Introduction

Archaeological sites are protected by the Heritage Conservation Act, meaning property developers will have to obtain a site alteration permit before developing within the boundaries of an archaeological site.  There are potential costs and limitations to developing property containing a protected archaeological site, therefore it is essential that known, protected sites on a property are disclosed as part of a real estate transaction.

Archaeological sites are not noted on the certificate of land title, so you will have to check the Provincial Archaeological Site Inventory to determine if there is a record of a protected site on the subject property.  Professional consulting archaeologists have access to the Provincial Inventory and can provide a fee for service quick response and interpretation. (See Engage a Professional  Archaeologist).  Alternately, you can make a data request to the Archaeology Branch. 

Two questions realtors will be asked by property owners and potential purchasers are:

	Will a site on the property affect property value? and
	What do I do to develop the property?

The answer to these questions and more can be found in the Property Owners and Developers - Frequently Asked Questions.