Investigative Process - Overview
Archaeological impact assessment and review in
British Columbia applies mainly to development
projects that are subject to British Columbia's
environmental impact assessment and review
processes. However, the same principles can also
apply, with minor modification, to other
developments.
A particularly important characteristic of the
process used in British Columbia is its flexibility. It
is not intended as a "cookbook" approach to all
development projects. Although certain categories of
information are needed for decision making, each
archaeological study must be tailored to meet specific
project characteristics and needs.
Representatives of the Archaeology Branch are
available to meet with project proponents to provide
project-specific clarification and interpretation of the
process. Depending on the project, flexibility can be
expected in the staging of impact assessment and
management studies, the level of detail at which these
studies are undertaken, and the reporting requirements.
The role of the branch is not to prohibit or impede
land use and development, but rather to assist the
development industry, the province, regional
authorities, and municipalities in making decisions
leading to rational land use and development.
When the benefits of a project outweigh the benefits
of archaeological preservation, the branch will work
with the proponent to determine how the project can go
ahead with minimal archaeological resource loss. Where
the loss of significant archaeological values cannot be
avoided, the branch ensures that appropriate
compensatory measures are implemented.
For more information, please see:
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