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Stage 1: Background Study and Optional Property Inspection

–          Will have a detailed documentary research providing a record of the property’s archaeological and land use history and current condition.
–          The objective of the background study is to provide information about the property’s geography, history, any previous archaeological fieldwork, and the current land condition.
–          To establish archaeological potential of the site, this will then lead to recommendations for Stage 2 survey.
–          All features (see glossary) of archaeological potential will be noted alongside a detailed evaluation of the property’s archaeological potential.

Evaluated Archaeological Potential                      Recommended Next Step

– Property has archaeological potential            – Stage 2 assessment of the entire property

– Some of the property has archaeological       – Potential Stage 2 assessment

– No indication of archaeological potential      – End of assessment

Things to know:
The documentation of the property’s archaeological and land use history and present condition will form part of the Stage I project report package and will be referred to again in later stages to reassure cultural heritage value and assessment and mitigation strategies.

A non-licensed archaeologist may complete background research, for example archival research, and this means that they will not complete a property inspection or  archaeological fieldwork.
The consultation archaeologist is responsible for the interpretation for all background research and reporting on the background study.

Standards of the Background Study:
Research Information from the following sources:

  • Most up-to-date (based on the date of the submission of the Project Information Form) lists of sites from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture’s archeological database for a 1km radius around the property.
  • Reports of previous fieldwork done within a 50m radius
  • Topographic maps, both recent and historical, or most detailed scale available at 1:10,000
  • Historic settlement maps
  • If available, archaeological management plans
  • Inclusion of any commemorative plaques or monuments

Guidelines for Stage 1 AND most applicable to First Nation Communities:

Research information must include:

  • A list of the sites from the archaeological  site database beyond a 1km radius
  • Reports of previous archaeological fieldwork beyond a 50m radius of current property
  • First Nation communities consulted with to learn information on possible traditional use areas and sacred and other sites on or around the property: More information
  • Aerial photographs (recent and historical)
  • Geotechnical studies, including soil studies, hydrogeological studies
  • Title deeds or other land registry documents
  • Historical land use and ownership records, such as assessment roles, census records, commercial directories
  • Use of local museums, archaeological or historical societies who have oral and written information of the land use of the property and area
  • Use of primary source material, including materials relevant to location and time such as diaries, manuscripts, newspaper articles, etc.
  • Use of secondary source material, such as local and regional histories, or academic research (typically interpretations of primary source materials)
  • Municipal engineering studies and maps, municipal planning studies, or insurance and fire studies and maps.

Evaluating Archaeological Potential

After Stage 1 Background Study (and possible property inspection) has been completed and the evaluation deems that the property has archaeological potential, the study will phase into Stage II.

Features indicating Archaeological Potential:
–          Previous identified archaeological sites
–          Water sources nearby:

  • Primary water sources: lakes, rivers, streams, creeks
  • Secondary water sources: intermittent streams and creeks, springs, marshes, swamps
  • Indications of past water sources in geography: glacial lake shorelines evident in raised sand or gravel beach ridges, relic river or stream channels evident by clear dip or swale in topography, or shorelines of drained lakes or marshes, cobble beaches
  • Elevated topography: drumlins, large knolls, plateaux
  • Pockets of sand-soil, especially near areas of heavy soil or rocky ground
  • Distinct land formations that possibly were special or spiritual places such as waterfalls, caverns, mounds, etc. There also lies the possibility of physical indicators of their use such as burials, offerings, rock paintings or carvings.
  • Resources are abundant in the area: migratory routes, ochre or outcrops of chert, or mining
  • Early Euro-Canadian settlements are near, such as pioneer homesteads, churches, and early cemeteries, and typically (but not always) these are indicated by local, provincial, or federal monuments or commemorative markers, or heritage parks.
  • Early historical transport routes, such as trails, roads, railways
  • Property is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act or is federal, provincial, or municipal historic landmark or site

What happens when archaeological potential has been removed or “disturbed”?

–          Archaeological potential may not be present for either the entire property or a part of it when the area under consideration has been subject to extensive and deep land alterations that has severely damaged the integrity of archaeological resources. These disturbances may include quarrying, sewage and infrastructure development, etc.

–          Activities such as agricultural cultivation, gardening, and landscaping do not necessarily affect archaeological potential.

–           Archaeological potential is not lost if there is documented potential for deeply buried intact archaeological resources beneath land alterations, or where it cannot be clearly demonstrated through background research and property inspection that there has been intensive disturbance.

For more information about potential evaluation in special conditions refer to the Guide, i.e. Canadian Shield, Remote areas, Forest Management on Crown Lands, etc.

Stage 2 recommendations can be made under special conditions, meaning that archaeologists can recommend reduction of Stage 2 test pit survey coverage.

–          When making recommendations to exempt a site from further assessment due to low archaeological potential, it is CRITICAL to consult with First Nation communities to ensure that there are no unaddressed cultural heritage interests.

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