Updates to the Planning and Notification Processes

Notification Letters updated (November 8, 2007)

Two versions of the notification letter are now available for local governments.  The version you use depends on whether or not you have archaeological potential mapping available for your jurisdiction.  Both notification letters have been updated to contain current Archaeology Branch contact information.  Note that the notification letters no longer contain reference to the site buffer size (formerly 20 meters, now 50 meters), but local governments should be applying a 50 m buffer to an archaeological site when determining direct overlap on RAAD, as indicated below.

Direct Conflict defined as on or within 50 meters (Sept 12, 2007) 

Since archaeological site boundaries are difficult to establish without extensive subsurface testing, the mapped extent of a site is usually considered an estimate.  In addition, site boundaries are often determined only up to the nearest property line with no investigation into the neighbouring property.  Therefore, when determining whether a property is in direct conflict with an archaeological site, a buffer is applied to the site boundary to account for the likelihood that the actual site is larger than shown on the map.  Direct conflict with an archaeological site is now defined as having a site on or within 50 meters of a property (was previously 20 meters).  This increase in buffer size from 20 m to 50 m is due to an increasing number of cases where areas beyond the 20 m buffer are proven to contain archaeological deposits.

It is recommended that local governments send a notification letter (with the “Direct Overlap” box checked) to any development applicants whose property is within 50 meters of an archaeological site.