Abstract Manager

The design, maintenance and construction of highways and related infrastructure can have significant impacts on archaeological sites and areas of archaeological potential. The identification and evaluation of areas of archaeological potential and archaeological sites and the mitigation of impacts to identified sites is part of the Environmental Assessment process. In order to satisfy its obligations under the Environmental Assessment Act, the Ontario Heritage Act and associated Standards and Guidelines, MTO conducts archaeological assessment and mitigation across the province as part of the maintenance and development of the province’s transportation infrastructure. 
Archaeological sites that have a connection to Indigenous peoples involves both consultation and engagement with relevant Indigenous communities including consulting with communities about potential impacts to identified archaeological sites to having Indigenous Community Field Liaisons (CFLs) observe during archeological work at project sites. In this presentation, we will discuss archaeological processes and best practices employed by MTO and how they support consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities on MTO projects. 

Key highlights include:
1.    Overview of MTO’s archaeological assessment process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, the Ontario Heritage Act and the Funeral Burial and Cremation Services Act;
2.    Evaluation of how archaeological assessments and burial site investigations on MTO Projects are associated with the Crown’s Duty to Consult and engagement with Indigenous communities.  
3.    Overview of MTO Indigenous Community Field Liaison Policy to support on-site Indigenous community engagement during archaeological assessment including a discussion on lessons learned and best practices.