Acquiring Crown land

Crown land can only be considered for disposal once it has been reviewed and identified as surplus to government needs, and the minister must approve this designation before the land can be declared surplus.

Crown lands may be eligible for disposal only after meeting the following conditions:

• no ecological, scientific, or cultural significance
• not required for access to other Crown lands or natural resources
• not required for departmental programs

If the land is declared surplus, it must be appraised at the applicant’s expense. Applicants may be required to calculate the timber volume or have the land surveyed which are both at the cost of the applicant.

If a property is declared surplus, it will be transferred to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and sold by public tender, provided it is not needed by another government agency. This department may request that the department notify all those who had expressed an interest in the lands be notified of any tender call.

To be eligible, applicants must be at least 19 years of age and registered owner of the property being offered in exchange for Crown land.

If it’s a business, it must be registered with Corporate Affairs in New Brunswick.

All fees are non-refundable + HST.