Abstract

Heritage Resource Impact Assessments (HRIAs) have been carried out in Manitoba, albeit informally, since the inception of the Historic Resources Branch in 1974. The HRIA process was formalized in 1986 with the proclamation of the Heritage Resources Act, which not only contains; provisions for protecting Heritage resources on provincially designated Heritage Sites, but also protects resources on sites where the Minister only has 'reason to believe' that they are present and will be adversely impacted by development or other activities. The Archaeology Section of the Branch coordinates initial HRIA screening for impacts to architectural, historical and archaeological resources. Field personnel examine any project with potential to require a developer to conduct a HRIA. Permits for field activities are issued, HRIA reports are reviewed and monitoring of project impacts are also functions of the Branch. HRIA Guidelines, in the form of seven self-contained 'modules', are available for use by the developer and the archaeological consultant in carrying our HRLAs.