Public engagement

Comment on a water license application

Anyone can comment on a water licence application. This a called an Intervention. It is an important part of the application process. The applicant's information and these comments inform the Board's decisions. 

Get an email notification to comment on an application

Create an account in Waterline to set up email notifications on any application. You can also watch routine ads and public notices published in the Yukon News newspaper. 

Before you submit a comment

For the Board to consider your comment, include:

• your first and last name, email address, mailing address and phone number;

• a clear description of issues you've identified and your concerns;

• copies of documents to support your concerns that are not already public documents;

• an expression of interest in appearing at the public hearing if one is held; and

• a copy of any document authorizing another person to represent you.

Submit a comment

Online

1. 'Log in' or 'Create' an account in Waterline. 

2. To view applications in the public comment phase, enter 'Public Comment' in the search field and click on 'Go'.

   • Alternately, in the top menu, select the 'Comments' button. This filters applications in the public comment phase.

3. Click on an application and it will take you to the 'Application Details' page.

4. In the top menu, the 'Status/Phase' field will show if the application is in 'Public Comment' and the 'Phase Deadline' field will provide the deadline date. Submit your comment before the deadline.

5. Select 'Upload Comment' on the right hand side of the header.

6. Enter a 'File Description' in the field available and click on 'Choose File'. Browse for the file that you would like to upload, select it, and click 'Upload File'.

   • All comments must include a mailing address, phone number, and if possible, an email address or they cannot be accepted.

7. Your comments will appear in the 'Documents Pending Review' header.

8. You will receive and email notification confirming the receipt of your comments; others will not be able to see your comments until it has been reviewed by the Water Board. Once reviewed, your comments may be viewed in the 'Exhibit List' under Section 5 'Interventions'.

Other ways to submit a comment

Submit your comments to the Yukon Water Board Secretariat via email, fax, mail or in-person prior to the deadline set by the Board. 

After you submit your comment

We publish the comments on Waterline so the public can see them. This also gives the applicant a chance to respond before the Board considers their application. 

Once you have created a Waterline account, you may set preferences for notifications of specific applications and other applications based on the type of undertaking, the stages of the application process and various geographic areas. 

Note: Applicants will receive notifications regarding their submission automatically. 

First, create an account in Waterline, or log into your existing account. 

Set notifications for specific undertakings:

Search for the undertaking you want to receive notifications about. 

1. Click on the 'File No.' of the undertaking of interest. 
2. On the 'Application Details' page, click on the 'Notifications' tab on the left hand menu. 
3. In the 'Additional Notification Settings' section, click on any stages for which you would like to receive notifications. 
4. Click 'Save'.

Set other notification criteria

1. Click on the 'Edit Profile' tab located on the top menu.
2. The 'Notification Profile' section is broken down into three steps; you must select something from each step.
3. Complete the three steps as outlined below, and click 'Save' at the bottom of the page. 
4. At the bottom of the page there is a tool that will help you determine what notifications you will get based on your selection.

You can change your preferences at any time by revisiting these steps. 

Step 1 allows you to choose notifications by work described in a licence (undertaking). Selecting a notification by undertaking will notify you on all water licences throughout the Yukon. 

Step 2 allows you to choose notifications based on the different stages of the application.

Step 3 allows you to choose criteria from a variety of geographic areas including: First Nation Traditional Territories, nearest community or watersheds.

When a public hearing must be held

If an application meets requirements in the Waters Act, the Board must hold a public hearing. 

This can be for:

• Type A and Type B applications deemed to be in the public interest; or

• Class 4 placer land use operating plans.

The Board will set the date and location of the next public hearing. 

During public hearings, the Board has all the powers as a Board under the Public Inquiries Act. It follows the public hearing procedures set out in its Rules of Procedure.

Find out when a public hearing will be held

The Yukon Water Board Secretariat places ads in the Yukon News newspaper. These ads let the public know details about applications submitted to the Board.

The ads include the:

• application number;

• location of the proposed activity;

• details about the person applying for the water licence; and 

• the deadline to submit comments.