Permitted Assessments

Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) and Site Alteration Permit (SAP)

Both an AIA and a SAP are permitted archaeological assessments, meaning a Heritage Inspection Permit (HIP) must be granted under British Columbia’s Heritage Conservation Act (HCA)

An AIA is required if your proposed development involves ground-disturbing activity in an area that is deemed to possess significant archaeological potential (i.e. Area of [archaeological] Potential). The archaeological assessment will consist in the inspection of both the surface (i.e. pedestrian and visual survey) and of the subsurface strata (i.e. shovel testing and inspection of tree throws).

A Site Alteration Permit is required if any development or disturbance is to occur within the boundaries of an archaeological site.

Timeline: Permitting lead times vary greatly, but typically 6-12 months, which includes First Nations referral period. Contact us to discuss your options.

Often, it is easiest to avoid a site altogether, and our dedicated team can assist you in finding alternative options. Should you still have to conduct ground-altering activities, we can also suggest mitigative approaches to limit your impacts to archaeological resources.