What are the main changes in the 2026 Standards & Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologist?

This has been a hot topic for the last couple of months since the ERO posted the new guidelines. As we are now in prime archaeology time, I wondered if these guidelines are going to make it easier or faster for Developers to get their permits? The quick answer - not likely.

Here are some of the changes that have been observed in the 2026 Standards and Guidelines and how they may impact development. The bottom line - there are no shortcuts in archaeology.

Stage 1: Background Study

• Project Area: Stage 1 must cover the entire property, even if Stage 2 is limited. This is now explicitly defined, ensuring consistency in fieldwork and reporting.

  • It does not matter that half of the land is in a Natural Heritage Sensitive area and will not be developed, but rather conveyed to a municipality or conservation association - it must still be included in the Stage 1.

• Background Research: More requirements are mandatory (e.g., aerial photos, geotechnical studies).

  • This means more research will be needed. Expect research costs to go up.

• Cemeteries/Burials: New standard for background research on cemeteries within or adjacent to the project area. - See additional post!

• Special Conditions: Guidance for special conditions is streamlined; some recommendations are moved to bulletins.

  • This also means that some guidelines have become standards so this will increase the workload.

Stage 2: Project Area Assessment

• Inspection: Now clearly part of Stage 2, with consolidated standards.

  • Not certain if a property can be "written off" for archaeological potential at Stage 1 anymore without the property inspection. If so, this adds an extra Stage to many reports that would have stopped at Stage 1.

• Survey Methods: Pedestrian and test pit surveys are clarified and modernized.

• Mapping: New standards for mapping archaeological sites within 50 m of the project area.

  • Have added an extra layer of documentation - equates to additional time needed for reporting

Stage 3: Site-Specific Assessment

• Documentation: Emphasizes historical documentation, test unit excavation, and analysis for mitigation needs.

  • Have added an extra layer of documentation - equates to additional time needed for reporting

• Special Conditions: Guidance for large sites, deeply buried sites, and specific artifact types.

  • More stringent standards for urban sites that will equate to additional excavation needs and reporting.

Stage 4: Mitigation of Development Impacts

• Paths: Avoidance/protection and excavation remain, but temporary avoidance is now addressed earlier in the process.

  • This can be a good thing as it allows the Developer to understand the impacts of temporary avoidance on their development.

• Reporting: New requirements for documenting land transfers and GNSS data.

  • Have added an extra layer of documentation - equates to additional time needed for reporting

Geospatial Data and Reporting

• Geospatial Data: GPS standards are replaced by GNSS requirements, improving accuracy and consistency.

  • Ensure your archaeologists are using the latest equipment for recording data

• Reporting: New standards clarify the structure and content of project report packages, including site forms and supplementary documentation.

  • Have added an extra layer of documentation - equates to additional time needed for reporting

Indigenous Engagement

• The 2026 draft integrates standards for engaging Indigenous communities in archaeological work, making this a central expectation for all projects. It references a draft bulletin on Indigenous engagement and emphasizes the importance of recognizing Indigenous connections to the land.