Stage 4 Archaeological Assessment

At the end of the archaeological impact assessment process comes Stage 4 – and this will ultimately be the determining factor in how development and construction progresses, should it be allowed. By this point, we’ll have carried out a thorough investigation of the property to determine whether any culturally or historically significant remains are present, using both on-site investigation and extensive background research. These stages ensure that we have a comprehensive picture of the site, and you can feel relaxed knowing that no stone will have been left unturned, no minute detail left uninvestigated. At Toronto Archaeological Consulting, we feel that we offer the most highly-regarded and reputable archaeological services in the Toronto region, and once we complete the Stage 4 archaeological assessment, we’re confident that you’ll feel the same way. To learn more about the final stage of this process, and the significance it holds, peruse the information below.

Understanding Stage 4

Once Stage 4 rolls around, we’ll be looking to reach a final conclusion on the needs of your property and the effect that the archaeological presence will have on the development taking place there. We’ll carry out a full excavation to learn about everything present at the site, uncovering artifacts and archaeological materials through a meticulous investigation that leaves no room for error. Once that’s been handled, it’ll be time to evaluate the development concerns and make suggestions relating to the mitigation strategies that might be used to offset any development impacts – if development remains a feasible possibility.

Full Excavation

Any properties that have sites which are endangered and cannot be preserved will require a full excavation process, as set out by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture regulations and guidelines. We’ll ferret out every bit of material and investigate the site in the most comprehensive fashion possible. By collecting and compiling information in a swift and efficient manner, we can conserve not only the physical artifacts from the site, but also the information and history that the site relays.

Mitigation of Development

Once we’ve concluded any full excavations, where required, we’ll be left with all of the information necessary to determine the feasibility of any future developments at the property. The fact is, it’s entirely possible that the widespread presence of historically significant artifacts – which may or may not be possible to remove – could inhibit the chance of developing the land moving forward. Of course, there are specific circumstances where it is possible to develop this land, but only through the use of mitigatory strategies at the same time.

Making Recommendations  

Once we’ve carried out all this research and strategized on how to manage the archaeological site on your property, we will have a comprehensive report in place outlining the relevant information – and our recommended strategies and behaviours – in a descriptive report. Using this report, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture will then assess what will be allowed to take place at the site, before making their final decision.