Apply for a water licence

Download an application package and supporting documents.
- Printed documents are available at the Yukon Water Board office in Whitehorse.
- Placer mining packages are available at the Dawson Mining Inspection Office in Dawson City.
Complete the application package.
- If you would like to discuss your application, contact us to schedule an appointment with a Licensing Officer.
- The Secretariat staff are also available to help in person, by phone or email.
Submit the completed package and application fee:
- in person or by mail to the Yukon Water Board office in Whitehorse; or
- online by using Waterline, the public registry.
Pay a deposit on your first year of water-use fees and any outstanding fees. You can pay by:
- credit card, by phoning 867-456-3980;
- cheque, cash or credit card in person at the Yukon Water Board office in Whitehorse; or
- cheque mailed to the Yukon Water Board office in Whitehorse.

Once you submit your application, a Licensing Officer will review the uploaded documents. You will receive an introductory message from your assigned Licensing Officer within 5 business days.

Fees

Application fee
A $30 non-refundable fee must be paid with the submission of your application for:

a new licence;
an amendment;
an assignment; and
a cancellation.

Water-use fee 
Water-use fees are charged annually based on your undertaking’s usage of water. These charges depend on the type and size of your project. Water-use fees are listed in section 8(1) of the Waters Regulation. 

Applications for new water licences require a deposit equal to the water-use fees applicable to the first year of the licence. Water-use fees are calculated based on the maximum water usage specified in your application.

Water-use fees are not charged where, in a diversion of water, water is not otherwise used.

Processing time of water licence applications

After you submit a water licence application to the Yukon Water Board, processing times may differ depending on several factors:

type and complexity of the proposed undertaking;
completeness of the application;
interventions;
compensation requests;
request(s) for extension to the public comment period; and
need/request for public hearing.

To help reduce delays, make sure you:

apply well in advance of your licence expiry date;
submit a complete, clear and accurate application; 
provide timely responses to information requests from the Secretariat; 
provide information consistent with any guidelines;
include a YESAA decision document and a Project Confirmation Form, and ensure your application reflects the project proposed and assessed by YESAB;
pay fees promptly; 
submit all required reports and deliverables, i.e. annual reports and decision document; 
have permission from third party claim owners (for Class 4 placer mining applications); and
ensure your claims are in good standing (for Class 4 placer mining applications).