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Ministry of Tourism,
Sport and the Arts |
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Archaeology |
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Frequently Asked Questions
B.C. Heritage Conservation Act - What’s it all
about?
In 1960, the province responded to public concern over the loss of
precious and non-renewable archaeological resources by passing the Archaeological
and Historic Sites Protection Act (AHSPA). That legislation provided
automatic protection for archaeological sites on Crown land and, where
designated, protection for such sites on private land. In 1977, the
Heritage Conservation Act replaced the AHSPA, introducing new
heritage programs and extending the legislated protection of archaeological
sites on private land, without requiring formal designation.
All provinces in Canada have similar legislation for protecting heritage
resources, along with most countries worldwide.
1. What is an “archaeological site”?
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An archaeological site is a location where there is evidence of
past human activity. We can apply archaeological analysis to these
sites in order to learn about past events and our own heritage.
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Archaeological sites can include things such as ancient stone carvings,
remains of ancient houses and campsites, shell middens and even
culturally modified trees.
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Archaeological sites represent only one component of a range of
heritage resources found throughout the province, including things
like historic buildings, shipwrecks, heritage trails, etc.
- In British Columbia, these sites provide information about aboriginal
life during the last 12,000 years, and non-aboriginal life for the
past 200 years.
2. Why should we protect archaeological sites?
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Archaeological sites represent our only link to over 98% of the
province’s human history.
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They are a precious non-renewable resource.
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Archaeological sites and their artifacts are important provincial
resources similar to mineral deposits, arable land, forests, fish
and wildlife.
3. How are archaeological sites determined?
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In most instances, archaeologists discover and record information
on sites and their locations, and pass that information on to the
Archaeology Branch.
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Archaeologists require a permit
from the Archaeology Branch in order to conduct
this kind of work, so no government-authorized archaeological work
can proceed on private property without the landowner’s knowledge.
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Some sites – such as those with petroglyphs -- may be easily
determined by non-archaeologists.
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Information submitted to the Archaeology Branch is entered into the Provincial Heritage Inventory. The Inventory
is a recording system that depends on submitted information. It
also includes information on many other kinds of heritage sites.
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Archaeology Branch staff often receive informal
information on possible sites from interested members of the public,
who generally will not have an authorized work permit. They also
sometimes get reports from archaeologists who are using existing
information to make projections on site boundaries. That’s
how information can be received and become part of the Heritage
Inventory without the express knowledge of the property owner.
4. How many archaeological sites are there?
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The provincial heritage registry currently has more than 23,000
records of sites or objects that would fall into the category of
“archaeological site”.
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Since the registry is composed of records submitted by people outside
the ministry, some information - such as legal descriptions - has
not been consistently included. That’s why it’s difficult
to say exactly how many of these sites may be situated on private
property.
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People have lived in BC for about 12,000 years, and the vast majority
of archaeological sites are located below the surface of the ground.
These factors make it extremely difficult to pin down an accurate
figure as to the number of sites in the province.
5. How can I find out if there is a known archaeological
site on my property?
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Consult with local government. Municipalities and Regional District
offices often have information on the locations of known archaeological
sites within their jurisdiction. These offices are usually the first
stop when obtaining a building permit or development permit.
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Approach the Archaeology Branch. In-person
inquiries are welcome during business hours. Property owners are
also encouraged to access information via the Branch’s Web
site. Phone or fax inquiries are also welcome.
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Property owners and prospective buyers of a property can complete
a BC Archaeological Site
Data Request Form or contact the branch at 250-952-5021.
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Depending on the complexity of the request, the Branch will respond
as quickly as possible.
6. Why isn’t information on archaeological sites
available on land titles?
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On the surface, making this information available on land titles
seems like an easy answer – but it’s not that simple.
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The vast majority of records within the provincial heritage registry
do not contain enough information to identify individual private
properties.
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We are currently exploring the feasibility of including archaeological
information on land titles.
7. What do I do if there is a known archaeological
site on my property and I would like to make property improvements or
renovations?
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You need to contact the Archaeology Branch:
250-952-5021.
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The Archaeology Branch will be able to provide
you with advice and guidance on how to proceed in a fashion that
will avoid or minimize damage to the archaeological site.
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That advice may include a recommendation to engage a professional
archaeologist to conduct an assessment of your property.
8. Is it true my property value will plummet if an
archaeological site is identified on my property?
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No. There is no hard evidence that having an archaeological site
on your property will significantly reduce its value. In fact in
many cases, properties have been developed and/or sold with the
full knowledge of the presence of an archaeological site.
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Having an archaeological site on your property may restrict some
development options, but no more so than if there were a salmon
bearing stream on the property, or if the lot fell under a restrictive
zoning bylaw.
9. Will I be fined if I accidentally come across a
potential archaeological site while building?
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The purpose of the Heritage Conservation Act is to encourage
and facilitate the protection and conservation of our heritage,
not to prosecute property owners.
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Fines can only be levied by a court, following formal, legal prosecution.
10. What is an archaeological impact assessment?
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An archaeological impact assessment, like an environmental impact
assessment, is a process where a trained professional looks at the
archaeological site and your development plans. A non-technical
overview of the archaeological impact assessment process is available
in the BC Archaeological Resource
Management Handbook.
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A professional archaeologist can determine what impact the proposed
renovations or improvements will have on the archaeological site.
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The impact assessment report and recommendations will provide the
Archaeology Branch with the necessary information to work with you
in order to complete your project.
11. Why does a property owner or developer bear the
cost of an impact assessment?
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Archaeological sites have remained intact for hundreds and even
thousands of years, and can remain intact unless they’re disturbed.
Development has the potential to disturb and damage these sites
– which is something we want to avoid.
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The province’s ‘developer pays’ policy is commonly
applied when it comes to managing the impact of large commercial
or industrial property development on various cultural and natural
resources. The policy also applies to private landowners who are
developing their property – for instance, putting an addition
on their house, or putting in a swimming pool.
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There are costs associated with hiring an archaeologist if an assessment
and plan for managing the impact on potential archaeological deposits
or human burials is necessary. However, by taking early action,
landowners can minimize further costs down the road.
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It is rare that development will be prohibited because of the presence
of an archaeological site, however, some modifications to development
plans may be recommended.
If a site is significant enough that its preservation is considered
more important than a proposed development, the province will work
with the property owner to find a reasonable compromise, and make
sure any financial impact is kept to a minimum.
12. What if I think I’ve discovered an archaeological
site?
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You should contact the Archaeology Branch:
250-952-5021.
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You could also contact the archaeology or anthropology department
of your local University or College for advice on what you have
found.
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For information on archaeologists who may offer assessment services,
you can contact the B.C. Association
of Professional Consulting Archaeologists, or try the yellow
pages of your local telephone directory.
13. Where can I find more information?
- Information on how to obtain information from the heritage inventory
or general information about archaeological resource management is
available on this Web site. You can also contact the branch by phoning
250-952-5021 or sending us Email.
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