Summary

The Heritage Property Amendment Act, 2026 authorizes the provincial government to charge application fees for archaeological and palaeontological investigation permits. The Act allows regulations setting these fees to be made retroactive to April 1, 2026.

Under The Heritage Property Act, anyone wanting to conduct archaeological or palaeontological surveys, excavations, or collect objects from heritage sites in Saskatchewan must obtain an investigation permit from the minister. This bill changes that system by adding authority to charge a non-refundable application fee when someone applies for such a permit. Previously, the Act allowed the minister to issue permits but did not mention fees. The new provisions authorize cabinet to make regulations prescribing what fees apply and how much they are. The bill is retroactive to April 1, 2026, meaning any fee regulations made under this authority can apply to applications received since that date, even though the bill received royal assent on May 14, 2026.