VICTORIA - British Columbia's new Land Title and Survey Authority moves the province to the forefront of innovative land title and land survey management, Sustainable Resource Management Minister George Abbott announced today.

"Our land title system is among the best in the world, providing quick and reliable proof of private land ownership," said Abbott. "Moving to a user-directed system means greater flexibility and responsibility, improving a service that is the basis of our economy."

The new user-directed authority will provide better service, improved technology and public accountability. Land title and survey users suggested moving to the new governance model after the government asked them to recommend improvements to the system.

"BC's land surveyors play an important role in opening up the province and revitalizing our economy," said Association of BC Land Surveyors president Dave Bazett. "As we move into our next century of service, BC's land surveyors welcome this new partnership with all land title and survey users."

Detailed, accurate and timely land title information is the basis for selling and developing private land across the province. Urban housing starts in BC increased 25 per cent in 2004 to 30,884 units, the highest number of starts since 1994. BC also experienced a 27.2 per cent increase in the value of building permits issued in 2004, the highest in Canada, totalling $7.4 billion in new investment.

The Land Title and Survey Authority is headquartered in Victoria. All existing land title offices in Victoria, Kamloops and New Westminster remain open to the public. Most employees have transferred to the authority. All existing third-party contracts, including BC OnLine and collective and pension agreements, have also transferred to the Authority.