Steps in the Archaeological Resource Management Process

Archaeological sites are protected by the Heritage Conservation Act. These sites are protected for their historical, cultural, scientific and educational value to the general public, local communities and First Nations. When an archaeological site overlaps with a development, it is these values that are addressed in managing the development impacts to the site.

The property owner/developer is responsible for managing impacts to archaeological sites by engaging archaeological expertise to assess the situation and following the site management requirements forwarded by the Archaeology Branch. This process is summarized in three steps:

• Step 1: Determining if further Archaeological Study is necessary
• Step 2: Archaeological Impact Assessments: Developing Requirements to Manage Site Impacts
• Step 3: Development under a Site Alteration Permit

After the appropriate archaeological studies have been completed, the owner or developer of a property is required to obtain a Heritage Alteration Permit in order to alter an archaeological site.

The heritage alteration permit application is available through the Archaeology Branch website, however, most proponents have the application prepared by the archaeologist on their behalf.

To Step 1