CHBA BC Statement on the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project

BC’s homebuilding sector supports protecting heritage and advancing reconciliation – but major policy changes must be implemented carefully to avoid slowing housing delivery across the province.

Through the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project (HCATP), the Province aims to modernize the heritage framework, strengthen Indigenous decision-making, and streamline permitting processes. CHBA BC supports these objectives in principle, but we have significant concerns that some proposals could move forward too quickly and without the full consultation, capacity or clarity needed to make them work in practice.

Implementing new requirements without a clear plan to build capacity provincially, with First Nations partners, and within the archaeology sector could unintentionally delay projects and add costs at a time when housing affordability and attainability are already under pressure.

CHBA BC is recommending that the Province:

• Implement a single project-based permit model carefully. Streamlining permitting can reduce administrative burden, but timelines must also improve to make a real impact. This means adequate staff capacity to review and approve permits.

• Ensure mandatory archaeological data checks are practical. Public access to the provincial data layer, sufficient staff capacity, and guidance for local governments are needed before making archaeological data checks mandatory.

• Clarify record-of-engagement requirements. Clear expectations and guidance for local governments will prevent inconsistent interpretation and delays.

• Provide clarity on Heritage Management Zones (HMZs). Define responsibilities and outline processes for builders/developers, local governments, First Nations partners, and the Province to avoid confusion and unintended delays.

• Address the lack of availability of archaeologists. Expand capacity and establish a registry before implementing new requirements for archaeological work.

• Define “intangible heritage” and clarify requirements for proponents early.

CHBA BC believes that with thoughtful implementation and meaningful consultation, the Province can strengthen heritage protections while maintaining the momentum needed to build homes British Columbians urgently need.

The Ministry is accepting feedback on the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project until November 14, 2025. We encourage our members, and those in the homebuilding industry, to provide input to help ensure practical implementation.