Professional qualifications
All archaeological investigations in Alberta must be conducted by a professional who meets the minimum requirements set out under the Archaeological and Palaeontological Research Permit Regulation.
Prior to applying for their first permit in Alberta, an archaeologist must request a review of their qualifications by emailing the Director, Archaeological Survey:
Email: [email protected].
Archaeological research permits
An approved researcher or consultant can apply for a permit using the Online Permitting and Clearance (OPaC) system.
After creating and activating an OPaC account, contact the Manager of Regulatory Approvals and Information Management to have permissions activated. Proof of approval to hold an archaeological permit may be requested.
Phone: 780-431-2330
Archaeological information
These documents address requirements for how archaeological work is to be conducted and reported in Alberta.
Archaeological survey notes
Read all the survey notes, including:
- Maps in Permit Reports
- Stone Circle Testing Procedures
- Submission Reminders and Additional Guidelines
Archaeological information bulletins
Read all the information bulletins, including:
- Archaeological Resources Baseline Assessments
- Confidentiality of Site Information in Reports and Statements of Justification
- Digital Data Submission
- Historic Resources Statements of Justification
- Historic Resources Statements of Justification Form (ZIP, 46 KB)
- Maps in Permit Applications and Reports
- Overdue Reports
- Permit Obligations and Employment Change
- Wind Power Projects
- Winter Conditions
Archaeological site form and guide
- Archaeological Site Form (FilemakerPro) (ZIP, 223 KB)
- Archaeological Site Form (PDF, 2.1 MB)
- Archaeological Site Recording Guide
- Borden Number Reservation Application (PDF, 414 KB)
Archaeological report guidelines
- Archaeological Report Guidelines (PDF, 705 KB)
Artifact submission guidelines
Spatial data standards
- Bulletin – Spatial Data Standards
- Spatial Data Check V7 Messages Definitions (PDF, 130 KB)
- Shapefile Template (ZIP, 10 KB)
- Geodatabase Template (ZIP, 55 KB)
Recording historic structures
Archaeologists who encounter historic structures or structure remains during the conduct of historic resources impact assessment must record them in accordance with the requirements set out by the Heritage Survey.
Was this page helpful?
You will NOT receive a reply on your feedback. Do NOT include personal information. To get answers to questions, use Alberta Connects.
Your submissions are monitored by our web team and are used to help improve the experience on Alberta.ca.