Project Planning

Each project is unique, and planning for each project and archaeological site is specific and tailored to suit the needs of each situation.

Planning starts with identifying whether archaeology is a factor in your project at the beginning. This saves time, money, and a lot of stress. We can help provide you with Property Search Reports by accessing records of a restricted government database. This will determine whether there is a known, previously recorded site on your property. The query does not guarantee a site is not on your property as an unrecorded site may exist.

If the query produces no information this means your property has never been assessed. Often, the details you provide of the property, combined with the property search, equate to a low probability of an archaeological site on your property. In these cases, we recommend you continue your project. 

Using the information you have provided us about your property, we will provide an interpretation of the results and advise whether or not a more detailed assessment is needed. 

If further assessment is needed to determine whether there is a site or sites on your property, we may recommend an Archaeological Overview Assessment or a Preliminary Field Reconnaissance depending on the scale and scope of your property or development.  This may be needed if for example, your property search returned no results but the description contains attributes often found in association with archaeological sites.  Other times, the results may locate an archaeological site nearby that has been recorded but the boundaries are unknown. In these cases we will recommend a site visit in case the boundaries extend onto your property.

Old Growth Tree

If a site is identified in the property search report, the next step is an Archaeological Impact AssessmentThis is a permitted study that determines the boundaries of the archeological site, it's depth, and analyzes your project to estimate the potential impact.  Permit application is made to the BC Archaeology Branch.

The priority is for site avoidance. There are several reasons for this, first it is the best option for the archaeological site; second, it is the best option for the client financially. An archaeological impact assessment is an important planning tool that is best employed before any work begins on your project. We work with you to try and find sustainable solutions for your project that protects the site at the same time.

If there is no alternative and the site will be impacted by your project, the BC Archaeology Branch will determine management options such as monitoring or a Section 12 permit.