The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, today announced initiatives that will improve Crown Lands services for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Some of the initiatives that Minister Byrne highlighted include:
- Implementation of a toll-free, dedicated inquiries line and email address;
- A 90 business day service standard;
- Commitment to eliminate application backlog; and
- New Land Use Inquiry Map.
The public now has additional and enhanced access through a dedicated toll-free telephone number (1-833-891-3249) and email address (crownlandsInfo@gov.nl.ca) to obtain information on the Crown Lands application process or to inquire about submitted applications. Crown Lands receives an estimated 10,000 inquiries annually and this new toll-free telephone line will provide the public with timely access and response.
The Crown Lands Division has had a consistent backlog, estimated to be growing at a rate of approximately 1,000 applications per year. Dedicated teams have been established in each region to address the backlog of applications.
For all new applications received, a new 90 business day service standard will be implemented whereby all applicants will receive a response within that timeframe. This will eliminate any further growth in the backlog of applications.
The public will now have access to a Land Use Inquiry Map which will make Crown Lands information accessible to residents and organizations. The access to online mapping can be used to guide prospective applicants to areas where Crown Lands may be available.
Improving efficiencies in services offered to residents is part of the Provincial Government’s Way Forward commitment to enhance access to Crown Lands and to deliver more services online.
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“Once chronically understaffed and neglected, with a crushing backlog of applications, today the Crown Lands Division is on an established path, making great strides in the delivery of vital services that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians expect, and deserve. My thanks and congratulations to staff for their efforts in this much-needed course of action. This success has occurred through their hard work and dedication.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources
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Learn More
Crown Lands – www.flr.gov.nl.ca/lands
Crown Lands Administration Division – www.flr.gov.nl.ca/department/branches/divisions/lands.html#contact
Land Use Inquiry Map – www.gov.nl.ca/landuseatlas/inquiry/
The Way Forward – www.gov.nl.ca/pdf/the_way_forward.pdf
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @FLR_GovNL
Media contact
Connie Boland
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2923, 640-6409
connieboland@gov.nl.ca