Archaeology permits and assessments

In B.C., archaeological sites are investigated and protected for their historical, cultural, scientific and educational value to the general public, local communities and First Nations. 

Examples of archaeological sites include:

• Remains of ancient villages and cemeteries
• Hunting and food processing sites, such a fishing weirs
• Stone tool manufacturing areas
• Culturally-modified trees
• Ancient rock art
• Shell midden

Archaeological sites in B.C. date from recent times to 14,000+ years ago. Ongoing studies uncover new information. The respectful stewardship of these sites is a shared responsibility.

On this page

• Types of archaeology permits
• Types of archaeology assessments

Types of archaeology permits

Any activity that disturbs or alters recorded or unrecorded archaeological sites in BC requires a permit from the Archaeology Branch. Altering an archaeological site without a permit is prohibited under the Heritage Conservation Act. This applies to sites on public and private land.

• To find out if you need a permit, submit an archaeological information request

Heritage inspection permit

A heritage inspection permit is required when determining whether there is an archaeological site on a property and to assess how development will impact it. The permit allows an archaeologist to conduct subsurface testing and collect artifacts.

Learn more about how to apply for a permit.

Alteration permit

If an archaeological site is present, you must have an alteration permit to impact or disturb the site. The permit allows for land-altering activities in a way that ensures care of the site. Some activities may require the oversight of an archaeologist.

Before an alteration permit is issued, the Archaeology Branch may require an archaeological impact assessment to understand how development is going to impact the site. 

Learn more about how to apply for a permit.

Heritage investigation permit

A heritage investigation permit allows for more significant excavations than under a heritage inspection permit. This permit is often used for academic research.

Learn more about how to apply for a permit.

Oil, gas and renewable energy project permit

The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) has the authority to issue HCA permits related to oil, gas and renewable energy development. Contact the BCER for more information.

Types of archaeology assessments

Archaeology studies help us identify and assess archaeological sites to determine whether proposed projects will impact archaeological resources.

 Archaeological overview assessment

Archaeological overview assessments (AOAs) are a desktop assessment of the potential for archaeological sites in an area.

AOAs cover a broad spectrum of studies, ranging from the review of small properties to determine the need for detailed archaeological studies, to forest district-wide mapping of archaeological potential to assist strategic and operational planning.

An AOA may be a large-scale GIS model, or small-scale map review.

• Archaeological Overview Assessment Guidelines (PDF, 435KB)
• Archaeological Overview Assessment Field Data Collection Form (PDF, 74KB)

The archaeological overview assessment layer can be viewed by authorized Remote Access to Archaeological Data users.

Preliminary field reconnaissance

Preliminary field reconnaissance (PFR) studies are a field assessment of potential for archaeological sites to be present within an area. PFR studies may be conducted without a permit in accordance with Best Practices for Recording Results of Non-permitted Preliminary Field Reconnaissance (PFR) Studies (PDF, 40KB).

For this kind of study, an archaeologist walks over an area or specific property where development is proposed. The archaeologist assesses the potential for archaeological sites to be present based on their observations, the type of terrain, and their knowledge of the area. 

A permit under the Heritage Conservation Act is required for an archaeologist to dig shovel tests or conduct other subsurface work. 

A PFR will result in recommendations about any additional archaeological work, such as an archaeological impact assessment (AIA). 

Note that while PFRs are useful for planning purposes and may result in an AIA being done, they are not a requirement in the archaeological impact assessment process. 

Archaeological impact assessment

A heritage inspection permit is needed to conduct an AIA. AIAs are required where potential conflicts have been identified between archaeological sites and a proposed development. During an AIA, sites are located and recorded, and site significance is evaluated to assess the nature and extent of expected impacts. AIAs also include recommendations to manage the expected impact of property development on the site. For more information, refer to the Archaeological Impact Assessment Guidelines (PDF 415 KB).

If an AOA shows an area of high archaeological potential overlaps with a proposed development, a professional consulting archaeologist can determine whether an AIA is required. This may also require a PFR. If an AIA is not required, the archaeologist will summarize the findings in a letter sent to the proponent and copied to the branch.