Frequently Asked Questions

What is the point of doing Archaeology?

Within the Province of Ontario, human beings have been occupying and altering the landscape for at least 10,000 years. Most things that happened during the course of time was never recorded;therefore the purpose of archaeology is to collect the physical evidence left behind by human societies in order to provide a better understanding of our past.

The purpose of conducting archaeology from a land development context is to avoid unnecessary damage to, or removal of, physical evidence of the past. Archaeological studies are required in order to ensure that the fragile and irreplaceable physical evidence of Ontario's past societies and periods of history are properly documented and collected.

When is the best time to conduct archaeological investigations on my property?

It is recommended to complete any required archaeological study as early as possible within the process toward development. Although various municipalities often only initially require a Stage 1 Background Research study, it must be noted that almost any Stage 1 will likely recommend some form or amount of a Stage 2 Property assessment prior to considering the property cleared of archaeological concerns.

In the event that the Stage 1 and/or Stage 2 indicates that a potentially significant archaeological resource is present within the study area, a Stage 3 Site Assessment will be required and possibly a Stage 4 Site Mitigation through excavation or avoidance.

Given the time that may be involved in Stage 3 and 4 field work, data analysis, and Aboriginal Engagement (depending on the culture affiliation of the site), we advise our clients to allow themselves the maximum amount of time to address any archaeological concerns before they begin to impact critical project timelines. Starting the archaeological process early also reduces the risk of delays in construction or costly changes to the project plans.

How long will it take to have my report reviewed by the MTC?

The MTC has committed to a 90 day review period. However if you require a review prior to 90 days after submission, please contact AMICK directly to request an expedited review of the report. The MTC requires the following information in order to expedite a review:

• AMICK project #
• PIF #
• Date by which the report must be reviewed and a justification to expedite the review
• Project Plan on file with the approval authority.
• Conditions of application or development issued by the approval authority that triggered the assessment.
• Approval authority contact information for this project.

If I do not want to plough an area of property can I have it assessed using the test pit methodology instead?

Unfortunately, no. The MTC requires that all lands that can be ploughed or accessed by a plough must be ploughed prior to the physical assessment. Upon review of the report the Ministry will not issue clearance of the archaeological condition until the area has been assessed in accordance with their requirements. Neither the consultant archaeologist nor the proponent can opt for one method over another. Pedestrian survey is the preferred method to assess lands. In order for the Ministry to accept that the lands are not ploughable there must be a documented impediment or justifiable reason supported by evidence in order to use the test pit methodology.

Do you offer rush services?

Yes, under certain conditions. If you require a rush assessment please contact our office directly.

The study area consists of environmentally protected lands, do these lands require assessment?

Lands designated EPA or with similar restrictive zoning, do not require assessment so long as the documentation from the local planning authority indicates that those lands are prohibited from future land alterations or soil disturbance until an assessment has been completed. Please be advised that lands designated Open Space require assessment.

How much of the property are you required to assess?

We are required to assess the entire property area subject to the planning application for which the assessment is required. The limit of the assessed area must conform to the property plan on file with the municipal planning authority.

How long does it take to receive a proposal for AMICK?

Stage 1, 1-2 & 2

Proposals for most Stage 1, Stage 2 or combined Stage 1-2 projects can be received within the same day provided we have accurate information regarding the current condition of the study area and sufficient mapping.

Stage 3

Proposals often require more detailed analysis of previous investigations; typically they can be completed within 2 business days.

Stage 4

Proposals typically take several business days to prepare, due to the amount of detailed analysis required.

Other proposals for example of large utility corridors or secondary plans can take several days depending on the complexities of the proposed project.

What information is required to prepare a Stage 3 proposal?

In order to complete a Stage 3 proposal, we require detailed information regarding previous archaeological investigations. The best way to achieve this is to provide us with copies of reports for all previous archaeological investigations undertaken with respect to the property.