B.C. launches new permitting hub for adventure tourism operators

British Columbia’s government said a new pilot project aims to streamline the permitting process for adventure tourism operators and attract more companies to the province.

The province announced its new Adventure Tourism Hub on Thursday, saying the approach will make the process clearer and more efficient for businesses.

Operators who want to offer adventure activities on Crown land must secure a land-tenure permit, as well as a separate park-use permit for activities within B.C. Parks. The permits require an analysis of environmental impacts and consultations with First Nations.

Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Minister Randene Neill the turnaround time to get land-tenure permits can often be one to two years. 

“It’s a really complicated process, not just for new tenures but for renewals as well. It causes a lot of stress and uncertainty for the company,” said Neill. 

Neill said the requirements for the permits will be unchanged, but the hope is that the new process could reduce wait times to a few months, rather than years.

The province said the initial pilot project will focus on permits for heli-skiing, cat-skiing and guided snowmobiling activities.

Dave Butler with Helicat Canada welcomed the new hub. He said the industry association has long been calling for a modernized process.

“Currently, our operators have to navigate a complex pathway of agencies and processes to obtain the land tenures and park use permits we need to operate,” said Butler.  

The province said the new hub means there will be a dedicated provincial team to review applications, track their progress and co-ordinate with other government industries on authorizations. Applicants will have a single-point of contact as they navigate the process. 

Tourism Minister Anne Kang said the move supports the province’s target of doubling visitor spending by 2026.

“With this new hub, businesses will more effectively be able to offer unique B.C. adventures, drawing more visitors, creating good jobs and growing the economy,” said Kang.

Neill acknowlegded the province will need to balance growth in the adventure tourism sector with environmental protections and sustainability concerns. She said bringing the permitting process under one roof will allow for more efficient communication between ministries and teams focused on wildlife and biodiversity.

The province said there are about 2,000 adventure tourism businesses across B.C.