Heritage Branch 

The Heritage Branch has responsibilities that flow from the general purpose statement contained in Section 2 of the Heritage Conservation Act. "The purpose of this Act is to encourage and facilitate the protection and conservation of heritage property in British Columbia."

The responsibilities of the Heritage Branch are to:

• Provide advice and information to the Minister, local governments and other clients on legislation and heritage conservation policy and practices.
• Exercise regulatory authority under the Heritage Conservation Act regarding the protection and alteration of designated heritage sites and the management of the BC Register of Historic Places.
• Collaborate with the Government of Canada on national heritage initiatives, including the development and management of Provincial participation in the Historic Places Initiative.
• Build partnerships with other levels of government, institutions, non-profit organizations and the private sector to facilitate increased investment in heritage initiatives and build capacity for community heritage conservation.
• Develop and monitor long-term agreements for the management of Provincial heritage properties by local governments, non-profit organizations and private businesses.