IRB: Tantalis GATOR

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• Introduction
• Financial Aspects
• GATOR Access and Operation
• Information Available
• Government IDIR Users
• BCeID Users

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Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

The questions that we receive about Tantalis GATOR fall into the four subject areas you see below. Click the question that interests you to navigate directly to the answer. A link labelled Top will bring you back to the table of contents.

Financial Aspects

• What are the fees for using Tantalis GATOR?
• What kind of credit cards are accepted in Tantalis Gator?
• Will I be able to identify the charges associated with my account?
• How will Tantalis GATOR charges be identified on my credit card statement?
• What do I do if my credit card is not approved?
• I am getting a message that Gator "Failed to validate your Eigen credit card account. Please contact Tantalis Administrator for more information. Eigen response code:050". What is the problem and can you restore my access?
• Can I change the credit card that I want to use for my Tantalis GATOR account?
• I have changed employers and wish to have my Tantalis Gator account billed to a different credit card number. How do I do this?
• Can I pay for images by credit card, if I already have an Annual Subscription to Tantalis GATOR?
• Will I be charged for idle time in Tantalis GATOR?
• When is a Gator Image charge incurred?
• Can I preview a Gator Image before I purchase it?
• I clicked on a Gator Image Link but the screen displayed an "Image not found" message. My account was charged for the Image but it was not displayed. How can I get a Refund?

GATOR Access and Operation

• Where can I get help with the Tantalis GATOR system?
• How can I obtain a Tantalis GATOR account?
• How do government employees obtain a Tantalis GATOR account?
• I have received an error message when attempting to complete the online Tantalis Gator application or when logging into Tantalis Gator. Should I 'flush the cache'?
• Are there any system minimum specifications for obtaining or using a Tantalis GATOR account?
• Will Tantalis GATOR "time-out" if it is idle for a period of time?
• I had a Tantalis GATOR account, but I can't log in now. What do I do to get access?
• How can I remove the warning message about moving from secure to insecure items?
• I am having trouble seeing the log - in location for Tantalis Gator. How can I bring it back?
• Are there any Free Samples of Gator Images?
• I clicked on a Tantalis Gator Image link but the screen displayed an "Image not found" message. How can I obtain the Gator image that I wanted?
• I clicked on a Tantalis Gator Image link but no Image window came up. Is this due to my "Pop-up" blocking software?

Information Available

• Can I obtain private parcel ownership information in Tantalis GATOR?
• Are images of the original Crown grants available in Tantalis GATOR?
• Does GATOR have information about Hudson's Bay Company grants?
• Where can I find out more about what is available within the Tantalis GATOR system?
• Are PIN and PID the same thing?
• Can I find PID numbers in GATOR?
• Are PIN numbers in GATOR always 7 digits long?
• Can GATOR tell me who has a lease/licence/access permit/etc in BC?
• I am looking for an explanation on the various survey systems used in BC. How can I obtain this information?

Government IDIR Users

• How do government employees obtain a Tantalis GATOR account?
• I do not have an IDIR ID. What do I do?

BCeID Users

• I am having trouble setting up my BCeID. Who can help me?
• What kind of BCeID should I have to use Tantalis GATOR?
• I have forgotten my BCeID password. Who can I contact?
• Can the GATOR Helpdesk help me reset my BCeID password or obtain my BCeID?

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Financial Aspects

What are the fees for using Tantalis GATOR?

See our pages titled Annual Subscription Fees and Internet Payment Plan Fees for information about the fees associated with these payment options. The latter permits payment with a credit card.

What kind of credit cards are accepted in Tantalis Gator?

VISA and MasterCard and American Express are all currently accepted in Tantalis Gator.

Will I be able to identify the charges associated with my account?

Yes. Users with an active Internet Payment account holders will be able to view their Account Balance and Transaction History information when logged into Tantalis GATOR. All charges for your Account are identified and displayed on the Account Balance page, which is linked from the Gator Main Search page. Annual subscription account usage information is also now displayed from the Account Balance listing in Tantalis GATOR.

How will Tantalis GATOR charges be identified on my credit card statement?

Tantalis GATOR fees will be called "Tantalis Gator Data, Victoria BC".

What do I do if my credit card is not approved?

If you know your credit card is active and in good standing, then exit your Internet browser and try to attach the credit card to your account again. It may be that there was a typographical error inputting your credit card number or perhaps you forgot to enter the expiry date. Just try again. If you are using a corporate purchase card and your card is declined, it may be that your current card is not authorized for Internet use. To allow this usage you can request with the financial institution that issued your card that the "Gov't Serv - Default (9399) Merchant Category Code (MCC)" be enabled. Contact them directly to do that.

I am getting a message that Gator "Failed to validate your Eigen credit card account. Please contact Tantalis Administrator for more information. Eigen response code:050". What is the problem and can you restore my access?

The message indicates there may be some issue with your credit card. Response code 050 is a "General Decline" message from YOUR BANK indicating that it is not accepting your credit card. Have you recently received a new credit card with a NEW expiry date? If so then you need to CHANGE the credit card association to your Tantalis Gator account as that account is still associated to the expired card. To do this just log into Gator and then click on the Manage Account link, then select Update Credit Card Information link and add your credit card details. If you have not recently received a new credit card with a NEW expiry date or changed to a different credit card, then contact the financial institution that issued your credit card and request they investigate the “General Decline” message to determine the cause. Contact them directly to do that.

Can I change the credit card that I want to use for my Tantalis GATOR account?

Yes. The Account Manager should log into Tantalis GATOR. Then click on the Manage Account link on the GATOR Main page Services panel. Click on the Update Credit Card Information link and add the new Credit Card number or expiry date. Only Account Managers have authority to change or update credit card numbers.

I have changed employers and wish to have my Tantalis Gator Internet Payment Plan (IPP) account billed to a different credit card number. How do I do this?

There are two ways to do this:

1. If you DO NOT need to change the Account NAME then the Account Manager who created the account should log into Tantalis GATOR and click on the Manage Account link from the Tantalis GATOR Services panel. Then click on the Update Credit Card Information link to change the credit card number. Only Account Managers have authority to change credit card numbers.
2. If you DO need to change the Tantalis GATOR Account NAME to match your NEW employer's company name AND to bill a different credit card number, then your employer MUST create a NEW Tantalis GATOR Internet Payment Plan account. Your employer can do this online in just a few minutes. Merely click on the Start button from the Tantalis GATOR Home Page and follow the process to create a NEW Tantalis GATOR Internet Payment Plan account.

Can I pay for images by credit card, if I already have an Annual Subscription to Tantalis GATOR?

No, not at this time. Our current payment model does not allows for a mixed payment system, meaning that either all your charges are paid by credit card or they are all paid off-line by cheque. If there is sufficient interest for a mixed payment system, meaning some charges can be paid by cheque and some can be paid by credit card, we may consider developing and offering this alternative.

Will I be charged for idle time in Tantalis GATOR?

Possibly. If you do not use Tantalis GATOR for five minutes and then search again, that intervening time will be added to the cost of the next Tantalis GATOR search. However, if you close out your browser window for Tantalis GATOR and then an hour later open up a new session, you will not be charged for the intervening time. You will also not be charged for the 30 idle minutes prior to Tantalis Gator "timing out".

When is a Gator Image charge incurred?

A Gator Image charge is incurred when the user clicks on the View Image(s) link from within Tantalis GATOR.

Can I preview a Gator Image before I purchase it?

No.

I clicked on a Gator Image Link but the screen displayed an "Image not found" message. My account was charged for the Image but it was not displayed. How can I get a Refund?

See the Contact us page for details on creating and sending an e-mail Refund request to the Gator e-mail address at gator@gov.bc.ca. All refund requests MUST be made by e-mail. The refund request should include the date the problem occurred, the circumstances of the problem, the account name and the dollar amount of the Refund request. Refund requests will be reviewed and verified by the Gator Administrator.

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GATOR Access and Operation

Where can I get help with the Tantalis GATOR system?

Please consult our Tantalis GATOR Helpful Hints or Tantalis GATOR Quickguide [DOC]. To contact the Gator Helpdesk consult our Contact Us page.

How can I obtain a Tantalis GATOR account?

Clicking on the Start button on the Tantalis GATOR Home Page will begin the account registration process. Review our Account Options page for more information. Public users may choose between an Internet Payment Plan or an Annual Subscription. A BCeID is required PRIOR to Tantalis GATOR account creation. If you do not have a BCeID then go to the BCeID website at www.bceid.ca for more details.

How do government employees obtain a Tantalis GATOR account?

Government employees or staff of a Crown corporation who are interested in a Tantalis GATOR account can obtain an account using their IDIR userid. Clicking on the Start button on the Tantalis GATOR Home Page will begin the account registration process. Review our Account Options page for more information.

I have received an error message when attempting to complete the online Tantalis Gator application or when logging into Tantalis Gator. Should I 'flush the cache'?

Yes. To 'flush the cache' close out ALL the Internet Explorer windows on your computer. Then open one new Internet Explorer window, click on Tools in the Tool bar and select Internet Options. Under the General Tab, select Delete Cookies and then Delete File options. Say Yes to both. Under History hit the Clear History button and say Yes. We also recommend that you click on the Settings button and select the “Every visit to the page” button and click on OK. Close out the Internet Explorer window, reopen and try again to complete the process. Just try again. If you are using Netscape or some other Internet browser, the names and locations of these Tools to 'flush the cache' may differ slightly.

Are there any system minimum specifications for obtaining or using a Tantalis GATOR account?

Yes. You must use a 128K Internet browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4.0 or higher.

Will Tantalis GATOR "timeout" if it is idle for a period of time?

Yes. Tantalis GATOR will timeout after 30 minutes. If a message appears advising that your session has timed out, you can establish a new Tantalis GATOR window by clicking on the links provided.

I had a Tantalis GATOR account, but I can't log in now. What do I do to get access?

• All previously held Tantalis GATOR Annual Subscription accounts and IDs have expired. If you had an active Annual Subscription account we will create a new account for you or your company. You must now apply for a BCeID. This BCeID and password will be different from your old Tantalis GATOR ID and password. If you do not have a BCeID then go to the BCeID website at www.bceid.ca for more details. Review our Account Options page for more GATOR Account information.
• All previously held Tantalis GATOR Internet Payment Plan accounts and IDs have expired. If you had an Internet Payment Plan account, you will need to apply on-line for a new GATOR account. You must FIRST have a valid BCeID. This BCeID and password will be different from your old Tantalis GATOR ID and password. If you do not have a BCeID then go to the BCeID website at www.bceid.ca or click on the BCeID link from the Tantalis GATOR Home Page. Once you have a valid BCeID you can create a new GATOR Internet Payment Plan account. Review our Account Options page for more GATOR Account information.
• All previously held Tantalis GATOR Government Employee accounts and IDs have expired. BC Government employees or staff of a BC Crown corporation who are interested in a Tantalis GATOR account can obtain an account using their IDIR user ID and IDIR password. Click on the Start button on the Tantalis GATOR Home Page and select the Government employees link. Enter your IDIR user ID and IDIR password without the @bcgov suffix. A GATOR account registration page will be provided the first time you log into the new GATOR. Fill our the registration page to create your new GATOR account. Once the application form is completed you will be able to log into and begin using Tantalis GATOR. No changes to your Active Directory designations will be required in the new Tantalis GATOR.

How can I remove the warning message about moving from secure to insecure items?

Follow these instructions:

• Go to your browser (Internet Explorer);
• Go to the top and select Tools/Internet Options;
• Go to the Security tab and click on "Custom Level" and scroll down until you see a heading called "Display mixed content". Go to the tickbox marked "Enable" and tick the tickbox.
• Click OK. This should remove the warning about moving from secure to insecure items.

I am having trouble seeing the log - in location for Tantalis Gator. How can I bring it back?

Close out all Internet Explorer windows, then open an new Internet Explorer window. Click on View in the Tool bar, go to Text Size and set it to Medium. This should allow you to see the links to log into Tantalis Gator.

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Information Available

Can I obtain private parcel ownership information in Tantalis GATOR?

No. Private parcel ownership information must be obtained from the Land Title Office.

Are images of the original Crown grants available in Tantalis GATOR?

Yes.

Does GATOR have information about Hudson's Bay Company grants?

Yes, please review our Hudson's Bay Company [XLS] spreadsheet. The values listed there can be used in Tantalis GATOR to search for a Hudson's Bay Company grant.

Where can I find out more about what is available within the Tantalis GATOR system?

Please see our What is Tantalis GATOR? document.

Are PIN and PID the same thing?

The short answer to your question is no.

PINs (or Parcel Identification Number) are the unique numbering system used by Crown and registry (and Gator) to identify a parcel. A PID (or Parcel ID) is unique numbering system used by the Land Title and Survey Authority (LTSA) to identify a parcel registered at the Land Title Office. In Tantalis Gator a user can search by PIN but NOT by PID.

To search for a PID user must access the PRIVATE parcel registry or "Land Title" registry, which is available through a pay-for-use online service called BC Online.

The organization overseeing that operation is called the Land Title and Survey Authority.

Can I find PID numbers in GATOR?

The short answer is possibly. We suggest you search in Tantalis Gator by Legal Description, for the parcel in question. Then click on the YES link to view the Consolidated Parcel Encumbrance Report, which provides details for both surveys and Interest information for both Primary and Subdivision parcels. The Parcel Details page which links from the Report page MAY include the parcel PID, but there is no mechanism in Gator for searching by a PID number.

To search for a PID user must access the PRIVATE parcel registry or "Land Title" registry, which is available through a pay-for-use online service called BC Online.

The organization overseeing that operation is called the Land Title and Survey Authority.

Are PIN numbers in GATOR always 7 digits long?

The short answer is no. There are parcels, such as, District Lot 1, Alberni Land District whose PIN is 130, which is just 3 digits. Another example is a surveyed right-of-way whose PIN is 10114630 which is eight digits. Therefore, if you are provided a PIN number that is not 7 digits, then it may not be in error. If you want to be sure you have been provided the correct PIN number then we suggest you search by Legal Description in Tantalis Gator, for the parcel in question. Look for the PIN number on the Query Results or Parcel Details page.

You can conduct this search yourself, once you have registered for a Tantalis Gator account. Tantalis Gator account details are available on-line at our account options page.

Can GATOR tell me who has a lease/licence/access permit/etc in BC?

Yes. Leases, licences, and permits are collectively called tenures or Interests. In Gator, one of the ways users can search for an Interest is by the Interest holder's Name. Once you have logged in, from the Gator Main Search Menu, just click on the Interested Parties link. Then enter the company or person's last name. The search results page will provide links to any tenure holders that have been entered into the parent Tantalis database. Clicking on these links provide details on their tenure or Interest.

Users can also search for Interests in Gator using the Lands file number, Document number (such as a Crown Grant number), or by PIN number.

I am looking for an explanation on the various survey systems used in BC. How can I obtain this information?

There is an information booklet called "Crown Lands – A History of Survey Systems" by W. A, Taylor, BCLS. It is available on-line. It describes the nine different survey systems used in BC. This page also links to a document noting details on the E&N land grants and another document discussing riparian rights.

Are there any Free Samples of Gator Images?

Yes. For clients wanting Free Gator image samples, please review the "What can Tantalis Gator do for me" page.

A Free Crown Grant Search tool is also available. This free search tool and database was created (and scanned) with the support of members of the Mormon church, as part of their genealogical interests. It is a free search tool for user interested in searching for a Crown Grant by the Name of the grant holder. This type of search is not possible in Tantalis Gator. The free tool provides links to small "thumbnail" copies of Crown Grants. Full size copies of Crown Grants can be downloaded from Tantalis Gator with an authorized account. See our Account Options page for details on obtaining an account.

I clicked on a Tantalis Gator Image link but the screen displayed an "Image not found" message. How can I obtain the Gator image that I wanted?

Send an e-mail message to gator@gov.bc.ca and inquire if the image can be scanned and made available in Gator.

I clicked on a Tantalis Gator Image link but no Image window came up. Is this due to my "Pop-up" blocking software?

If you have "Pop-up" blocking software on your computer it may be blocking the Tantalis Gator image window. You will have to turn off the "Pop-up" blocking software while you are using Tantalis Gator. Once you are finished searching in Gator you can turn it back on. Many downloadable internet browser tool bars come with "Pop-up" blocking and unblocking options.

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Government IDIR Users

How do government employees obtain a Tantalis GATOR account?

Government employees or staff of a Crown corporation who are interested in a Tantalis GATOR account can obtain an account using their IDIR user ID and IDIR password. Click on the Start button on the Tantalis GATOR Home Page and select the Government employees link. Enter your IDIR user ID and IDIR password in the log in box. IDIR users no longer need to enter the @bcgov suffix with their IDIR ID. A GATOR account registration form will be provided the first time you log in to the new GATOR.Fill out the registration page to create a new GATOR account. Previously held IDIR accounts no longer exist in the new GATOR. Once the application form is completed you will be able to log into and begin using Tantalis GATOR. No changes to your Active Directory designations will be required in the new Tantalis GATOR.

I do not have an IDIR ID. What do I do?

• If you are not a Government employee and do not have an IDIR ID then review our Account Options page to obtain a Gator account. A BCeID will be required.
• Government employees or staff of a Crown corporation must use their IDIR ID and IDIR password to access Gator. If you do not have an IDIR ID and IDIR password, then contact your supervisor or your own Helpdesk or system security officer to obtain an IDIR ID.
• If your Government organization or Crown corporation does not utilize IDIR IDs then have your manager and/or director e-mail the Tantalis Gator Account Specialist at gator@gov.bc.ca to apply for a non-IDIR Tantalis Gator Government account. The account set-up and IDs for a non-IDIR account will differ slightly from other Government organizations which use IDIR IDs.

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BCeID Users

I am having trouble setting up my BCeID. Who can help me?

The BCeID Help Desk is available to assist you, 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, Pacific Time, Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays.

In Greater Vancouver call:	(604) 660-2355
Toll Free within BC:	1-888-356-2741
Outside of BC:	1-604-660-2355
Email:	BCeID@gov.bc.ca

What kind of BCeID should I have to use Tantalis GATOR?

There is no distinction in Tantalis GATOR between the type of information available to any type of BCeID. There are two types of BCeID currently available:

• BASIC BCeID - a non-verified BCeID Account issued to a person. This type of BCeID Account allows a person to subscribe to online services that do not need to be sure with whom interactions are occurring.
• Business BCeID - Allows an individual to access online services where their business or organization's identity must be verified and they are acting in a business capacity (i.e. Not as an individual). These accounts are used by representatives of companies, partnerships, sole proprietorships and organizations (e.g. Municipalities, not for profit, societies).

For more information check out the BCeID website at www.bceid.ca or contact the BCeID Help Desk which is available to assist you, 7:30 am - 7:30 pm, Pacific Time, Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays.

In Greater Vancouver call:	(604) 660-2355
Toll Free within BC:	1-888-356-2741
Outside of BC:	1-604-660-2355
Email:	BCeID@gov.bc.ca

I have forgotten my BCeID password. Who should I contact?

BCeID passwords cannot be recovered. If you cannot remember your password, go to the BCeID website at www.bceid.ca, log in with your BCeID, and then choose the Manage My Account link to answer your three challenge questions. This will allow you to choose a new password and continue. You set up these three challenge question and answers when you set up your BCeID account.

If you have forgotten your password and cannot answer your three challenge questions then you must be re-identity proofed before proceeding (by following the instructions on the screen). Or, contact the BCeID Help Desk which is available to assist you, 7:30 am - 7:30 pm, Pacific Time, Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays.

In Greater Vancouver call:	(604) 660-2355
Toll Free within BC:	1-888-356-2741
Outside of BC:	1-604-660-2355
Email:	BCeID@gov.bc.ca

Can the GATOR Helpdesk help me reset my BCeID password or obtain my BCeID?

No.