Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
October 28, 2015
Improving Services for the People of Newfoundland and Labrador
Provincial Government Responds to Lands Act Review Report
The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced today the Provincial Government's response to the recent Lands Act review. The Committee's final report regarding their review is now available online at //www.miga.gov.nl.ca/lands/lands_act/lands_act_review.pdf 
"We have assessed the Lands Act Review report and are accepting nearly all of the recommendations which will make the Crown lands process more efficient for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The application process will be simplified, people will receive their decisions in a more timely manner and the timeline to demonstrate adverse possession will be expanded."
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
Areas where work can begin immediately include:
- Simplifying the application process;
- Introducing a way for the public to report unauthorized occupation;
- Reducing the response time for referral agencies to review applications resulting in quicker approval times; and
- Ensuring municipalities receive information on titles granted within their boundaries.
"The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased that the Provincial Government initiated this important review and provided us the opportunity to contribute to the process."
-Susan LeDrew, President, Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The main themes of the report are improving efficiency and timelines, modernizing the legislation and providing more assessable information on Crown lands policies and procedures. The changes include:
- Reinstating squatters' rights for any 20 year continuous period of use and occupation within a municipality and a 30 year continuous period of use and occupation outside a municipality from 1957 to 2007 to provide a fair and balanced approach for all residents;
- A 15 metre shoreline reservation to protect public access of shorelines;
- Making the Land Use Atlas available online which provides electronic access to Crown lands mapping and other land use information;
- The department will undertake a public compliance initiative - individuals can come forward and where appropriate obtain title; and
- Implementing a more targeted approach to enforcement.
In spring 2015, over 190 participants attended province-wide consultations, including residents and individuals representing a variety of industries such as agriculture and tourism, as well as the legal community, business organizations and municipal governments. The department also received approximately 45 written submissions and 20 online submissions.
QUICK FACTS
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced today the Provincial Government's response to the recent Lands Act review.
- The review committee's report can be found online at: //www.miga.gov.nl.ca/lands/lands_act/lands_act_review.pdf
- This report outlines areas of legislation and business processes where improvements can be made in relation to Crown lands.
- In spring 2015, over 190 participants attended province-wide consultations, including residents and individuals representing a variety of industries such as agriculture and tourism, as well as the legal community, business organizations and municipal governments.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
|
Kevin Guest
Director of Communications Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs 709-729-1983, 730-2320 kevinjguest@gov.nl.ca |
Brenda Grimes, QC
Executive Director Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-722-4795 brenda.grimes@lawsociety.nf.ca |
2015 10 28 1:10 p.m.