Stage 1 - 4 Archaeological Assessments

Archaeological assessments are often needed in advance of residential and commercial development or service projects (i.e. road widening / utility corridors, waste management facilities etc.) in order to meet provincial (Ministry of Culture) and municipal legislation. AC&C is qualified to engage in historic and archival document searches and undertake intensive field surveys to in order to satisfy Ministry of Culture requirements and guidelines. Archaeological assessments are carried out through background research (Stage 1) and intensive field surveys (Stage 2-3). The early detection of a significant archaeological site through a detailed assessment allows for the early modification of a subject property's draft plan.

Stage 1
During archival research of a subject property, archaeological potential is assessed through the identification of any known historic or pre-contact archaeological sites that have been previously registered on the property itself. This data offers the client an idea of what may be expected in terms of heritage concerns.

Stage 2
A stage 2 archaeological assessment is an intensive field review of the subject property. An archaeological field crew assesses the subject property under the guidance of a liscensed field supervisor. Stage 2 assessment is typically carried out by means of a 5m pedestrian survey of the subject property. In cases where the property cannot be ploughed, the property may be assessed through shovel test-pitting, in which small pits (30 cm in diameter by approximately 30 cm in depth) are excavated to sterile subsoil and the material is screened through 6mm mesh. If artifacts are encountered, they are catalogued and analyzed to determine their cultural and temporal affiliation, as well as their archaeological and/or their historical significance. If the deposit is deemed significant, Stage 3 work will be required.

Stage 3
The goal of stage 3 work is twofold; to define the limits of the archaeological deposit and to determine if the ploughzone deposit is substantial enough to tell us something about the people that created it.

The stage 3 strategy for historic and pre-contact sites is essentially the same - the primary goal is to determine the extent of the archaeological deposit. The first step is a controlled surface collection, where staff record the location of each artifact found on the surface. Subsequently, a map is constructed to reveal the density and distribution of the archaeological resources present. Using standard survey methods, a grid is established across the site and the surface scatter map is then employed to guide the placement and excavation of a series of one meter square test units across the site. Each unit is hand-excavated to sterile subsoil and the soil contents are screened through six-millimeter wire mesh in order to maximize the recovery of artifacts. The test units and grid are referenced to a site datum, and the location of each unit is recorded on the field map.

If artifacts are encountered, they are catalogued and analyzed to determine their cultural and temporal affiliation, as well as their archaeological and/or historical significance. If the deposit is deemed significant, in size, temporal affiliation and cultural material recovered, Stage 4 work may be required.

Stage 4
A Stage 4 requirement demands the total excavation of an archaeological deposit. Stage 4 recommendations can be avoided through the creation of a protected green-space, which surrounds and protects the archaeological deposit. This manner of protection preserves the archaeological site for future generations. However, in many cases, the avoidance of an archaeological deposit is not feasible and the site must be excavated. When this occurs, Archaeological Consultants and Contractors is qualified and capable of conducting the excavation of any archaeologically significant deposits that can potentially occur within a subject property using responsible and cost-effective techniques.