Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Archaeological Management Plan - Haldimand County

Archaeological Management Plan

Haldimand County has retained Archaeological Research Associates Ltd. (ARA) to prepare the County’s first Archaeological Management Plan (AMP). The City has commenced this year-long project in order to develop a new framework and strategic direction aimed at minimizing the loss of the limited archaeological resources within the County’s jurisdiction and strengthen the County’s planning and policy processes.

Driven by the responsibilities delegated to the County through the Planning Act and the Provincial Policy Statement (2020), decision makers and planners must be aware of all lands containing known archaeological sites or areas of archaeological potential in order to make informed decisions in accordance with provincial policies and regulations.

Key deliverables to be produced as part of the AMP in order to develop an effective, municipal decision-making tool, include:

  • A comprehensive research and background review to compile a comprehensive County history, gap analysis of existing policy and procedures, and roles and responsibilities, and establish initial AMP objectives based on best practices.
  • A comprehensive set of Geographical Information System (GIS) based mapping that documents known archaeological resources and identifies areas of archaeological potential;
  • Development of a robust engagement program with the First Nations and Indigenous Communities, Partners and the Public; and
  • Proposed new protocols, policies, roles and responsibilities, and management strategies to be integrated into the County’s Official Plan, and planning framework.

As the County is located within the traditional and/or treaty territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council, these First Nations and Indigenous community will be engaged throughout this project.

Engagement with partners, and the public will also extend throughout the life of this project in order to provide opportunities for information sharing, feedback and education. These opportunities will begin in Early 2024 and be advertised through the County’s website and social media platforms.

Get Involved

Haldimand County Archaeological Management Plan – Public Survey

We want to hear from you. Please take a few moments to complete the survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCAMP

Project Status

Please check back regularly for updates.

March 2023 – Contract awarded to Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.

April 2023 – Kick-off meeting between County staff and Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.

This meeting discussed the following:

  • Project Scope & Workplan
  • Archeological Potential Model
  • Consultation & Engagement Strategies
  • Milestones & Deliverables
  • Next Steps [of the project]

December 2023 – Public Survey Launched to Collect Public Feedback to Help Develop the Plan.

Timeline

March 2023 – Contract Awarded to Archaeological Research Associates Ltd

April 2023 – Kickoff Meeting between County Staff and Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.

Summer/Fall 2023 – Background Research and Data Collection

Winter 2023/Spring 2024 – Initiation of Indigenous community, Partner and Public Consultation and Engagement

Summer/Fall 2024 – Draft Archaeological Management Plan

Fall 2024 – Public Open House and Fair Information Booth

Winter 2024/Spring 2025 – Final Archaeological Management Plan

Background Information

Information to be provided as project develops!

The end product produced by ARA will be a report and a GIS layer indicating three things for each parcel within the County:

(1) whether there is still archaeological work to be completed;
(2) whether archaeological work has been completed and there are no further requirements for archaeology; and
(3) whether no previous archaeological work has occurred. Item #2 is the only situation in which a parcel will be “cleared” for development.

Press Releases

Information to be provided as project develops.

Contact Information

For more information on the Haldimand County Archaeological Management Plan, please contact:

Alisha Cull, BES, MCIP, RPP
Supervisor, Planning & Development
53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga, ON N0A 1E0
acull@haldimandcounty.on.ca
905-318-5932 ext. 6208

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an archaeological management plan (AMP)?

a. It is a planning document and tool that assists the municipality in identifying, managing, and protecting archaeological resources within the municipal limits. This will include background information, municipal policy and procedures, an Indigenous Consultation and Engagement protocol and detailed mapping of archaeological potential. The Ontario Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 identifies and recommends planning authorities to consider and promote archaeological management plans to assist with the identification, management and conservation of archaeological resources within their jurisdiction (Section 2.6, 2.6.4).

2. What is an archaeological management plan used for?

a. The AMP is foremost a tool for County staff to help clarify the archaeological potential, status and resources present, and the need for an archaeological assessment as part of the municipal planning process. Similarly, this can be a useful tool for developers and landowners to proactively understand the archaeological implications for any contemplated developments or building. Additionally, this will be an informative resource for archaeological consultants and the public about the County as a whole, as well as the archaeological assessment process.

3. What is archaeological potential?

a. Archaeological potential is the term used when discussing the likelihood of finding an archaeological site based on the proximity of an area to certain environmental, cultural, and logistical characteristics.

4. Where does the need for archaeological assessment come from?

a. The Ontario Heritage Act, enacted in 1975, established that archaeological resources within the Province of Ontario were a protected resource under the stewardship of the government of Ontario. In this it also established that as a protected resource only archaeologists, licenced by the province were authorized to investigate and excavated archaeological site and their artifacts. In the following years, triggers for archaeological assessments were added to legislation, such as the Planning Act through pieces such as the Provincial Policy Statement, indicating the need to have properties assessed, prior to the approval of development application. The Planning Act is the most common trigger, at the municipal level, issuing the requirement of an archaeological assessment.

5. Where can I find out more about archaeology and the archaeological assessment process in Ontario?

a. Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Archaeology Unit website at ontario.ca/page/archaeology.

b. For more information about Ontario archaeology, please visit the

i. Museum of Ontario Archaeology https://archaeologymuseum.ca/

ii. Ontario Archaeological Society https://ontarioarchaeology.org/

iii. Ontario Association of Professional Archaeologists https://www.apaontario.ca/

iv. Ontario Heritage Trust https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/pages/sites/archaeology