Explanation: British Columbia’s archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA). The provisions of the HCA apply whether sites are located on public or private land. Archaeological sites are protected through designation as “Provincial heritage sites” (section 9), or through automatic protection by virtue of being of particular historic or archaeological value (section 13). Protected archaeological sites may not be altered, i.e. changed in any manner, without a permit issued by the Minister or designate.
Statute: Heritage Conservation Act, 1996
Relevant Section or Regulation: Section 12 to14 of the Heritage Conservation Act
Regulating Agency: Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development