Stage 3 Site-specific Assessment

All sites identified during Stage 2 which retain cultural heritage value or interest require Stage 3 Site-specific Assessment. Stage 3 excavations provide greater information regarding the site including, the limits, confirmation of cultural affiliation and the level of cultural heritage value or interest. The Stage 3 Site-specific Assessment is conducted in accordance with the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists.

 

Archaeological sites found during pedestrian survey require a controlled surface pickup prior to excavations. A controlled surface pickup includes the mapping of individual artifacts or clusters or artifacts which are mapped using GPS. This map helps to define the limits of the site area. In some cases this is completed during the Stage 2. A series of 1×1 meter squares are placed at an interval of 5 to 10 meters across the entire site area. Each square is excavated by hand, the excavated soil screen to recover all artifacts and processed accordingly. Artifacts are retained and brought back to the lab for processing and analysis.

A more in depth background research is completed for each Stage 3 historic site. Historic records including Land Records, Census and Tax Rolls, are consulted to determine the land us history of the subject property. The background history aids in the dating of the site, as well as, providing additional information relative to the level of cultural value or interest that the site has.

A technical report combining all of the data as well as detailing the fieldwork and outlining one of two recommendations will be produced. If the site retains cultural heritage value or interest Stage 4 is required either through excavation or through the preferred method of avoidance and protection. If the site has been fully documented and has no further cultural heritage value or interest the site will be considered clear of any further archaeological concern and a recommended for no further work will be recommended. This report  is submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport for review and issuance of a letter of concurrence.