500+ Archeological Assessments

Did you know that since 1975, more than 500 licensed archaeological assessments have been carried out in the County of Brant?

The Ontario Heritage Act came into effect in 1975, creating protections for archaeological resources. Since then, more than 500 archaeological assessments have been completed in the County of Brant.

Archaeological assessments are often triggered by development projects for which municipalities are the approval authority. According to the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, 98% of archaeological assessments in Ontario are related to development or infrastructure. In 2025 alone, the Ministry received approximately 3,800 assessment reports from across the province.1

As communities grow, municipalities play an important role in identifying and protecting archaeological resources before land-use changes or development occur. As the County of Brant continues to grow, licensed archaeological assessments will help strengthen our understanding of its history and ensure that important resources are not unknowingly lost or disturbed.

Archeological Assessment Process – Photo Credit Archeological Research Associates Ltd.

[1] https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1008163/ontario-cutting-wait-times-for-archaeological-approvals-by-up-to-80-per-cent

1,400+ Sites

Did you know more than 1,400 registered archaeological sites have been identified across Brant?These registered archaeological sites are officially documented locations that contain physical evidence of past human activity.These sites help tell the story of the people who have lived on these lands over thousands of years and highlight why archaeological resources need to be understood and protected.How do I know if my property is a registered archeological site?The Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism maintains the official database of registered archaeological sites. Site locations are generally kept confidential to protect artifacts from theft or damage.A licensed archaeologist can check…

When is an archaeological assessment required?

When something new is built in Ontario that alters the landscape, an archaeological assessment may be required to find out if archaeological resources could be present. Whether it is housing, industries, community spaces, or more, we want to ensure resources are protected before the land is altered.Archeological assessments are laid out in four stages, each building on the findings of the previous one. Not every project requires all four stages. The results of each stage determine whether further assessment is needed.The four stages include Stage 1 Background Study and Property Inspection: Review the property’s history, geography, and past land uses…