leading to quicker decision times.”
FrontCounter BC staff ensure clients fully understand the appropriate authorizations required for their businesses. They help research and apply for Crown land use decisions, regardless of which agency or ministry holds responsibility for the area.
“I am in the business of natural resource consultation, not government approvals and permitting processes,” said Mark Serediuk, general manager of Maple Leaf Forestry Consulting Ltd. “What I like about FrontCounter BC is that I talk to one person, fill out forms just once, and then get back to my business. FrontCounter BC takes away the headache of having to chase down information and approvals.”
“FrontCounter BC improves the economic climate of the region, by helping clients negotiate the authorization process from start to finish,” said East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett. “A positive investment climate encourages the growth of new businesses and helps strengthen B.C.’s overall economy.”
Staff help clients identify environmental, public health and safety issues relevant to completing the decision-making process for natural resource tenuring applications. These important concerns will be addressed as an essential part of the process, while the authorization process proceeds efficiently. Last year, FrontCounter BC gained major recognition by taking top honours in the cross-governmental integration category at the Premier’s Innovation and Excellence Awards.
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 (via a Community Access Terminal) to a wide range of government information and services available online.
FrontCounter BC Cranbrook is located at 1902 Theatre Road. Look for the unique wooden sign. The office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is open through the lunch hour. Free parking is available beside the FrontCounter BC entrance. For more information on FrontCounter BC, visit www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca or call toll-free 1 877-855-3222 (FCBC).
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Communications Director 250 356-2862 250 213-3072 (cell) |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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