FAQ

Only a Manitoba Land Surveyor has the legal authority and expertise to properly define the legal boundaries of a parcel of land either on the ground or on paper.

We have an obligation to protect the public against fraud and incompetence with respect to the surveying of land.

Knowing your property limits will protect you from unforeseen costs of removing any existing encroachments (roads, fences, buildings) that would exceed the cost of any survey. The surveyor will stake your property and consult on any existing features or that may affect your future development.

Except for the Certificate of Title or Deed, the Building Location Certificate is the most important document to guarantee the ownership of your property. It protects you, as a purchaser, by warning you of any restrictions in the physical extent of the property and it gives you the peace of mind that your purchase is free from the risk of encroaching, or being encroached upon.

• A BLC provides mortgage lenders information regarding the size of the property and buildings, and shows what problems with respect to encroachments would be encountered in the event of foreclosure.
• Allows authorities to determine if a property complies with applicable zoning. For example, if a building or addition is too close to a property line and must be removed.
• A BLC assures the civic address of the property you are purchasing agrees with the legal description
• Building Location Certificates determine the locations of Building Encroachments from an adjoining property that may restrict full use of your property or will determine if the encroachment is from your property onto adjacent lands. An encroachment occurs when an aspect of real property advances beyond a boundary.
• Easements – Some properties are affected by easements which can restrict the use of the property. A neighbour may have a right-of-way over part of your property or an easement for underground services may exist which curtails your plans to build a garage. All active instruments registered against your title will be listed on a BLC but not necessarily shown

No. Aspects of the property may have changed since the original BLC was created. Also, it is possible the existing BLC may have been altered to have it appear to comply with zoning restrictions. It is also important a new BLC is created if the original surveyor has since deceased.

A land surveyor knows the fundamentals of subdivision planning and can advise on foreseeable problems. A surveyor can also guide you through all the steps to the registration of the final plan of subdivision. You will be ensured you sell only the property intended to be sold by defining the property on the ground and preparing the proper legal descriptions. Having an up-to-date survey will make your property more marketable to perspective purchasers.