Practical examples
On this page
To help illustrate how proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act effect you and other people in B.C., we’ve developed two scenarios with a current state (how processes work under the current act) and a future state (how processes would be different with the proposed changes). These scenarios only apply if a heritage site or object protected under the HCA is present.
Scenario 1: a residential property owner constructing an outbuilding
Current state: two or more years from permit application to project approval
Homeowner purchases property without being informed of heritage site
Homeowner applies for building permit
Possible 120-day stop work order issued
Homeowner applies for HCA inspection permit; consultation with First Nations
HCA inspection completed
Homeowner applies for HCA alteration permit; consultation with First Nations
Future state: one year from permit application to project approval
Homeowner applies for building permit; heritage site confirmed
Homeowner applies for single HCA project-based permit; consultation with First Nations
HCA inspection completed
Homeowner applies to amend permit to allow site alteration; consultation with First Nations
Building constructed with possible archaeological monitoring
Building constructed with possible archaeological monitoring
Scenario 2: a proponent building a new copper mine
Current state: three or more years from permit application to development
Applies for inspection permit; consultation with First Nations
HCA inspection completed
Applies for investigation permit to mitigate impacts to significant sites; consultation with First Nations
HCA investigation completed
Applies for alteration permit; consultation with First Nations
Proponent able to begin development pending non-HCA permit approvals
As project proceeds, permit amended to address newly discovered sites
Future state: one year from pre-engagement to development
Proponent engages with First Nations on heritage interests
Applies for single project-based HCA permit and submits a record of engagement; consultation with First Nations
HCA inspection completed
Applies to amend permit to allow first phase of construction; consultation with First Nations
Proponent able to begin construction pending non-HCA permit approvals
As project proceeds, permit amended to address newly discovered sites and further project expansion and buildout activities