Future of Recreation: The new Section 57
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The work permit process on Crown land is getting an efficiency upgrade. Here’s what you need to know.
The Future of Recreation - from access to nature to apps and AI, the evolution of trail construction to electric power, this story is part of a series of articles looking at how recreation will change and evolve over the short and long term.
In B.C. a Section 57 is the equivalent of a work permit for recreation infrastructure on Crown land. Any group that wants to build a shelter, fix up a trail or rehabilitate habitat has to apply to Recreation Sites and Trails BC for a Section 57.
And then wait. Recently, applications have taken several years.
That’s because there are more groups with more interests on the land. Regional recreation officers, the provincial staff who review Section 57s, are receiving more applications than ever and because they must consult with more stakeholders, it takes more time to process each application. Plus, the provincial government is working to more meaningfully consider Indigenous values, interests, and concerns with all recreation related projects.
To accommodate all the extra consultation, timelines need to be more flexible, explains Nicole Peletz, recreation resource specialist with Recreation Sites and Trails BC.
“The reality is the land base is complex and increasingly so,” she says. “It’s quite a different landscape than it was even five years ago.”
In an effort to speed up the application process, better serve its clients and reduce staff workloads, RSTBC is streamlining the Section 57 process. It will feel similar, but will be more thorough and accessible.
“We’re going to be asking more from the applicant, so that we have more information up front,” Peletz says. “This will also offer groups more guidance and get applications approved faster.”
Instead of the present three-page PDF form, the new Section 57 applications system will be an interactive form through the Front Counter BC online portal, a provincial processing system. Each question on the form will include a help function that explains requirements and expectations. Tools and tutorials will further simplify the process. And applicants won’t be able to submit the form without answering all the required questions.
The bonus for a little more work from the proponent is a more transparent process.
“It improves how we track authorizations,” Peletz says. “You can always see where it is in the system.”
The move online is the biggest and most obvious change, but there are other tweaks. Recreation officers will have new flow charts, templates and tools designed to support decision-making and reduce their workload. The decision process will focus more on the nature of the work. For instance, lower risk activities, like maintenance and minor repairs, will be subject to a more streamlined process. And there will be more alignment between provincial funding and Section 57 approvals. Most funding programs will require approved projects before granting funding.
The revamped Section 57 process could launch as early as next spring. In the meantime and going forward, Peletz has a few recommendations for successful Section 57s.
Be proactive about relationship-building with First Nations.
Align with provincial priorities: maintenance, upgrades and repairs over new construction.
Address gaps in community recreation opportunities, like accessibility.
Communicate a clear plan for long term maintenance.
Be thorough and answer all the questions on the form.
Recreation Sites and Trails BC is working with the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC on more formal Section 57 guidance. Sign up for the ORCBC’s newsletter to be among the first to read it.