Special Places Protection

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 Heritage Division with a mandate to protect important archaeological, historical and palaeontological sites and remains, including those underwarter. The Heritage Division 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 through the Heritage Division website.

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

Laura Bennett
Coordinator, Special Places
Communities, Culture and Heritage
1747 Summer Street,
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3A6