Title and statement of responsibility area
Title proper
Improvement district letters patent and bylaw register files
General material designation
- textual record
- cartographic material
Parallel title
Other title information
Title statements of responsibility
Title notes
- Source of title proper: Title based on contents of the series.
Level of description
Series
Reference code
Edition area
Edition statement
Edition statement of responsibility
Class of material specific details area
Statement of scale (cartographic)
Statement of projection (cartographic)
Statement of coordinates (cartographic)
Statement of scale (architectural)
Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)
Dates of creation area
Date(s)
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1922 - 2011 (Creation)
Physical description area
Physical description
50 cm of textual records and maps
Publisher's series area
Title proper of publisher's series
Parallel titles of publisher's series
Other title information of publisher's series
Statement of responsibility relating to publisher's series
Numbering within publisher's series
Note on publisher's series
Archival description area
Name of creator
Biographical history
The Water Rights Branch was established in 1909. Its name was changed to Water Management Branch in 1979.
The Water Rights Branch reported to the following departments and ministries: Dept. of Lands (1909-1945), Dept. of Lands and Forests (1945-1962), Dept. of Lands, Forests and Water Resources (1962-1975), Dept of Environment (1975-1976), Ministry of the Environment (1976-1978) and Ministry of Municipal Affairs (1978-1979).
The Dept. of Lands was established in 1908 (Department of Lands Act, SBC 1908, c. 31). Before 1908 the agencies responsible for the functions of the Dept. of Lands: (1) the Dept. of Lands and Works (Crown lands management, sales, pre-emptions and leases, lands surveying and mapping, timber inspection, forest protection and log scaling), and (2) the Dept. of Mines (water rights in regards to mining operations).
The Dept. of Lands, headed by the Chief Commissioner of Lands, was given responsibility for public lands and water rights, and all matters connected therewith. (SBC 1908, c. 31, s. 5). These responsibilities included: (1) the management of all public lands, as per the Land Act, (RSBC 1897, c. 113); (2) administration of water rights, as per the Water Clauses Consolidation Act, (RSBC 1897, c. 191) [in 1892 by means of the Water Privileges Act (SBC 1892, c. 47), the government had reserved to itself the right to manage all water resources in the province that were unreserved and un-appropriated as of April 23, 1892]; and (3) land settlement programs for returned soldiers.
In 1909, the enactment of the Water Act (SBC 1909, c. 48) resulted in the creation of the Water Rights Branch of the Dept. of Lands, under the management of the Chief Water Commissioner (re-named Comptroller of Water Rights in 1912). This legislation also resulted in the creation of Water Districts under the management of District Engineers, who would be responsible for management in the field of the Branch’s responsibilities.
In 1945, the Dept. of Lands was renamed the Dept. of Lands and Forests (Department of Lands Act Amendment Act, SBC 1945, c. 45).
Name of creator
Biographical history
The Dept. of Municipal Affairs was established in 1934 with the enactment of the Department of Municipal Affairs Act (SBC 1934, c. 52). Prior to that, municipal matters had been administered by a municipal branch of the Dept. of the Attorney-General.
The Dept. of Municipal Affairs was responsible for administration, review and processing of by-laws relative to municipalities, regional districts, and improvement districts; evaluation of administrative practices and procedures, including financial management, of local governments; special programs respecting building regulations; and regional planning processes for municipalities and regional districts.
In 1976, the mandate and functions of the Dept. of Housing and the Dept. of Municipal Affairs were merged and the department was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (OIC 3199/76).
Name of creator
Biographical history
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing was established in 1976 as the successor to the Dept. of Municipal Affairs and the Dept. of Housing (OIC 3199/76). The ministry was organized into a Municipal Affairs Section and a Housing Section with each section headed by a Deputy Minister. The purpose of the Municipal Affairs Section was to administer, review and process by-laws relative to municipalities, regional districts, and improvement districts; evaluate administrative practices and procedures, including financial management of local governments; special programs respecting building regulations; and regional planning processes for municipalities and regional districts. The purpose of the Housing Section was to supervise, acquire, develop, maintain, improve and dispose of housing in the Province; and encourage the creation and support of assisted housing through government grants to municipalities and other organizations.
In 1978, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the housing function was transferred to the Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing (OIC 3018/78).
Name of creator
Biographical history
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs was established in 1978 as the successor to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (OIC 3018/78). The ministry was responsible for administration, review and processing of by-laws relative to municipalities, regional districts, and improvement districts; evaluation of administrative practices and procedures, including financial management, of local governments; special programs respecting building regulations; and regional planning processes for municipalities and regional districts. The Transit Services Division provided transit management services and administered the Transit Services Demand and Supply Programs. It also administered the Islands Trust. Following a government-wide restructuring in August 1986, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs became known as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Transit (OIC 1499/86).
Name of creator
Biographical history
Following a government-wide restructuring in August 1986, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs became known as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Transit (OIC 1499/86). A few months later, in November 1986, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 1904/86).
Name of creator
Biographical history
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs was established in 1934 under its first name, the Dept. of Municipal Affairs, with the enactment of the Department of Municipal Affairs Act (SBC 1934, c. 52). Prior to that, municipal matters had been administered by a municipal branch of the Dept. of the Attorney-General.
The Dept. of Municipal Affairs was responsible for administration, review and processing of by-laws relative to municipalities, regional districts, and improvement districts; evaluation of administrative practices and procedures, including financial management, of local governments; special programs respecting building regulations; and regional planning processes for municipalities and regional districts.
In 1976, the mandate and functions of the Dept. of Housing and the Dept. of Municipal Affairs were merged and the department was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (OIC 3199/76). Shortly thereafter, it was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 3018/78) when the housing function was transferred to the Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing. The remaining functions included administrative services, financial management, and planning services to municipalities, regional and improvement districts. Transit Services Division provided transit management services and administered the Transit Services Demand and Supply Programs. It also administered the Islands Trust. Following a government-wide restructuring in August 1986, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs became known as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Transit (OIC 1499/86). A few months later, in November 1986, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 1904/86).
In 1988, all functions relating to culture, recreation and historic resources of the Ministry of Tourism, Recreation and Culture, were transferred to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. As a result of these changes, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture (OIC 1310/88).
Name of creator
Biographical history
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs was established in 1934 under its first name, the Dept. of Municipal Affairs, with the enactment of the Department of Municipal Affairs Act (SBC 1934, c. 52). Prior to that, municipal matters had been administered by a municipal branch of the Dept. of the Attorney-General.
The Dept. of Municipal Affairs was responsible for administration, review and processing of by-laws relative to municipalities, regional districts, and improvement districts; evaluation of administrative practices and procedures, including financial management, of local governments; special programs respecting building regulations; and regional planning processes for municipalities and regional districts.
In 1976, the mandate and functions of the Dept. of Housing and the Dept. of Municipal Affairs were merged and the department was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (OIC 3199/76). Shortly thereafter, it was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 3018/78) when the housing function was transferred to the Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing. The remaining functions included administrative services, financial management, and planning services to municipalities, regional and improvement districts. Transit Services Division provided transit management services and administered the Transit Services Demand and Supply Programs. It also administered the Islands Trust. Following a government-wide restructuring in August 1986, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs became known as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Transit (OIC 1499/86). A few months later, in November 1986, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 1904/86).
In 1988, all functions relating to culture, recreation and historic resources of the Ministry of Tourism, Recreation and Culture, were transferred to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. As a result of these changes, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture (OIC 1310/88).
In 1991, all functions relating to culture were transferred from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture to the Ministry of Tourism (OIC 1375/91). At the same time, the housing functions of the Ministry of Social Services and Housing were transferred and merged with the functions relating to municipal affairs (OIC 1376/91). As a result of these changes, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture became the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing.
Name of creator
Biographical history
In 1991, all functions relating to culture were transferred from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture to the Ministry of Tourism (OIC 1375/91). At the same time, the housing functions of the Ministry of Social Services and Housing were transferred and merged with the functions relating to municipal affairs (OIC 1376/91). As a result of these changes, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture became the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing.
In 1993, all functions relating to recreation and housing were transferred to the newly established Ministry of Housing, Recreation and Consumer Services (OIC 1216/93). With this change, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
Name of creator
Biographical history
In 1993, all functions of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing relating to recreation and housing were transferred to the newly established Ministry of Housing, Recreation and Consumer Services (OIC 1216/93). With this change, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. In 1996, the functions relating to housing were transferred back which led to the ministry being renamed as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (OIC 205/96).
Name of creator
Biographical history
In 1996, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing when the functions relating to housing were transferred back to it when the Ministry of Housing, Recreation and Consumer Services was disestablished (OIC 205/96). In 1998, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 177/98).
Name of creator
Biographical history
In 1998, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 177/98). In 2001, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs was renamed as the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services (OIC 565/01). Functions from the following disestablished ministries were also added: Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs; Ministry of Immigration and Multiculturalism; Ministry of Women's Equality; Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture; and Ministry of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers.
Name of creator
Biographical history
In 2001 the Ministry of Municipal Affairs was renamed the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services (OIC 565/2001). Functions from the following disestablished ministries were also added: Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs; Ministry of Immigration and Multiculturalism; Ministry of Women's Equality; Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture; and Ministry of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers.
In 2005, the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services was renamed the Ministry of Community Services, and functions related to Aboriginal Affairs were transferred to the newly created Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (OIC 450/2005).
Name of creator
Biographical history
The Ministry of Community Services was formed in 2005 to replace the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services (OIC 450/2008). The new ministry was responsible for all of the functions of the former ministry with the exception of the functions relating to First Nations and Treaty Negotiations which were transferred to the newly created Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. The mandate of the Ministry of Community Services was to promote livable and sustainable communities. It did this by collaborating with First Nations, municipalities, regional districts, in accordance with the Community Charter and Local Government Act; providing advice and resources to local governments to plan for sustainable development and to address for social issues; work with groups to address women's and seniors issues. The Ministry of Community Services was replaced in 2008 by the Ministry of Community Development (OIC 430/2008).
Name of creator
Biographical history
The Ministry of Community Development was established in 2008 (OIC 430/2008). The new ministry brought together most of the functions from the previous Ministry of Community Services. In 2009 it was renamed the Ministry of Community and Rural Development (OIC 281/2009).
Custodial history
Scope and content
The series consists of improvement district letters patent and bylaw register files, 1922-2011. These records document the creation and dissolution of improvement districts, the approval and registration of their bylaws, and provincial government advice and support. Letters patent are the legal instruments for incorporating improvement districts in BC. They establish the name, boundary, services, voting procedures, and other fundamental aspects of each improvement district. Supplementary letters patent cover changes to improvement district boundaries, services, or the number of trustees. Improvement districts were initially created under the Water Act (SBC 1914, c. 81) to provide water and irrigation services to their residents. From 1914 to 1979, administrative responsibility for most improvement districts resided with the Office of the Comptroller of Water Rights (Water Rights Branch). In 1956, responsibility for improvement districts that provided fire protection came under the Dept. of Municipal Affairs, 1934-1976. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs (1978-1986) assumed administrative responsibility for all improvement districts in 1979 with the enactment of the Municipal Act (RSBC 1979, c. 290). This administrative responsibility continues under the Local Government Act (RSBC 2015, c. 1) with the following ministries: Municipal Affairs and Transit, 1986; Municipal Affairs, 1986-1988; Municipal Affairs, Recreation, and Culture, 1988-1991; Municipal Affairs, Recreation, and Housing, 1991-1993; Municipal Affairs, 1993-1996; Municipal Affairs and Housing,1996-1998; Municipal Affairs, 1998-2001; Community, Aboriginal, and Women’s Services, 2001-2005; Community Services, 2005-2008; and Community Development, 2008-2009. Regional districts, introduced in 1965, provide many of the services once provided by improvement districts so new improvement districts will not likely be created. All improvement district bylaws are filed with the ministry and some require registration with the Inspector of Municipalities before taking effect. Others do not require registration, taking effect upon adoption by the trustees of the improvement district.
The records include correspondence, indexes, letters patent and supplementary letters patent, orders in council, approval certificates, and maps. They are arranged alphabetically by improvement district name; some of the records also contain an improvement district number and code. The records were classified under 52000-40 (improvement district letters patent files) of the Local Government Services ORCS, 2006 (schedule 126379).
Notes area
Physical condition
Immediate source of acquisition
Transferred from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development in 2016.
Arrangement
Language of material
Script of material
Location of originals
Availability of other formats
Restrictions on access
There are no restrictions on access.
Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication
Finding aids
A file list is available: http://search-bcarchives.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Document/Finding_Aids_Atom/GR-3501_to_GR-4000/GR-3978.pdf
Associated materials
Related materials note: Local government bylaw advice and approvals, including improvement district letters patent and bylaw files, are also located in series GR-3635. Land use planning and management records concerning local government in BC, including official community plans and their amendments, are located in series GR-3656 and GR-3647.
Accruals
Further accruals are expected.
General note
Accession number(s): 96-4248