Special Places Protection Act

Did you know it is against the law in Nova Scotia to dig or disturb fossils or artifacts without a permit?

The Special Places Protection Act provides the Province of Nova Scotia with a mandate to protect important archaeological, historical and palaeontological sites and remains, including those underwater. The Culture and Heritage Development division of the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage administers and enforces the Act by overseeing the protection of all sites and remains in the Province, managing the Heritage Research Permit system, and designating outstanding heritage sites as "Protected Sites".

No one may carry out activities anywhere in the Province, including underwater, that may disturb fossils or artifacts without an approved Heritage Research Permit. Information and permit applications are available online.

For more information on the administration of the Special Places Protection Act, contact:

Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage
1741 Brunswick Street
P.O. Box 456, STN Central
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3A6

(902) 424-6475