Budget 2025 updates
Consistent with Budget 2025, the fees associated with applications for Historical Resources Act requirements or approvals, as well as for archaeological and palaeontological research permits, will be increasing on April 1, 2025.
As of that date, the cost:
- to submit an initial Historic Resources Application will increase from $500 to $750
- for amendments or supplementary submissions to a Historic Resources Application will increase from $250 to $375
- to submit an initial application for an archaeological or palaeontological research permit will remain at $500
- for a permit amendment application will increase from $250 to $375
Further information is available in the Online Permitting and Clearance (OPaC) System Application Fees document below.
Overview
Four types of applications can be submitted using the Online Permitting and Clearance (OPaC) system:
- Historic Resources Applications
- applications for permits to undertake archaeological studies
- applications for permits to undertake palaeontological studies
- applications for Alberta Parks/Wildlife research or collections permits
Historic resources application
Submit a Historic Resources Application to get Historical Resources Act approval for development projects. See OPaC user guides on this page.
Archaeological permit application
Qualified archaeologists can apply for permits to undertake studies in Alberta. The results of these studies are also submitted through OPaC. See OPaC user guides on this page.
Newly qualified archaeologists must contact Head, Regulatory Approvals and Information Management to activate the permit-related features of OPaC.
Palaeontological permit application
Qualified palaeontologists can apply for permits to undertake studies in Alberta. The results of these studies are also submitted through OPaC. For more information, contact Head, Resource Management Program, Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.
Newly qualified palaeontologists must contact Dan Spivak, the Head of the Resource Management Program at the Royal Tyrrell Museum at 403-820-6210 to activate the permit-related features of OPaC.
Parks/Wildlife research and collection permit
Any person, agency or institution whose work involves wildlife research or collection in Alberta needs a Wildlife Research Permit and Collection Licence. Undertaking science and research in an Alberta Park or Protected Area also requires a permit. Applications for either or both are submitted through OPaC.
OPaC user guides
- OPaC User Guide Section 1 - Registration and Common Features
- OPaC User Guide Section 2 - Applying for Historical Resources Act Clearance
- OPaC User Guide Section 3 - Applying for Archaeological Permits and Amendments
- OPaC User Guide Section 4 - Submitting an Archaeological Report Summary
- Online Permitting and Clearance (OPaC) System Application Fees
Contact
Connect with us for Online Permitting and Clearance assistance:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-422-9180
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: hra.team@gov.ab.ca