Blackcomb Helicopters Limited Partnership (BHLP) Land use & tenure
Blackcomb Helicopters (BHLP) operates its commercial recreational products within a Crown Land use tenure that encompasses eight (8) separate zones in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. This tenure is granted, and closely monitored and regulated, by the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, alongside the Líl̓wat First Nations Lands and Resources Department.
What is a tenure and why is it important?
+ What is a Tenure?
A Land Act tenure is required for recreation operators on provincial Crown land (including land covered by water) if activities involve compensation or reward, received or promised, from residents and non-residents of BC. This includes the following types of recreation activities:
- guiding, transportation, training and entertainment.
- Improvements such as cabins, huts, lodges (including anchored floating structures), docks, campgrounds, and corrals.
Crown land allocation should support healthy communities after identifying and considering community values and interests. It should maintain or create a high quality natural environment. In addition to the fulfillment of any legal obligations, Crown land allocation should consider the need to achieve greater reconciliation with First Nations in British Columbia.
+ Why is a tenure required?
In the tourism sector, a tenure exists to help balance the interest of commercial operators with the interests of public use, wildlife use, environmental presence, and first nations support.
Managing the use of crown land helps to keep wild places wild, and limit the number of commercial operators running business’ in the backcountry, while encouraging sustainable tourism practices.
Tenure holders must abide by the provincial Backcountry Recreation/Tourism Wildlife Guidelines.
+ Does Blackcomb Helicopters have tenure?
Yes, Blackcomb Helicopters has the title to a wide variety of tenured terrain in the Sea to Sky with several different activities permitted in each area.
Some areas permit heli-skiing or guided heli-assisted ski touring, while others allow us to host picnics, hikes, overnight trips or corporate events. The areas we operate span from Squamish to Lillooet, with several activities available for our guests.
We are responsible for staying within the limitations outlined in our Tenure Management Plan. This includes using the correct regions exclusively for the activities permitted, limiting the number of users to what has been approved, and operating in a safe and sustainable manner
+ What is the process of applying for a Land Use Permit Tenure?
An application for a tenure takes several years, and requires an in-depth analysis of the impact an activity will have on the land. Some considerations are: Aboriginal interests, archaeological impact, public/commercial users, wildlife, environment, regional growth, and resource availability.
There are annual fees paid to the government of BC, and all usage including number of users is to be reported each year.
+ How do I know if the company I am working with is operating within their limits?
It is always best to ensure that you are working with companies who are also trying to promote sustainable tourism in our beautiful province.
We encourage you to ask your operator if their business falls under the guidelines of the BC Adventure Tourism Policy:
If you notice something out of the ordinary, or feel that there is a business operating where they shouldn’t be, we encourage you to report your findings to the Ministry of Forestry, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations and Resource Development (FLNRORD:
