NEB releases new guide to assist landowners

Land Acquisition Process for NEB Regulated Pipelines and Power Lines (CNW Group/National Energy Board)

CALGARY, April 27, 2017 /CNW/ - The National Energy Board (NEB) is pleased to release its first ever Landowners’ Guide to Land Agreements. The guide, developed by a subcommittee made up of landowner advocates, government groups and industry, gives landowners an idea of what to expect during the land acquisition process. It also tells them where to get additional help if they need it.

The subcommittee was struck in November of 2015 by the Land Matters Group (LMG) to examine concerns related to land acquisition, with final endorsement of the document in December of 2016. During this time, feedback was gathered by email, teleconferences and a facilitated one-day workshop. The guide is the end product of this collaboration and engagement.

The Guide gives a high level overview on:

• What landowners can expect a company to discuss with them when negotiating a land acquisition agreement;
• What the NEB expects companies to include in land acquisition agreements;
• Resources available to help with negotiations; and,
• An overview of the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.

The Guide also provides information on how landowners or companies can access the NEB's voluntary Alternative Dispute Resolution program. Natural Resources Canada's Pipeline Arbitration Secretariat is available to deal with unresolved compensation matters.

The National Energy Board is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada's energy industry. It regulates pipelines, energy development and trade in the public interest with safety as its primary concern. For more information on the NEB and its mandate, please visit www.neb-one.gc.ca.

Quote(s)

"We are grateful for the contribution of all members of the subcommittee who contributed their time and expertise to the creation of this Guide. We hope it will help landowners who find themselves in this situation feel more prepared and empowered."

"Open communication and information-sharing by all parties is critical. We hope this Guide will help to lay the foundation for strong working relationships between landowners and companies."

-- Whitney Punchak, Socio-Economic Specialist and Chairperson of the Land Matters Group Subcommittee, National Energy Board

"We commend the National Energy Board for drawing together stakeholders with vastly divergent viewpoints and distilling the process down to a useful guide for landowners dealing with NEB regulated works.  We remind landowners to use this as a guide only.  Contracts should reflect the circumstances of each individual landowner."

-- Elvin Gowman (LMG Steering Committee & Subcommittee Member) and Judi Leeming (LMG Subcommittee Member), BC Farmers' Advocacy Office

Quick Facts

• The NEB established the Land Matters Group in 2011 to bring together people who have similar interests.
• The group provides an opportunity to share insight and advice with the NEB on the protection of landowner rights and interests.
• Group members can also share points of view, experience and information, as well as build awareness and relationships across a diverse network.
• Canadians can register to participate on the Land Matters committee on our website.

Associated Links

• Landowners’ Guide to Land Agreements

• Snapshot: Landowner Rights and Responsibilities
  
  
• NEB Land Matters Group

SOURCE National Energy Board

Contact, Rebecca Taylor, Communications Officer, National Energy Board, Email: [email protected], Telephone: [phone], Telephone (toll-free): 1-800-899-1265

Related Links

http://www.neb-one.gc.ca