NORTHEASTERN ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES LIMITED

Specializing in Stage 1 to 4 Archaeological Consulting
Licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Culture

ASSESSMENTS

(Text from Ministry of Heritage, Sports, Tourism and Cultural Industries (MHSTCI).)

Archaeological Assessment within the land use planning process in Ontario arises from legislation such as the Planning Act, Environmental Assessment Act, and Niagara Escarpment Planning & Development Act.

Cultural heritage resource concerns in land use planning are addressed through the Ministry of Culture's review of provincial and municipal planning policies and development projects. This review is conducted to determine whether cultural heritage resources may be adversely affected as a result of development. When archaeological concerns are identified through this review, the development proponent will be required to address them; usually by hiring an archaeological consultant to assess the lands in question.

Archaeological Assessment reports are reviewed by the Ministry of Culture to ensure that cultural heritage concerns have been met, that the consulting archaeologist's activities have met the requirements identified in these guidelines and the Ontario Heritage Act, and that the archaeological resources found have been properly conserved.

Procedures and Methods

Stage 1 - Archaeological Overview/Background Study

A Stage 1 background study provides the consulting archaeologist and Ministry report reviewer with information about the known and potential cultural heritage resources within a particular study area, prior to the start of the field assessment.

Stage 2 - Survey Methods

There are two basic survey methods acceptable for conducting a Stage 2 assessment of a development property: pedestrian (surface) and test pit survey. The use of either method is determined based on the nature and extent of ground cover.

Stage 3 - Archaeological Site Documentation

Stage 3 investigations occur when archaeological sites are located during survey. Normally these investigations will occur immediately following or as a distinct part of the Stage 2 assessment. Stage 3 investigations must obtain information about the spatial dimensions, artifact frequencies and cultural affiliation(s) of the site in question. Ultimately these data will be used to evaluate the site's significance and determine the appropriate impact mitigation strategy.

Stage 4 - Mitigation of Development Impacts

The objective of Stage 4 Mitigation is to address development impacts on an archaeological site with heritage value and the information it contains.

(Text from Ministry of Heritage, Sports, Tourism and Cultural Industries (MHSTCI).)