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Escheat Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 120

In cases of hardship, the Attorney General may enter into an agreement permitting an owner to defer charges for water provided by the government to a serviced property.

  • Nature of Interest: The Attorney General may register the deferral agreement as a charge in favour of the government against the property of the owner who entered into the deferral agreement.
  • Effect of Interest: The deferral agreement remains in effect until the earlier of the date specified in the agreement or the date the owner transfers their estate in fee simple. The registered charge includes the amount owing to the government and any interest that accrues after registration.
  • Procedure for Enforcement: If an amount owing is not paid, the Attorney General has a lien against the serviced property and may register, in the land title office, a certificate of indebtedness in the prescribed form. The certificate of indebtedness may also be filed in the Supreme Court.
  • Electronic Submissions: On the Form 17 Charge, Notation or Filing, select Nature of Interest, Crown Lien, and attach an image of the original certificate under the Escheat Act.
  • Effect of Filing: The certificate of indebtedness, once filed in court, has the same effect as if it were a judgment of the court for the recovery of a debt.