Former Vancouver Island Realtor fined $66K after failing to disclose archaeological significance

January 24, 2026 - 18:11

A former Vancouver Island realtor has been ordered to pay $66,500 by the Real Estate Council of British Columbia (RECBC) for professional misconduct. The penalty stems from the 2017 sale of a property where the agent failed to disclose its known archaeological significance to the buyer.

The property in question was listed on B.C.'s Archaeological Site Inventory, a fact the realtor was aware of but did not include in the required property disclosure statement. This omission deprived the purchaser of critical information that could influence the property's use, value, and potential legal obligations. Protecting such sites is vital for preserving First Nations heritage and cultural history.

In its decision, the RECBC emphasized the fundamental duty of real estate professionals to act with honesty and to provide material facts. The council found the agent's actions constituted a serious breach of this duty, undermining consumer protection standards. The $66,500 fine includes a disciplinary penalty and enforcement expenses. This case serves as a stark reminder to industry professionals about the severe consequences of withholding material information, especially concerning heritage and legal designations that significantly affect property rights.