The Province has postponed proposed amendments to the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA)—originally expected in spring 2026—to allow more time for consultation and refinement. This follows significant feedback from industry and housing stakeholders.
Updated proposals released in March 2026 reflect several important changes. Notably, earlier references to “intangible heritage” have been removed, with culturally significant sites to be addressed through existing designation and consultation processes. This reduces uncertainty around how heritage considerations may affect property use and development.
For REALTORS®, the most relevant issue remains the potential for archaeological data checks. Revised proposals suggest these would be targeted, applying primarily to properties involving ground disturbance (such as development or building permits), rather than all transactions. However, there is still potential for checks to be required in certain sales scenarios, which could impact timelines and transaction certainty.
The Province has also indicated a move toward a streamlined, project-based permitting model, intended to reduce duplication and improve efficiency. At the same time, questions remain around implementation, including government capacity, availability of qualified professionals, and potential impacts on housing supply.
While no changes are currently in effect, REALTORS® should stay informed as further consultation continues. Future updates may influence due diligence practices, disclosure considerations, and transaction timelines, particularly for properties with development potential.
Source: BCREA