Whereas lengthy wait times for archaeological permits from the Provinces Heritage and Conservation Branch are causing significant delays to local government infrastructure and development projects, resulting in budget overruns, missed construction seasons, and lost grant opportunities; And whereas these delays are further compounded by limited access to qualified archaeologists, whose capacity is strained by permitting backlogs and additional reporting or fieldwork requirements imposed late in the process, making it increasingly difficult for local governments to comply in a timely and cost-effective manner: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province of British Columbia to reduce wait times for archaeological permits by increasing staff capacity, streamlining review processes, and improving communication within the Heritage and Conservation Branch to applicants; And be it further resolved that the Province work collaboratively with local governments, First Nations governments, and the archaeological sector to mitigate impacts on project timelines and ensure reasonable and coordinated approaches to meeting archaeological requirements.
Ministry of Forests The Ministry of Forests FOR wishes to thank UBCM delegates for bringing forward this resolution. The ministry has had several opportunities to listen and learn about the impacts that delayed Heritage Conservation Act HCA permitting authorization has on various municipal and infrastructure projects that require archaeological work. The ministry recognizes the urgent need to improve HCA permitting timelines. In 2025, FOR committed to a 25 percent decrease in permitting timelines. While some critical improvements are already under way, additional improvements are expected as a result of the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project, which includes the goal of make permitting faster and easier. It is expected that the proposals to reduce the overall number of permits required, and the ability to modify permitting requirements during certain circumstances such as emergencies, will reduce permitting timelines, provide greater process certainty at a projects outset, fewer delays, and faster decisions. At the same time, changes to archaeological standards and guidelines and the introduction of a new archaeological permit administration system will contribute to increased clarity and significant streamlining of permit processing timelines. As of December 2025, the Archaeology Branch the Branch staffing contingent is at an all time high with 53 out of 61 positions filled. This represents a 32 percent increase in staffing relative to 2024. The ministry expects this staffing level to contribute significantly to its ability to deliver on permits and timely communications. The Branch has also introduced changes to its communication approach by including proponents on all communications relating to permit applications. This helps with ensuring transparency in all permit-related communications. Upcoming system improvements will significantly improve how the Archaeology Branch monitors activity for each permit. Local governments, archaeologists and First Nations will receive updates and communications regarding the new system in 2026.