FAQs

An Archaeological Management Plan (AMP) is a planning tool that helps the County identify, manage, and protect archaeological resources across the community

The AMP will include background information about the County's archaeological history, mapping that identifies known archaeological sites and areas with archaeological potential, policies and procedures to guide planning decisions, and an Indigenous Consultation and Engagement Protocol.

The Province of Ontario recommends that municipalities develop Archaeological Management Plans to help conserve archaeological resources and support informed planning decisions.

The County is creating an Archaeological Management Plan to help make planning decisions more informed, consistent, and efficient while protecting important archaeological and cultural heritage resources.

As the County grows, it is important to understand where archaeological resources may be present so they can be considered early in the planning process. This helps support responsible development while protecting significant heritage resources for future generations.

The AMP will also support meaningful consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities. Many archaeological sites in the County are connected to Indigenous history, culture, and heritage. Working together helps improve our understanding of these places and helps ensure they are recognized and protected.

The AMP will help County staff make informed planning decisions while protecting important archaeological and cultural heritage resources.

It will be used when reviewing planning applications and municipal projects to identify areas where archaeological resources may be present and determine whether further assessment may be needed.

The AMP will also support meaningful consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities during planning processes.

In addition, it will serve as a public resource, helping residents, property owners, developers, and anyone interested in local history better understand the County's archaeological heritage.

The AMP does not change property ownership or designate properties as archaeological sites.

It is a planning tool that helps identify where archaeological resources may be present and when an archaeological assessment may be required under provincial legislation.

Whether an archaeological assessment is required depends on the type of project being proposed and the applicable provincial requirements.

Archaeological potential refers to the possibility that archaeological resources, such as artifacts or archaeological sites, may be present in an area.

Licensed archaeologists determine archaeological potential using information such as the area's history, geography, previous archaeological discoveries, and nearby cultural features.

Having archaeological potential does not mean archaeological resources are definitely present. It simply means there is a greater chance they could be found. Archaeological resources can also sometimes be discovered in areas that were not previously identified as having archaeological potential.

Archaeological assessments are required under provincial legislation for certain types of development or land alteration to help protect important archaeological resources.

Whether an assessment is required depends on the type of project and the location of the property. The AMP will help County staff, property owners, and developers identify when an assessment may be needed as part of the planning process.

Only archaeologists licensed by the Province of Ontario can carry out archaeological assessments.

An archaeological assessment is carried out by a licensed archaeologist following standards established by the Province of Ontario.

The assessment usually begins with background research and may include a site visit and field investigations.

If archaeological resources are found, additional work may be needed to better understand the site and determine the most appropriate way to protect it. In many cases, archaeological resources can be protected by making small changes to a project's design. In other cases, the site may need to be carefully documented or excavated before work can continue.

Where Indigenous archaeological resources might be present, Indigenous communities are notified and have opportunities to participate in the process.

All assessment reports are reviewed by the Province before projects requiring archaeological clearance can move forward.