The Province of British Columbia is in the process of modernizing the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA) through the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project (HCATP), the first major update since 1996. The government’s stated goal is to align the Act with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), strengthen Indigenous involvement in decision-making, and improve how heritage and archaeological resources are identified and protected.
While most of these updates are aimed at Crown land and development activities, members are advised that the proposed changes could have indirect impacts on real estate transactions across BC, particularly around disclosure, due diligence, and access to heritage information. The Province is exploring tools such as a new public database or mapping system that would make archaeological and heritage data more transparent to property owners, developers, and REALTORS®.
However, some consultation discussions have raised the idea of requiring archaeological data checks at the point of sale, a measure that could delay transactions and impose new responsibilities on REALTORS® and sellers. Although this concept is not currently part of the proposed legislation, it has prompted significant concern within the real estate sector.
The BC Real Estate Association (BCREA) is actively engaging with the provincial government on behalf of REALTORS® to ensure that any legislative changes are practical, transparent, and aligned with housing supply priorities. BCREA has emphasized that REALTORS® should not be required to conduct archaeological data checks before property sales, and that any new heritage processes must be supported by adequate government and professional capacity, clear definitions, and appropriate consultation with the real estate sector.
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For now, no new requirements have been implemented, but REALTORS® should stay informed as legislation is tabled in the spring.