Application for Christmas tree permit

1   An application for a Christmas tree permit must be made to the minister in the form required by the minister.

[am. B.C. Reg. 133/2011, Sch. s. 9.]

Eligibility

2   A Christmas tree permit may only be entered into with an applicant who is

(a) a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, 19 years of age or older,

(b) a band as defined in the Indian Act (Canada), or

(c) a corporation that is controlled by persons who meet the requirements of paragraph (a).

Issuance of Christmas tree permit

3   (1) The minister is not required to solicit applications before entering into or replacing a Christmas tree permit.

(2) A Christmas tree permit may be entered into or replaced for a term of up to 10 years.

(3) A holder of a Christmas tree permit may apply, after the 4th anniversary of the permit, to the minister for the replacement of the permit.

[am. B.C. Reg. 133/2011, Sch. s. 10.]

Higher social or economic use of land

4   The minister may cancel a Christmas tree permit or delete a portion of the land from the permit, upon written notice, if the minister is of the opinion that a greater contribution to the social and economic welfare of the Province would result if the land were used for a purpose other than the growing of Christmas trees.

[am. B.C. Reg. 133/2011, Sch. s. 11.]

Fee

5   On entering into a Christmas tree permit, an applicant must pay a fee of $50, but the fee is not payable on the replacement of a Christmas tree permit.

Deposit

6   (1) On entering into a Christmas tree permit or replacement, the applicant for the permit or replacement must pay a deposit to the government, in the amount specified in the permit, in cash, or by certified cheque or other security acceptable to the minister, if the permit or replacement involves

(a) an improvement, or

(b) land on which is situated personal property owned by a person other than the applicant or the Crown.

(2) The holder of a Christmas tree permit must maintain the deposit referred to in subsection (1).

Rates

7   A holder of a Christmas tree permit must pay to the Crown the following rates for trees cut under the permit:

(a) tree length less than 3 m, 20¢ per tree;

(b) tree length 3 m to 5 m, $1 per tree;

(c) tree length more than 5 m, $1.50 per tree.