DATE ISSUED: Jan. 29, 2019

EFFECTIVE DATE: Jan. 29, 2019

The BC Energy Regulator (Regulator) is launching a new mediation service to provide an additional level of support for land owners in cases where land owners and companies are not able to agree on remedies for complaints and site restoration post permit.

Due to a broadening of the Regulator’s role in engagement, the Regulator has identified a need for support and processes to bridge existing services for stakeholders during the permitting process and managing differences throughout the full lifecycle of energy activities.

The Regulator’s new pilot mediation service will aim to resolve issues between land owners and companies. It will be:

• A confidential process with an experienced Regulator mediator.
• Independent of any Regulator decision making.
• A no cost service with no opportunity for funding.
• Available for land owners and industry who have issues within the Regulator’s regulatory jurisdiction.

This service contributes to the Regulator’s values of transparency and responsiveness, and respects those affected by energy resource development. The Regulator will be launching this mediation service as a pilot project for one year and will then evaluate its effectiveness and demand. At this time the pilot project is restricted to land owners with activity on their property.

In most cases, land owners and external parties will be referred by Regulator employees, such as inspectors, who are familiar with the differences between the two parties and recognize mediation may be beneficial. However, if external parties are unsure of whether they qualify for this service or not they can email mediation@bcogc.ca with additional questions.

Should you have any questions regarding this Industry Bulletin, please contact:
Corey Jonsson
Director, Stakeholder Relations
BC Energy Regulator
mediation@bcogc.ca
250-794-5215