Article content continued

“We just think that for ease of use or widespread availability, an app would just be the easiest way of facilitating this communication.”

Competitors were invited to propose a solution that would give people a way to request permission from a property owner to access rural land for activities like hunting, hiking, snowmobiling or birdwatching.

Western Heritage proposed creating an app that would allow the person making a request to do so anonymously — although they will need to provide their names and other identifying information when creating a profile.

Landowners would need to have the app installed on their phones to grant permissions. They would be able to limit the kinds of activities they’re willing to allow on their land, but could also opt out of allowing anyone to use it for any period of time.

Scribante said a land user would create a profile, then move to a map screen in the app similar to the map used by the Uber app — but instead of selecting a ride, they would select packets of land they want to access and then choose a land use. The request would then go to the land owner for approval.

The developer is drawing inspiration from popular apps like Uber and Airbnb, Scribante said, noting Western Heritage’s app will effectively follow a similar model in terms of how it connects potential land users and land owners.

The app is currently in the early developmental stages, which includes meeting with Information Services Corporation to find a way to confirm the identities of property owners. The developer already has maps and information indicating property boundaries.

Western Heritage also wants to talk to stakeholders, land users and interest groups, Scribante said.

The company plans to have the first phase of development complete in October, and hopes to make the app available in 2020.

tjames@postmedia.com