Showing 58 results

Archival description
British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks
Print preview View:

Conservation officer service final reports, statistics and reviews

  • GR-4007
  • Series
  • 1984 - 2010

The series consists of records relating to original research, analysis, and reporting on compliance, enforcement, and human-wildlife conflict management activities performed by the Conservation Officer Service, as established under the Environmental Management Act (SBC 2003, c. 53). Some of the topics covered include bears and orphaned bear cubs, no shooting areas, and ear tags for problem animals such a cougars and black and grizzly bears. The records document the effectiveness of specific control method techniques and the types and severity of human-wildlife conflicts in BC. They were created by the Ministry of Environment and its predecessors between 1984 and 2010.
The records are arranged by subject. They include reports, correspondence, questionnaires, procedure manuals, meeting materials, memoranda, and presentations. The records are classified as final reports, statistics, and reviews (31000-10) under the Conservation Officer Services ORCS (201311), 2017. They are also assigned an internal file code.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment (2005-2017)

Conservation Officer Service wildlife attack final reports

  • GR-4005
  • Series
  • 1991-2012

The series consists of final reports summarizing wildlife attacks on humans created by the Conservation Officer Service, part of the Enforcement program of the Ministry of Environment and its predecessors under the Environmental Management Act (SBC 2003, c. 53) between 1991--2012. The final reports cover the response and related activities of the Conservation Officer Service (COS) to human-wildlife conflicts that pose a threat to public safety (e.g., wildlife attacks, repeated dangerous wildlife encounters at or near public locations, situations where dangerous wildlife has become habituated or food conditioned and now represents a risk to public safety, and livestock-large predator conflicts) in BC. COS also responds to certain cases of injured or dead wildlife (e.g., large carnivores or ungulates). The records document the investigation and outcome of wildlife attacks that threaten human safety and may result in human fatality or serious injury. They illustrate the evolution of wildlife attack investigative technique, causes of wildlife attacks, and methods used to dispatch wildlife. They may be used to inform wildlife conflict reduction strategies, policies and procedures, and educational materials developed by COS.

The records are arranged by geographic area and type of animal attack. They consist of memoranda and reports containing copies of photos, news clippings, memoranda, correspondence, case summaries, and exhibit materials. The records are classified by an internal filing code and ORCS classification 31040-14 (wildlife attack final reports) under the Conservation Officer Service ORCS (schedule 201311).

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment (2005-2017)

Conservation Officer Service policy records

  • GR-4004
  • Series
  • 1980-2012

This series consists of policy records developed by the Conservation Officer Service to support its core operational functions and activities: compliance and enforcement of federal and provincial natural resource law and human wildlife conflict management. The records were created by the Conservation Officer Service, part of the Enforcement program of the Ministry of Environment and its predecessors under the Environmental Management Act (SBC 2003, c. 53) between 1980-2012. They consist of final/approved policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines relating to environmental protection, fish and wildlife management, and public safety in the province of BC.
The records are arranged by category, then by policy name/section. They consist of correspondence, memoranda, final policy documents, reports, copies of occurrence reports, investigations, and copies of legislation. These records are classified as final policy documents (31000-00) under the Conservation Officer Service ORCS (schedule 201311), 2017. They are also assigned an internal filing code.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment (2005-2017)

Conservation Officer Service major investigation case files

  • GR-3996
  • Series
  • 1992 - 2007

The series consists of the major investigation case files of the Conservation Officer Service. These records document the major investigative work of Conservation Officers, who are Special Provincial Constables under the Police Act (RSBC 1996, c. 367) in BC. They are trained and authorized to investigate complaints and incidents and to charge offenders. The records relate to investigating and enforcing suspected cases of noncompliance with the following federal acts and related regulations, which currently fall under the Conservation Officer Service (COS) mandate: Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (SC 2001, c. 26), Criminal Code (RSC 1985, c. C-46), Fisheries Act (RSC 1985, c. F-14), Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (SC 1994, c. 22), Species at Risk Act (SC 2002, c. 29), Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (SC 1992, c. 52) and the following provincial acts and related regulations: Creston Valley Wildlife Act (RSBC 1996, c. 84), Dike Maintenance Act (RSBC 1996, c. 95), Ecological Reserve Act (RSBC 1996, c.103), Environmental Assessment Act (SBC 2002, c. 43), Environmental Management Act (SBC 2003, c. 53), Firearm Act (RSBC 1996, c. 145), Fish Inspection Act (RSBC 1996, c. 148), Fisheries Act (RSBC 1996, c. 149), Forest Act (RSBC 1996, c. 157), Forest and Range Practices Act (SBC 2002, c. 69), Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act (RSBC 1996, c. 159), Integrated Pest Management Act (SBC 2003, c. 58), Land Act (RSBC 1996, c. 245), Liquor Control and Licensing Act (RSBC 1996, c. 267), Motor Vehicle Act (RSBC 1996, c. 318), Offence Act (RSBC 1996, c. 338), Off-Road Vehicle Act (SBC 2014, c. 5), Park Act (RSBC 1996, c. 344), Transport of Dangerous Goods Act (RSBC 1996, c. 458), Riparian Areas Protection Act (SBC 1997, c. 21), Trespass Act (RSBC 1996, c. 462), Water Protection Act (RSBC 1996, c. 484), Water Users' Communities Act (RSBC 1996, c. 483), portions of the Wildfire Act (SBC 2004, c. 31), and the Wildlife Act (RSBC 1996, c. 488). Major cases are serious in nature and address complex issues such as trafficking animal parts, big-game poaching, illegal fishing or guiding, or selling animals for human consumption that are procured illegally. These case are high profile, and may draw intense media and political attention. They include those that: are multi-jurisdictional and involve other levels of government and/or other jurisdictions; may involve elements of organized crime, and violations that fall outside the mandate of the COS; require specialized investigation techniques such as surveillance, canvassing, covert operations, and the use of Judicial Applications such as search warrants, tracking warrants, and Part 6 warrants; require the systematic collection, organization, and evaluation of large amounts of information and electronic data; and relate to serious forest crimes including arson, mischief, fraud and theft of natural resources. These records were created by the Conservation Officer Service part of the Enforcement program of the Ministry of the Environment and its predecessors, 1992-2007.

Major investigation case files are organized by case number, and for special investigations, by project name. A major case includes a variety of record types such as routing sheets, investigation documents, notes, dedicated major case notebooks, court documents (e.g., search warrants, subpoenas, arrest warrants and Crown Counsel disclosure packages, reports (e.g., final, subject, exhibit, expert, briefing, etc.), enforcement action records (e.g., tickets, warnings and orders), photographs, audio-visual records, ledgers, logs, statements, plans, approvals, correspondence, and supporting documentation)). These records are classified as major investigation cases (31010-40) under the Conservation Officer Service ORCS, 2017.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment (2005-2017)

Cariboo Region land and resource management committee files

  • GR-3933
  • Series
  • 1990-1998

This series consists of land and resource management committee files and executive records from the Cariboo Region, 1990-1998. Records relate to a variety of environmental and land use issues in the Cariboo Chilcotin area, including: wildlife management, water, use of range land, Taseko Mines proposal, fishing, land and resource management plans (LRMPs) and the development and implementation of the Cariboo Chilcotin Land Use Plan. Records include correspondence, reports, minutes, reference material and briefing notes.

Executive records include referral replies, files of reference material and some files regarding specific issues and projects involving the Minister and other Executives.

Records include minutes and other operational records of several different committees. Most records are from the Cariboo Regional Interagency Management Committee and Commission on Resources and Environment (CORE). There are also related files from the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Resource Board, Cariboo Chilcotin Land Use Committee and meeting files from various regional mangers and executive groups.

Files may include consultations with and comments from community groups, resource users and First Nations regarding the development of management plans, land use and environmental issues.

Records have been selected for permanent retention and are scheduled under Administrative Records Classification numbers 204-20, 280-30 and 102-20.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

South Coast land and resource management committee files

  • GR-3912
  • Series
  • 1991-2013

This series consists of committee files from the Environmental Stewardship Division (ESD) of the South Coast Region, 1991-2013. The records are those of Brian Clark, who worked as the Regional Manager of Fish, Wildlife & Habitat Protection, Ministry of Environment Lands and Parks; Regional Manager of the Environmental Stewardship Division, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection; Regional Director of the Environmental Stewardship Division, Ministry of Environment; and Executive Director of the Resource Stewardship Division, Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations. Clark also acted as Chair of Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program (BIEAP) and Chair of Fraser River Estuary Management Program (FREMP); both of these programs ended in 2013.

The records in this series document the involvement of the environmental and resource stewardship south coast regional office in several interjurisdictional environmental advisory and planning committees, working groups, and initiatives. The committees address environmental issues relating to fish and wildlife habitat, air quality, climate change, water quality, aquatic ecology, vegetation, and terrain and soils in the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver area. The mandates and missions of the committees touch on the intergovernmental coordination of environmental issues, conserving agricultural and wildlife resources, and preventing the loss and degradation of coastal habitats.

Records include meeting minutes, correspondence, reports, studies, agreements, drafts, briefing notes, reference materials, financial records, agendas, presentations, annual reports, environmental assessment records and maps.

The series also includes a few files of legal materials from ESD, including correspondence, court records, briefing notes, reports, and records related to document discovery.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

Training and development course packages

  • GR-3898
  • Series
  • 1990-1995

This series consists of training and development course packages created by the Human Resources Branch of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, 1990-1995. Files contain correspondence, course materials and other records used in course development regarding chemical immobilization of wildlife, basic enforcement, electrofishing and tree assessment. The series also includes the results of a training needs assessment.

Records in this series are covered by ARCS 1730-06, 1735-04 and 1735-05. Records have been selected for full retention

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

Exposure to hazardous materials case files

  • GR-3897
  • Series
  • 1988-1998

This series consists of exposure to hazardous materials case files created by the Human Resources Branch of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, 1988-1998. Files contain correspondence, minutes, reports and training materials regarding the presence of asbestos in a government office building and possible employee exposure; exposure to hazardous carpet glue at another government office; inspection and use of a lab at Malaspina College; and the implementation of training for Conservation Officers on handling hazardous materials to meet WCB compliance.

Records in this series are covered by ARCS 1460-40 and 1460-45. Records have been selected for full retention.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

Parks Plan 90 area meeting files

  • GR-3891
  • Series
  • 1991

This series contains records relating to public consultation meetings for the purpose of informing the Parks Plan 90, particularly the Parks and Wilderness for the 90s initiative.

Records in this series include executive summaries of public meetings that happened all over BC. These reports contain attendance sheets, location, date, tone of the meeting, major issues, concerns, logistics, question period questions, attendance and staff recording sheets and a list of presenters from stakeholders for each meeting. These files are complemented by formal proposals, copies of presentations, reports and letters submitted by various associations, businesses, developers and the public with suggestions and/or concerns about the future of the park system in BC, particularly in terms of land use. Some proposals have photos pasted within them. Presentation materials for meetings are mainly about tourism assets in the region. Attendance sheets from meetings also contain the name and addresses of those wishing to be added to a mailing list.

The series includes a VHS tape from “Pylades Park Association”.

The records are arranged into folders by city or region, though it appears some records may have been misfiled. For example, there are files from the Campbell River meetings located in the McBride folder, and Kamloops meeting files filed in the Williams Lake folder.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

BC Parks In-house materials master files

  • GR-3888
  • Series
  • 1937-2008

This series consists of a variety of graphic materials from the BC Parks in-house materials master files from 1937-2008. The files include mock-ups, drafts and finished examples of activity books, pamphlets, signs, badges, stickers, logos, name tags and pins for use in parks programming or display in Provincial Parks.

Pre-2000 records include park trail guides and maps including wildlife watching pamphlets and other special interest activities popular in provincial parks. The series also includes Canada Parks Day graphic design samples, parks news releases and press clippings, promotional materials including stickers, bumper stickers, pins, colouring pages, activities for children, road maps, camping site information and things to do in the area. There are also visitor guides, brochures, interpretive trail guides, and a limited amount of correspondence. Records cover provincial parks around the whole province, though some may be missing.
While some records do not appear to be organized in a specific way, maps, trail guides and related pamphlets are organized to some extent by region and year of publication.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

Ministry of Environment executive records and briefing notes

  • GR-3886
  • Series
  • 1994-2005

This series consists of a variety of executive records, including, briefing notes, decision notes, ministry Orders in Council, ministerial orders and Cabinet submissions from 1998-2005. The records were created by the Ministry of Environment and its predecessors, the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, and the Ministry of Water, Lands and Air Protection. The records were created by several offices for the information or decision of the Minister, Deputy Minister, the Assistant Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Enforcement Programs, and other executive members of the ministries.

Records may address any subject related to the mandate of the ministries. The records are arranged by accession number, then by file code, then chronologically by date.

Accession 95-5839 contains briefing notes from the Parks Division. Briefing notes in yearly files are arranged by District, then month and day. The topics of the briefs concern the creation and development of new parks and conservations areas; the deletion, removal or transfer of park lands; the construction of infrastructure in parks including roads and powerlines; park use permits and fees; the changing uses of park lands for recreation; issues surrounding mining and logging in and around park lands; response to pine beetle infestations; safety concerns and accidents involving park visitors; changes to legislation; First Nations treaty negotiations regarding park land; as well as approval and development of park Master Plans and Management Plans.

Accession 95-7183 contains briefing notes from the Environmental Protection Division. The topics of the briefs concern waste control and management, environmental health, climate change, pollution prevention, recycling and waste disposal programs, among other related topics.

Accession 96-0944 contains briefing notes from the Enforcement program. The topics of these records mainly concern enforcement services regarding non-compliance with environmental standards, the Conservation Officer Service (including their training and firearms safety), contaminated sites, wildlife, and habitat protection as it relates to environmental laws.

Accession 95-8904 contains executive records from the Deputy Ministers Office. Records include briefing notes, decision notes, ministry Orders in Council (OICs), ministerial orders, Cabinet submissions, correspondence, and related reference material. Subjects and issues addressed may cover all programs and divisions of the ministry. Records may be addressed specifically to the Deputy Minister for their signature or approval, or they may be informational reference copies from the Minister of other Executives. Some of the records may be duplicated in other accessions.

Records in this series are classified under ARCS numbers 135-35, 135-60, 201-40 and 280-20.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

Integrated Cadastral Initiative Society records

  • GR-3885
  • Series
  • 2000-2004

This series contains records relating to the Integrated Cadastral Initiative Society (ICIS).
ICIS is a non-for-profit organization and a partnership between local governments, the Province of British Columbia and major utility companies in British Columbia. The goal of this initiative is to develop, use and maintain a province-wide integrated cadastral database of all legal land parcels and their related infrastructure (spatial data). ICIS would handle infrastructure to enable access to the data by its members which would benefit business communications and processes by only needing to go to a single source to obtain the data required to meet operational needs. This would encourage quality data and cost savings resulting from the elimination of duplication of effort.

Currently, the series contains records dating from before its incorporation in 2002 up until 2004. The records were kept by the manager of the Spatial Data Management Section, Crown Land Registry Services of the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management and by the MSRM Partnerships Branch. The records represent a provincial government’s perspective into this multi-member partnership.

The records were mostly classified under ARCS number 200-20: General Committees however the records cover nearly every aspect of ICIS daily functions and activities. Primarily, the records cover project management, administration, and financial information. Records relating to project management include meeting minutes and agenda from the steering committee, board meetings, annual general meetings and director meetings. They also include numerous reports (including annotated drafts) related to the establishment of the organization, Integrated Cadastral Fabric (ICF) standards and specifications, database design, marketing plans and business plans. Project charters, focus group meetings, short and long term plans, and executive summaries are also included.

Administration-related documents include correspondence regarding general inquiries, comments, and memberships. There are also signed and draft agreements with partners, relating to membership terms and to confirm sharing and licensing agreements. There is also information on ICIS history, constitution and by-laws, policies, procedures and organizational structures.

Financial information in this series covers funding, grants, banking services proposals, balance sheets, financial statements and audits.

British Columbia. Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management

Water use planning records

  • GR-3879
  • Series
  • 1998-2005

The records in this series relate to Water Use Plans in British Columbia.
In 1998 the province formally initiated a Water Use Planning (WUP) program. WUP is a cooperative effort involving BC Hydro, the provincial government, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and First Nations and other key interested parties. Guidelines were published describing steps required to complete and implement a water use plan. At each facility these plans attempt to define suitable operating parameters which balance environmental, social and economic values. The WUPs are intended to accommodate other water use interests through incremental changes in how existing water control facilities store and release water. WUP are not intended to be comprehensive watershed management plans to deal with water management issues associated with other activities in the watershed such as forestry and mining.

Each hydro facility had their own Consultative Committee of stakeholders, representing a range of interests. These committees held meetings with the aim to establish operating objectives for water use and management for the various water systems. Committee reports express their interests, values, and recommendations and document the consultative process. It is a supporting document meant to help inform and prepare BC Hydro’s Water Use Plan. This series contains both committee reports and the final version of BC Hydro’s Water Use Plans that were submitted to the Comptroller of Water Rights for review under the Water Act.
The reports include a system description (basins, rivers, dams, reservoirs etc.), methodology, hydro operation studies and results.

The series also contain BC Hydro data and interim orders from the Comptroller of Water Rights. Interim orders appear to be proposed operational changes to achieve flows which will provide incremental improvements for fish while the water use plan process was underway and assessment was still being made to determine what the most suitable or preferred flows for fish should ultimately be.

Finally, a few documents in the series deal with redevelopment plans to support BC Hydro water license applications in light of recommendations established in the Water Use Plans.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment (2005-2017)

Conservation Officer Service records

  • GR-3875
  • Series
  • 1996-2005

This series contains records from the Conservation Service Office, part of the Enforcement program of the Ministry of Environment and its predecessors. The series contains records related to the image/identity of the service, such as details on the establishment of their service flag, commemoration medals and motto. There are also records related to Conservation Officer job descriptions and job training which includes manuals and/or instructions related to writing reports, conducting investigations and handling firearms. The series also covers information related to special sections under the Enforcement program for commercial and industrial investigations.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment (2005-2017)

Environment cabinet committees and working groups

  • GR-3874
  • Series
  • 1994-2001

This series contains various cabinet committees and working groups representing environmental issues. These particular files were kept by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. The committees were made to advise the Deputy Minister and Minister on important environmental issues to bring to Cabinet. Currently, the majority of the records pertain to the Green Economy Initiative for which there was a Deputy Minister’s Committee and a Working Group. This Initiative worked on boosting the province’s economy using eco-friendly innovation and investments into green companies. A smaller portion of the files belong to the Forest Renewal BC Environment Committee which worked on a terrestrial ecosystem restoration program.
The records of these committees typically contain agenda, presentations, summary reports, appointment letters and accompanying materials for discussion meetings. The series also contains minister’s briefing books for the Green Economy Initiative as well as a cabinet submission form for reducing gas emissions. There is also a file with government’s policy on security for Cabinet documents.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

Parks and protected areas case files

  • GR-3872
  • Series
  • 1948-2003

This series contains case files of parks and protected areas which document the legal creation and definitions of the various established parks and protected areas in British Columbia. These files provide a brief history of the area and how it came to be under the provincial government’s management. Some files that are included in the records are land title descriptions, survey plans, boundary maps, pre-existing tenures, park use permits, assessment notices, property acquisition recording sheets and copies of legal establishment (such as order in councils, ministerial orders, copies of acquisition agreements, land title reports, certificates of indefeasible title etc.). The files also cover historical and anecdotal background information, approved map reserves, licenses of occupation and leased tax exemptions, tax payments, construction permissions and notations of interest.

These records may have been previously known as “green files” or “land administration files” with copies of Park Status Sheets (which include basic information such as name of the park, region, classification, size, date of creation etc.) as well as archaeological site surveys, OICs, indentures, market value estimates, records of private donations of land, purchases of land and transfers of federal lands to the Parks Division.

The records are arranged according to the Parks and Protected Areas (PPA) Operational Records Classification System (schedule 186896). Files codes contain the PPA primary and secondary numbers followed by the Parks identification number and the old primary number taken from the BC Parks ORCS (Schedule 113827).

Two records classified under Conservation Research Products were included in this series as the files contain mainly archaeological site surveys and historic background information about the parks, records which appear to also be included in the parks and protected areas case files. One such file contains ample information about the history of D'Arcy Island (also known as Leper's Island, the Lazarette, Leper Colony and the leprosorium).

British Columbia. Parks and Recreation Division

BC Parks policies

  • GR-3870
  • Series
  • 1984-2005

The series contains printed copies of various policies and procedures that have been place at BC Parks. The policies helped inform employees about the proper procedures for dealing with a variety of issues that could take place at their offices and outdoors in the parks.

Presently, the series contains the policies and procedures on the following topics:

Discover Camping policies (Campground Reservation Service): contains policies and procedures for employees responsible for reservations of campgrounds. This include a manual indicating all the steps and required information for booking a reservation, as well as policies for limits to requests, discounts, receipts, payments, cut-off times, no-shows, reservation changes and cancellations etc. The manual includes a telephone script for customer service representatives.

Mineral Exploration and Development in Parks: contains a policy on mineral exploration and development in parks and recreational areas.

Permit Management Policy and Procedures: contains recommendations and changes for a new effective and decentralized processed for permits such as research permits, BC Hydro permits, and minor film productions. The records solicit opinions from various BC Parks offices about what to include in the new manual, as well as memos and Terms of Reference from the Permit Program Team.

Public Safety and Park Security: contains the Introduction to Enforcement Handbook and amendment packages for Park Rangers, as well as various policies on safety of both employees and park visitors.

British Columbia. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection

BC Parks survey reports

  • GR-3869
  • Series
  • 1980-2011

This series contains survey reports created by BC Parks. The majority of these reports were done to assess customer satisfaction during park day visits and overnight campground stays. They document visitor satisfaction trends, importance rankings of services and facilities and offer comparisons to other years as well as recommendations for improving visitor experience. This series also includes employee satisfaction survey reports in which BC Parks assesses the overall working culture at the agency and Visitor Programs annual reports which detail program and visitor centre visits, as well as recommendations for special programs, budgets etc. Finally the series also includes survey reports from Provincial Parks and Wilderness for the 90s which was an initiative that sought better management of protected areas for the purpose of conservation and recreation. These surveys allowed visitors to express their views on the program, ask questions and offer suggestions for future protected areas. The first 1,600 or so are written on a standard survey form typically submitted by individuals from the public. Later responses were sent letter-style on regular paper and are typically from organizations, businesses and non-profits. Some surveys include attached articles or pictures to support the views of the writer. The responses have been coded by a Parks employee to easily compile relevant information and are arranged by date received.

Some other survey reports that were conducted either by BC Parks or for BC Parks by external agencies are included in this series. This includes a BC Consumer Omnibus survey on outdoor recreation and other household surveys in which members of the public were asked to respond to a survey detailing their experience and opinion regarding outdoor recreation in BC. The results of these surveys were meant to inform BC Parks on future developments and business strategies.
Typically, files include a blank copy of the original survey as well as a written report summarizing the results and findings.
Other forms of documents related to or created from information found in the survey reports may also be found in this series such as briefing summaries for the Minister.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment (2005-2017)

Land Use Branch executive services

  • GR-3866
  • Series
  • 1994-1996

This series contains executive correspondence referrals and executive briefing notes from the Land Use Branch of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Most records relate to individual Commission on Resources and the Environment (CORE) land use plans for the various regions of BC and include letters from other ministries, non-profit or non-governmental organizations, municipalities, First Nations governments, corporations and the general public. The correspondence documents the public response to land use planning initiatives during the CORE land-use strategy which was announced in 1994 and dissolved in 1996. The CORE strategy was replaced by Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMPs).

The records are significant as they document the public’s concern over how land in British Columbia should be managed and protected. Letters typically express support or disagreement with proposed plans, or offer opinions on specific topics or sections of the plans.

The records are classified under the Administrative Records Classification System (ARCs Schedule 100001) and use the primary number 280 – executive services. More specifically, files appear to be arranged by region or topic. They are further arranged into files for letters received for informational purposes (i.e. letters on which the Branch was copied to but need not reply directly to) and files for letters in need of reply by the Branch.

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

Land Use Branch planning files

  • GR-3865
  • Series
  • 1992-1997

This series contains administrative files relating to CORE planning activities kept by the Land Use Branch and its predecessor the Integrated Land Policy Branch of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. The dates of the majority of the records coincide with the existence of the Commission on Resources and Environment (CORE) which lasted from 1992-1996.

The records appear to have been kept for informational purposes, with a large portion of the records being copies received by the Branch from other agencies, mainly CORE and LUCO (Land Use Coordination Office). It is possible that some staff from the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks kept these records in their capacity as Senior Policy Advisor or member of the Integrated Resource Planning Committee.

Types of records include correspondence regarding policies and legislation reviews, information issues, LUCO decision notes, memos, cabinet submissions, technical reviews and analysis reports related to a variety of topics covered under CORE plans, comments on reports, participant interviews about CORE plans, summary of workshops as well as summaries of decision options. Other records include copies of terms of reference and minutes of meetings, particularly of ratification meetings and planning process meetings.

The records are classified using the Administrative Records Classification System (ARCS schedule 100001).

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

BC Parks administrative records

  • GR-3864
  • Series
  • 1989-1996

This series contains various administrative records from BC Parks. Currently, these records cover executive services, notably briefing notes and correspondence. The series also contains copies of 3 and 5-year strategic plans, Ombudsman’s investigations, legal matters concerning the Lower Mainland Nature Legacy) and general reports (in this case, detailing the awareness and effect of a BC Parks television ad).

The records are filed according to the Administrative Records classification system and include the following primary and secondary numbers:

155-20 : Ombudsman’s investigations
280-20 : Executive briefing notes
350-25 : Legal opinions
440-20 : General reports/statistics
400-07 : Strategic planning (plans and programs)

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

BC Parks cabinet and ministry committees

  • GR-3863
  • Series
  • 1987-1996

This series contains records created and accumulated by the Parks division of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks and its predecessors related to committee work. The records include ministry cabinet submissions, cabinet committees, ministry committees and deputy minister’s committees. A large portion of the records belong to the Parks Management Committee which was responsible for operations of the Parks agency within the ministry. Records include meeting minutes, memos, position statements, responses from BC Parks to new government platforms, organizational structure, work plans and project lists by region, draft policies, quarterly highlights, funding strategies, environmental awards, executive updates, public surveys, and effectiveness reports.
Weekly meetings from this committee cover topics such as executive services, decision issues, information and discussion issues, and strategic initiatives.

Other committees presently represented in this series include the Reorganization Implementation Team, Parks Revenue Work Team, Deputy Minister’s Committee on Sustainable Development, Cabinet Committee on Sustainable Development, Anderson Report Review Committee and the Joint Union Management Subcommittee.

The records are arranged according to the Administrative Records Classification System and include the following primary and secondary numbers:

202-20 : Ministry committees
201-20 : Cabinet committees
201-30 : Deputy minister’s committees
201-40 : Ministry cabinet committees

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

BC Parks recreation facilities

  • GR-3862
  • Series
  • 1995-2000

This series contains records accumulated by the Design and Construction Officer of BC Parks in relation to park facilities. The records contain ample information about standards and projects conducted on BC Park land in order to develop recreation facilities. Guidebooks and manuals in the series demonstrate the proper procedures for building trails, bridges, boardwalks, shelters, tables, signs, steps/stairs etc.

The records also discuss the Forest Renewal BC (FRBC) programs, for which BC Parks was in charge of the Forest Recreation Program. The program provided funding to BC Parks Districts for projects that could be contracted to displaced forest workers, thus helping to renew the BC forest sector. The projects aimed to develop recreation opportunities in provincial parks, including better facilities like trails and campgrounds that would contribute to responsible management of recreation resources. Types of records relating to BC Parks involvement with the FRBC include presentation materials (discussing the program, budgets, forecasts and accomplishments), as well as guidebooks about all FRBC programs.

The series also includes approximately 405 colour photographic prints of various work projects being conducted on BC Parks land. The photographs cover a range of topics such as photographs of landscapes, newly refurbished or installed campgrounds, issues with trails and photographs of workers on site. Many of the original film negatives accompany the photographs.

The records are arranged according to the BC Parks Operational Records Classification System (schedule 113827).

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

Records from the Office of the Comptroller of Water Rights

  • GR-3860
  • Series
  • 1990-1997

The records in this series originate from the office of Jack E. Farrell who acted as Deputy Comptroller of Water Rights, Director of the Water Resources Branch and Comptroller of Water Rights over the course of his career. The records relate to the activities done and responsibilities held as a member of the executive in the branch. These include regular correspondence with BC Hydro regarding programs and news releases, as well as files dedicated to legislation projects, committees related to safety, monitoring, and water studies, and annual reports from the Branch detailing current issues, projects, investigations and accomplishments. Committee records include both inter-provincial and international management of water resources along BC borders.

A number of files also describe the organizational structure of the Branch which appears to have gone through a major restructuring in 1995/1996 when the Water management Division/Water Rights Branch became the Water Resources Branch. The Branch was to administer the Water Act, Water Utility Act and the Utilities Commission Act (including licensing of major power projects). They were also responsible for the safety of dams and dykes, regulation of privately owned water utilities, protection from flooding and the collection of water license fees, with other past responsibilities being distributed to other offices.

The records are arranged by ARCs number and then alphabetically. The following primary and secondary numbers from the Administrative Records Classification System are included in the series:
102-20 : ministry meetings
105-02 : ministry organization
105-20 : branch, region and district organization and responsibilities
105-30 : organization/reorganization projects
204-20 : inter-ministerial committees
205-20 : international committees
206-20 : inter-provincial/federal committees
280-20 : executive briefing notes
280-40 : executive issues
350-20 : legal issues
400-20 : program planning files
442-20 : annual reports

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

BC Parks planning project files

  • GR-3855
  • Series
  • 1986-2003

This series contains records produced by BC Parks relating to different planning projects for the management and protection of provincial parks and protected areas.
A master plan and/or a management plan includes a vision, strategy, goals, objectives and actions for conservation, development, interpretation and operation of a Park/Protected Area. A management plan relies on current information relating to resources such as natural values, cultural values, and recreation opportunities within the PPA, as well as resource activities occurring on surrounding lands. Management direction statements and purpose statements are used to provide similar direction in less comprehensive documents.

Currently, the series contains records from two major planning initiatives: the BC Parks Legacy Project and the British Columbia Heritage Rivers Program.

Records relating to the BC Heritage Rivers Program include all types of documents used to assess the eligibility of rivers for the program. This includes resource documents published by other agencies involved in land and resource use planning, as well as nominations and letters of support from the public and various conservation organizations.

Records relating to the BC Parks Legacy Project document the division’s commitment to protecting and managing the newly designated Protected Areas in the province. Records contain information about consultations with the public, as well as procedures for accumulating information and opinions on concerns such as conservation of natural areas and biodiversity. The files contain several presentations and outreach materials, as well as the minutes, work plans and reports from the Parks Management Committee and its several working groups and related committees. Administrative-related files cover a range of topics such as establishing the BC Parks Trust, the Legacy Program’s Terms of Reference, correspondence, organizational charts, BC Parks history, finances, information and media releases and backgrounders.

The files are arranged according to the BC Parks Operational Records Classification System (Schedule 113827) and cover the following primary and secondary numbers:

83200-20: integrated planning project files
83340-20: provincial rivers and planning project files

British Columbia. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection

Commercial river rafting records

  • GR-3853
  • Series
  • 1987-2002

The series contains records relating to commercial river rafting operations in BC Parks land. The records cover legislation relating to river rafting, notably the Commercial River Rafting Safety Act and includes copies of correspondence, statute revision memos and committee notes relating to amendments and requests for legislation.

A significant portion of the series also covers handbooks, compliance manuals and examination course manuals for ‘river rafting guides’ (operators of commercial river rafting businesses) which outline regulations, standards, terms of conditions, endorsement and certification procedures, sample administrative forms and an administrative systems user manual.

The series also covers documentation of river rafting accidents.

The series also includes a published report by the Advisory Committee on Commercial River Rafting in British Columbia.

The records area arranged according to the BC Parks Operational Records Classification System (schedule 113827). This schedule was later replaced by the Parks and Protected Areas ORCS (schedule 186896).
The following primary and secondary numbers are covered in this series:
81000-00 : Commercial River Rafting Licensing (general)
81000-25: Rivers special provisions

British Columbia. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection

Energy projects review case files

  • GR-3852
  • Series
  • 1981-2006

This series contains records relating to assessing the environmental, economic, social, cultural, heritage and health impacts of energy projects under the Environmental Assessment Act. These records were created and kept by the Environment Assessment Office (EAO) that is involved in the entire process, providing advice and recommendations to the proponent.

The records in this series cover initial enquiries, reviewable and non-reviewable project enquiries. A non-reviewable project means that the proposed project may proceed without an environmental review. A project is determined to be non-reviewable if it does not meet or exceed the thresholds defined in the Reviewable Projects Regulation (B.C. Reg. 370/2002). Also, according to the Act (s. 10(1)(b)), a project which meets or exceeds these thresholds may also be deemed non-reviewable at the executive director’s discretion. Non-reviewable projects may also become reviewable if the proponent voluntarily asks for an environmental assessment (i.e., “opts in”) and the executive director agrees (s. 7) or if the minister deems the project to be reviewable.

All other projects which meet or exceed the thresholds are reviewable. For reviewable projects, terms of reference are created by the proponent, in consultation with the review agencies, in order to ensure that the application will contain the necessary information. Reports and studies are typically created by the proponent in order to fulfil the requirements of the Terms of Reference, but they may also be created by any other involved party at any stage in the review process. The application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) is then submitted by the proponent and once the application meets the EAO’s standards, the formal review process begins. Application review includes: review by government agencies, First Nations, and the public; First Nation and public consultation; a formal public comment period; and opportunities for the proponent to respond to issues raised.

After the application review is complete, EAO staff prepare an Assessment Report for the minister, which documents the findings of the environmental assessment, including the issues raised in relation to the project and how these issues have been or could be addressed. The environmental assessment process concludes when a) The minister approves the EAC and the project proceeds, b) The minister rejects the project, c) The minister decides that no assessment is required, or d) The proponent withdraws the project. An EAC (previously known as a Project Approval Certificate [PAC]) may contain conditions to ensure that necessary mitigative and compensatory measures are in place to prevent or reduce any adverse effects of the project.

The records in this series document the business case for proposed projects, provide initial information to determine if projects meet the reviewable threshold or not, and documents the EAO ruling on whether or not the project is reviewable. Types of records that can be found in this series are certificates of public convenience and necessity, lists of options, applications for project approval certificates, memorandum, letters of intent for cooperation agreements (such as between a First Nations group and the proponent), correspondence, information notes, executive summaries of decisions, project descriptions, lists of environmental concerns (issue summaries), minutes of information presentation meetings, maps of proposed sites and a diverse range of reports and studies. Types of projects that appear in this series include natural gas pipelines, wind turbines, substation redevelopments, electric transmission systems, coal powered plants, hydroelectricity dams and others.

The records from accession 95-4252 and 95-5291 are classified under the Environmental Assessment Operational Records Classification System (Schedule 132564) and cover the following primary number:
30050: reviewable enquiries and projects – energy
And the following secondary numbers:
-05: non-reviewable energy project enquiries
-40: pre-application reviewable enquiry case files

British Columbia. Ministry of Environment (2005-2017)

Approved plans, studies, and terms of reference

  • GR-3839
  • Series
  • 1991-2008

This series contains approved plans, studies and terms of reference produced as part of land use planning in British Columbia, particularly Land and Resource Management Plans. The records document the initial scopes of the plan and provide the framework and ground rules to which all plans adhered. The records provide evidential and informational value in regard to scope and mandate of the plans, as well as planning teams’ participant roles, responsibilities and authority.

Types of records in this series include the actual approved plans and terms of reference from different planning regions, as well as publications of planning strategies. Records also cover specific topics such as biodiversity and timber impacts, completion studies, and project feasibility studies that would impact the planning process.

The records are arranged according to the Resource Management Operational Records Classification System (schedule 144100) using the following primary numbers:

17000: Resource Management – General
17550: RMP – Land and Resource Management Plans
17580: RMP – Landscape Unit Plans
17670: RMP – Regional Land Use Plans
17730: RMP – Sustainable Resource Management Plans
And the secondary numbers -01 (general), 02 (approved plans), 03 (terms of reference), 06 (resource management studies and information releases)

This series currently contains records from the Fort St. John, Kamloops, Lillooet and Okanagan-Shuswap LRMP tables. The records from the associated accession(s) cover all types of land use and resource planning, including landscape unit plans, sustainable resource management plans, land and resource management plans, local and regional resource use plans, and other land and/or resource use plans as they were all part of a greater land-use strategy.

British Columbia. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

Policy and procedures

  • GR-3838
  • Series
  • 1993-2007

This series assembles records related to the development of policies and procedures for all aspects of Land and Resource Management Plans. Currently the series contains the following policies and procedures:
-TSA (Timber Supply Area) landscape unit plans which outline policies to establish wildlife treepatch requirements in the Kamloops TSA as described by Forest Practices Code and LRMP.

-Provincial policy for consultation with First Nations including a FAQ section, definitions of terms, procedures for the consultation process and consultation guidelines.

-Management, tenure administration and disposition of Crown Land.
-Commercial recreation on Crown Land policy.
-Crown land use planning enhancement program.
-South Okanagan regional growth strategy.

The records are arranged according to the Resource Management Operational Records Classification System (schedule 144100) using the following primary numbers:

17020: Resource Management – Aboriginal relations
17400: RMP – Resource Management Plans
17430: RMP – Ad hoc plans
17580: RMP – Landscape Unit Plans
And the secondary number -00 (policy and procedures)

British Columbia. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

Socio-economic and environmental assessment review case files

  • GR-3837
  • Series
  • 1994-2006

This series includes records relating to the review of socio-economic and environmental assessments (SEEA). The records cover the development of policy and procedures for assessments and assessment analysis. They also document the reviews that have been performed in support of Resource Management Plans.
Every resource management plan requires socio-economic and an environmental assessment to confirm the objectives and viability of the plan. Typically a consultant is hired during the creation of a plan to perform the analysis which is then examined and reviewed to verify its accuracy and objectives.

The records in this series include various ministries’ comments on plans and requests for conservation and environmental protection measures in relation to proposed plans. Government produced documents also include notices of pending environmental certificates from developers, as well as briefing notes, news releases and announcements. The series also contains the records of related working groups and committees who were involved in facilitating workshops on assessing projects, organizing the process and analyzing the assessments.

Other records include third party evaluations of proposed developments, such as resorts and landfills, and analysis and impact concerns on wildlife, water resources and the environment in addition to socio-economic impacts. Some environmental assessment certificate applications submitted by developers are also included and cover research conducted for the assessment as well as maps and graphs.

The records are arranged according to the Resource Management Operational Records Classification System (schedule 144100) using the following primary numbers:

17400: RMP – Resource Management Plans

And the secondary number -40 (SEEA review case files).

This series currently contains records from the Kamloops, Lillooet LRMP and the Okanagan-Shuswap LRMP tables. The records from the associated accession(s) cover all types of land use and resource planning, including landscape unit plans, sustainable resource management plans, land and resource management plans, local and regional resource use plans, and other land and/or resource use plans as they were all part of a greater land-use strategy.

British Columbia. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

Results 1 to 30 of 58