Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment

May 15, 2017
Draft Disclaimer
This document is a draft and is provided for information only. The information contained herein
is subject to change during the Transit Project Assessment Process. The final version of this
document will be available following the Notice of Completion.
STAGE 1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE BRONTE ROAD PARK AND
RIDE ON LOT 30, CONCESSION I NORTH OF DUNDAS,
GEOGRAPHIC TOWNSHIP OF TRAFALGAR, TOWN OF OAKVILLE,
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF HALTON
Original License Report
Submitted to:
MMM Group Limited
610 Chartwell Road, Suite 300
Oakville, ON L6J 4A9
Phone (905) 823-8500
Submitted by:
New Directions Archaeology Ltd.
1480 Sandhill Drive, Unit 3
Ancaster, Ontario L9G 4V5
Phone (905) 304-6893
License Holder: Phillip Woodley #P018
Project # P018-0755-2015
March 7, 2016
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report discusses the rationale, methods and results of the Stage 1 archaeological assessment
for the proposed construction of a GO Park and Ride parking lot at Bronte Road and Highway 407
in the Town of Oakville, Regional Municipality of Halton. This project is following the Transit
Project Assessment Process (Ontario Regulation 231/08, Transit Projects and Metrolinx
Undertakings) which exempts transit projects from the requirements of Part II of the Ontario
Environmental Assessment Act provided they are planned in accordance with the regulation. The
study area is located on Lot 30 Concession I North of Dundas in the Geographic Township of
Trafalgar, Halton County. The proposed parking lot will be located south of Highway 407 and
east of Bronte Road and will measure approximately 4.8 hectares. New Directions Archaeology
Ltd. was contracted by MMM Group on behalf of Metrolinx to conduct this Stage 1 archaeological
assessment. The purpose of this Stage 1 archaeological assessment is to provide information about
the property’s geography, history, previous archaeological fieldwork, and current land condition
in order to determine the property’s potential to contain archaeological material. A background
study and a property inspection were completed as part of this Stage 1 assessment. Assessment
activities were conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act (R.S.O.
1990, c.o. 18) in compliance with the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists
(2011) under an archaeological consulting license (#P018) issued to Phillip Woodley of New
Directions Archaeology Ltd.
The evaluation of whether the property contains archaeological potential is based on the results of the
background study and property inspection conducted as part of this assessment. The study area meets
many of the criteria that demonstrate the presence of archaeological potential. Fourteen Mile
Creek is located approximately 60 metres north of the study area, and would have provided
excellent resources for both Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian habitation of the land. Additionally,
14 archaeological sites have been previously registered within one kilometre of the study area.
Nineteenth century mapping indicated Bronte Road, a historic roadway, was located adjacent to
the study area, and that the Village of Palermo was only one kilometre to the south. The mapping
also demonstrated that that by 1877, one structure and a large orchard were present within the
study area. Early twentieth century topographic maps and aerial photography confirmed that the
farmstead illustrated on the 1877 atlas was still present on the property in 1954. Further, based on
topography and the presence of well drained soils, the study area clearly holds archaeological
potential.
However, the determination of archaeological potential is tempered with a review of whether
portions of the property have experienced extensive and deep land alterations that have removed
archaeological potential. The widening and paving of Bronte Road, the construction of the
eastbound onramp to Highway 407, and the berms created along the eastern edge of the onramp
have removed potential within those areas. The remainder of the study area does not appear to
have been subject to land alterations and as a result, contains archaeological potential.
On the basis of the above information, the following recommendations are made:
1. The portion of the study area located on the eastbound onramp to Highway 407 and the
adjacent berm does not hold archaeological potential and requires no further assessment
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2. The remainder of the study area contains archaeological potential and requires a Stage
2 archaeological assessment prior to any ground disturbing activities:
a. The portion of the property located in the active agricultural fields must be
subject to a pedestrian survey as per Section 2.1.1 of the Standards and
Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (MTCS 2011:30). The fields must
be ploughed and allowed to weather by at least one heavy rainfall to improve
visibility of archaeological resources.
b. The portion of the property located within the overgrown grasslands is
considered abandoned farmland with heavy brush and weed growth. Further,
this portion of the property contains the remnants of structures that would be
damaged by a plough. As a result, the grasslands portion of the property must
be subject to a test pit survey as per Section 2.1.2 of the Standards and
Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (MTCS 2011:31).
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................. i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... iii
LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... iv
LIST OF MAPS ............................................................................................................................. iv
LIST OF IMAGES ......................................................................................................................... iv
PROJECT PERSONNEL................................................................................................................ v
PROJECT CONTEXT: DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................... 1
PROJECT CONTEXT: HISTORICAL .......................................................................................... 2
Halton County.............................................................................................................................. 2
Township of Trafalgar ................................................................................................................. 2
Lot 30, Concession I North of Dundas ........................................................................................ 3
PROJECT CONTEXT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL ............................................................................. 4
General Geography and Geology ................................................................................................ 4
Previously Registered Archaeological Sites ................................................................................ 4
Previous Archaeological Fieldwork ............................................................................................ 5
BACKGROUND STUDY .............................................................................................................. 6
PROPERTY INSPECTION ............................................................................................................ 6
ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS .............................................................................................. 6
RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................................ 8
ADVICE ON COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION ................................................................. 9
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 10
MAPS............................................................................................................................................ 12
IMAGES ....................................................................................................................................... 23
APPENDIX I: Document Inventory ............................................................................................. 25
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Registered Sites within One Kilometre of Study Area ..................................................... 4
LIST OF MAPS
Map 1: General Study Area .......................................................................................................... 12
Map 2: Study Area on Topographic Map ..................................................................................... 13
Map 3: Development Plan ............................................................................................................ 14
Map 4: 1858 Tremaine Map ......................................................................................................... 15
Map 5: 1877 Miles & Co. Map ..................................................................................................... 16
Map 6: 1909 Topographic Map .................................................................................................... 17
Map 7: 1931 Topographic Map .................................................................................................... 17
Map 8: 1954 Aerial Photograph .................................................................................................... 18
Map 9: 1954 Aerial Photograph – Detail of Farmstead ................................................................ 19
Map 10: 2009 Google Earth Imagery ........................................................................................... 20
Map 11: Recommendations Map .................................................................................................. 21
Map 12: Location and Direction of Photographs .......................................................................... 22
LIST OF IMAGES
Image 1: Study area facing east, note active agricultural field ..................................................... 23
Image 2: Study area facing north, note silo .................................................................................. 23
Image 3: Study area facing west, note overgrown grasslands ...................................................... 23
Image 4: Study area facing southeast, note overgrown grasslands ............................................... 23
Image 5: Close up of modern household debris............................................................................ 24
Image 6: Study area facing west, note agricultural field and overgrown grasslands .................... 24
Image 7: Study area facing west, note grade rise up to Bronte ramp to Hwy 407 ....................... 24
Image 8: Study area facing southwest, note overgrown grasslands and silo ................................ 24
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PROJECT PERSONNEL
Project Director
Phillip Woodley (P158)
Field Director
Lara Wood (P1078)
Report Preparation
Amanda Parks (R450)
Report Graphics
Katie Brightwell
Amanda Parks
Editor
Lara Wood
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PROJECT CONTEXT: DEVELOPMENT
This report discusses the rationale, methods and results of the Stage 1 archaeological assessment
for the proposed construction of a GO Park and Ride parking lot at Bronte Road and Highway 407
in the Town of Oakville, Regional Municipality of Halton (Maps 1 and 2). This project is
following the Transit Project Assessment Process (Ontario Regulation 231/08, Transit Projects
and Metrolinx Undertakings) which exempts transit projects from the requirements of Part II of
the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act provided they are planned in accordance with the
regulation. The study area is located on Lot 30 Concession I North of Dundas in the Geographic
Township of Trafalgar, Halton County. The proposed parking lot will be located south of Highway
407 and east of Bronte Road and will measure approximately 4.8 hectares (Map 3). New
Directions Archaeology Ltd. was contracted by MMM Group on behalf of Metrolinx to conduct
this Stage 1 archaeological assessment during the preliminary/detail design phase of the project.
The purpose of this Stage 1 archaeological assessment is to provide information about the
property’s geography, history, previous archaeological fieldwork, and current land condition in
order to determine the property’s potential to contain archaeological material. Detailed
documentary research was conducted as part of this study and provides a record of the property’s
archaeological and land use history, as well as its present condition. This research is presented in
the historical and archaeological context sections of this report. A property inspection was also
completed to gain first-hand knowledge of the property’s geography, topography, and current
condition, and to evaluate and map archaeological potential. Permission to enter the property was
granted to New Directions Archaeology Ltd. by the property owner’s designated agent,
Infrastructure Ontario.
Assessment activities were conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage
Act (R.S.O. 1990, c.o. 18) in compliance with the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant
Archaeologists (2011) under an archaeological consulting license (#P018) issued to Phillip
Woodley of New Directions Archaeology Ltd. The field notes, photos and related documents
will be curated at the office of New Directions Archaeology Ltd. (Appendix I).
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PROJECT CONTEXT: HISTORICAL
The following presents a summary of the land use and settlement history for the Highway 407 and
Bronte Road Go Park and Ride lot. The study area is located on Lot 30 Concession I North of
Dundas in the Geographic Township of Trafalgar, Halton County. Brief descriptions of Halton
County and Trafalgar Township follow, along with a review of nineteenth century maps and
twentieth century aerial photographs all of which are focused on the study area on Lot 30
Concession I North of Dundas. This was completed in order to provide additional insight into the
past and present land use and settlement history of the property.
Halton County
Historic Halton County was bordered on the south by Lake Ontario, on the east by Peel County,
on the north by Wellington County, and on the west by Wentworth County. Prior to 1853, Halton
and Wentworth were united as one region. However, as smaller units of government became
desirable, the two regions were separated into different counties, and Halton County was further
divided into the Townships of Esquesing, Trafalgar, Nelson and Nassagaweya. In 1857, the Towns
of Milton and Oakville were included and in 1874 the Villages of Burlington and Acton joined the
County of Halton (Cumming 1971: 54).
Farming was a prosperous endeavor in Halton County, with soil suitable for agriculture and plenty
of land for grazing animals. In the western portion of the County, the Burlington Mountains run
from south to north. There are a number of significant streams, notably the Credit River, the
Twelve-Mile Creek, and the Sixteen-Mile Creek (Cumming 1971: 54). Halton is also home to a
number of railways including: the Grand Trunk Railway, which runs from east to west through the
northern portion of the County; the Great Western Railway, which runs through the south of the
County; the Hamilton and North-Western Railways, which cut diagonally through the County from
Burlington to Georgetown; and the Credit Valley Railway, which cuts through the County on a
diagonal in the opposite direction (Cumming 1971: 54).
Township of Trafalgar
The earliest settlers to the Township of Trafalgar enjoyed a favourable environmental
setting, as the land was well-watered by Twelve Mile Creek, Sixteen Mile Creek and their various
tributaries (Smith 1846:197). The first Euro-Canadian settlers arrived in the southern part of the
township ca. 1807, “when wild land was selling at seven shillings and six-pence per acre”
(Cumming 1971:59). By 1817, the population of the township reached 548, and there were four
saw mills and one grist mill in operation (Cumming 1971:59). Richard Bristol surveyed the
northern part of the Township of Trafalgar in 1819.
The first post office in the township (Trafalgar P.O.) was established at Post’s Corners in 1820,
and this was the only post office located between Toronto and Dundas at this time. Mail was carried
on horseback along Dundas Street from Toronto to Niagara, and pioneers from as far as Erin
journeyed to Trafalgar for their letters. By the mid-19th century, a total of 28,375 ha had been taken
up in the township, 11,404 ha of which were under cultivation. There were 23 saw mills and 7 grist
mills in operation at that time (Smith 1846:197). The population of Trafalgar reached 4,513 by
1850, and by 1862 there were three foundries, a woolen factory, a brewery, a tannery, a steam
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engine and machine works, and a shingle factory in operation (Warnock 1862:14). The 1871
census of Trafalgar, which did not include the Towns of Oakville and Milton, counted a population
of 5,027 (Cumming 1971:59).
The Township of Trafalgar contained numerous historic railways which contributed to the
prosperity of the region. The Hamilton & Northwestern Railway traversed the western part of the
township on its way from Burlington to Georgetown, and the Hamilton & Toronto Branch of the
Great Western Railway traversed the southern part of the township with stations at Bronte and
Oakville (Warnock 1862:15). The Credit Valley Railway traversed the northern part of the
township from east to west, and was partly finished by 1877 (Cumming 1971:54). In 1883,
the Credit Valley Railway was amalgamated with the Ontario & Quebec Railway, which in turn
was leased to the CP Railway in 1884.
Lot 30, Concession I North of Dundas
The study area is located in the north half of Lot 30, Concession I North of Dundas. The following
presents the results of the nineteenth and twentieth century map review, and the review of twentieth
century aerial photographs and orthographic imagery, all focused on the location of the study area
on Lot 30.
Two nineteenth century maps were reviewed to provide insight into the settlement history and past
land use of the property. The 1858 Tremaine Map of the County of Halton indicates the study area
was located on property owned by John R. Hart (Map 4). While no structures are located within
the vicinity of the study area, the map shows that the property was located along an historic
roadway (Old Bronte Road), and approximately one kilometre north of the Village of Palermo.
The 1877 Walker & Miles Illustrated Atlas of the County of Halton indicates the study area was
located on property owned by Johnathan Marshall (Map 6). One structure is illustrated on the map
within the study area, surrounded by a large orchard. Considering the presence of an historic
structure within the study area, and given the proximity of the study area to an historic roadway
and the Village of Palermo, there is a high probability of encountering historic materials within
the study area. Further, it is noted that not all structures were illustrated on historic maps, and
structures such as outbuildings might also be present within the study area.
Two historic topographic maps were reviewed as part of this study. The 1909 (Map 6) and 1931
(Map 7) topographic maps each demonstrate the presence of a structure and a large orchard within
the study area, as was illustrated on the 1877 atlas. The historic topographic maps indicate the
house was of brick construction.
Additionally, a review of a 1954 aerial photograph (Maps 8 and 9) demonstrates that farmstead
noted on the nineteenth and early twentieth century maps was still standing in the mid-twentieth
century. While the quality of the aerial photography is poor, a laneway is visible within the study
area leading to a large structure, likely a barn. Halfway up the laneway a second structure is
visible. Orthographic imagery from Google Earth (2009) (Map 10) is of higher quality, and while
the two structures are no longer standing, their remnants are visible, as is the silo.
A search of the area for nearby historic commemorative plaques or monuments revealed none are
located within the vicinity of the study area.
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PROJECT CONTEXT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL
The study area is located in the southeast quadrant of the Highway 407/Bronte Road interchange,
in the Town of Oakville. The following presents a discussion of the general geography and
geology of the study area, a review of sites within one kilometre of the study area, and a review of
reports documenting fieldwork within 50 metres of the study area. This information is essential
for determining archaeological potential within the subject lands. A property inspection of the
study area was conducted on November 2, 2015.
General Geography and Geology
The study area is located within the South Slope physiographic region (Chapman and Putnam
1984: 172-174). The South Slope is situated between Lake Ontario and the Oak Ridges Moraine.
This physiographic region is higher than the glacial Lake Iroquois Plain and extends from the
Niagara Escarpment to the Trent River (Chapman and Putnam 1984: 172). The South Slope is
primarily a ground moraine with irregular knolls and hollows with Chinguacousy clay loam soil
(Chapman and Putnam 1983: 174). More specifically, the study area measures 4.8 hectares and
encompasses portions of agricultural fields (Images 1, 4 and 6) as well as overgrown grasslands
(Images 2 to 4). It is clear from historic mapping and imagery that the grasslands once contained
a farmstead, including a house, barn, and silo. Only the silo remains standing (Image 8). The
western limits of the study area include a portion of the onramp to the eastbound Highway 407. A
branch of Fourteen Mile Creek is present approximately 60 metres northwest of the study area and
another branch is present to the south, crossing Bronte Road near the southern property line. The
general topography of the surrounding is gently undulating (Map 2), with the overgrown
grasslands demonstrating a varied topography indicative of remnant structures on the property.
The soil matrix within the study area is described as Oneida clay loam, a grey-brown luvisol
comprised of clay loam till over bedrock (Gillespie 1946). Oneida clay loam has well drained
soils.
Previously Registered Archaeological Sites
A review of the Ontario Archaeological Sites Database (OASD), maintained by the Ministry of
Tourism, Culture and Sport, revealed that while no sites have been registered within the study area,
fourteen have been previously registered within one kilometre of the study area. Table 1 details
the results of this review. None of the sites are within 50 metres of the study area.
Table 1: Registered Sites within One Kilometre of Study Area
Borden
Number
AiGw-104
AiGw-127
AiGw-128
AiGw-129
AiGw-130
AiGw-131
AiGw-144
AiGw-145
Name
Affiliation
Type
Researcher
Proud
80-403-6
80-403-7
80-403-8
80-403-9
80-403-10
81-403-16
81-403-5
Archaic
Pre-Contact
Pre-Contact
Pre-Contact
Pre-Contact
Pre-Contact
Pre-Contact
Pre-Contact
Unknown
Unknown
Camp
Camp
Findspot
Findspot
Findspot
Findspot
Roberts 1976
Phil 1980
Phil 1980
Phil 1980
Phil 1980
Phil 1980
Phil 1981
Phil 1981
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Number
AiGw-146
AiGw-147
AiGw-148
AiGw-304
AiGw-547
AiGw-553
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Name
Affiliation
Type
Researcher
81-403-18
81-403-19
81-403-19
Corfu
RR25H2
H2 Site
Pre-Contact
Pre-Contact
Pre-Contact
Late Archaic
Euro-Canadian
Euro-Canadian
Findspot
Findspot
Findspot
Camp
Homestead
Homestead
Phil 1981
Phil 1981
Phil 1981
Fisher 1999
Marr 2011
Marr 2012
Previous Archaeological Fieldwork
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport indicated two reports documented fieldwork within
50 metres of the study area. The findings of these reports are discussed below.
The Stage 1-2 Archaeological Assessment of the Ontario Realty Corporation Property, Additional
Oakville Assembly Lands, Part of Lots 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 Concession I NDS, Registered Plan
of Trafalgar, Town of Oakville, Project No. D6399 (P013-318-2007) was completed by
Archaeological Assessments Ltd in 2007 (AAL 2007).
This assessment consisted of two different parcels separated by the Highway 407 corridor. The
north parcel, located southeast of the intersection of Regional Road 25 (Bronte Road) and
Burnhamthorpe Road on the north side of the Highway 407 corridor, is 66 acres in size and consists
of some agricultural lands, two woodlots and some disturbed lands. The south parcel is 81.5 acres
in size, located 450 metres east of Bronte Road, between the Highway 407 corridor and Dundas
Street West, and consists of portions of five agricultural fields. All of the agricultural lands were
pedestrian surveyed at 5 metre intervals. All of the well drained forested areas were shovel test
pitted at 5 metre intervals. Two precontact archaeological sites were located during the course of
the Stage 2 assessment, both of which consisted of a single Onondaga chert flake. Both sites were
determined to be indeterminate precontact findspots, and the sites were deemed not significant,
therefore no further investigation was required.
The Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Regional Road 25 Improvements from Highway 407 to
Derry Road (Regional Road 7), Towns of Oakville and Milton, (Former Trafalgar Twp., Halton
County, RM of Halton, Ontario) (P050-024) (N.D) was conducted by Archaeological Services Inc.
(ASI ND).
Unfortunately the report was unavailable from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, as well
as from Archaeological Services Inc.
Ontario Base Map Review
Additionally, an examination of the study area using Ontario Base Mapping (OBM) 1:10,000 was
performed to identify potential. Given the proximity of the study area to Fourteen Mile Creek and
its tributaries, there is potential for the recovery of archaeological resources.
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BACKGROUND STUDY
The Stage 1 background study was completed as per Section 1.1 of the Standards and Guidelines
for Consultant Archaeologists (MTCS 2011: 14) and has been detailed above in the Historical and
Archaeological Context sections above. The research includes information from the following
sources:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Historic settlement maps
Aerial photographs
Commemorative plaques or monuments (none present)
The most-to-date listing of sites from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport’s
archaeological sites database for a radius of 1km around the property
Reports of previous field work within a radius of 50 metres around the property
Topographic maps at 1:10,000 (recent and historical) or the most detailed scale available
The highest quality and most detailed mapping available was utilized. The background study has
demonstrated the past and present land use and settlement history of the property, and has provided
information sufficient to evaluate the presence of archaeological potential within the study area.
PROPERTY INSPECTION
A property inspection of the study area was completed on November 2, 2015 in order to gain firsthand knowledge of the geography, topography, and current condition of the property. The property
inspection was completed as per Section 1.2 of the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant
Archaeologists (MTCS 2011: 15). The entire (100%) study area and its periphery were visually
inspected and photographed (Map 12, Images 1 to 8), with coverage sufficient to identify the
presence or absence of any features of archaeological potential. The property inspection was
conducted when weather conditions permitted good visibility of land features, being warm (14ºC)
and sunny.
The property inspection revealed that Fourteen Mile Creek was present as mapped on recent
topographic maps (Map 2). The property inspection also revealed that portions of the study area
were currently utilized for soybean crops (Images 1, 4 and 6), while the remainder was overgrown
grasslands on property that once housed a farmstead (Images 2 to 4). While the house and barn
have since been demolished, the silo still stands, and dispersed within the grassland are modern
household debris (Image 5). No evidence of disturbance was observed in any portion of the project
area, with the exception of the change in grade from the grasslands up to the Highway 407
eastbound ramp up from Bronte Road (Image 7).
ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS
A Stage 1 archaeological assessment has been completed for the proposed Highway 407 and Bronte
Road GO Park and Ride lot study area in the Town of Oakville. The evaluation of whether the property
contains archaeological potential is based on the results of the background study and property
inspection conducted as part of this assessment. Also taken into consideration is the presence and
extent of deep land alterations that have severely damaged the integrity of any archaeological
resources.
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The Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists provides a list of features that indicate
archaeological potential that must be taken into consideration when evaluating the potential of a
property to contain archaeological resources. These include: the proximity of the study area to
previously identified archaeological sites; if the study area is located within 300 metres of water
sources (primary, secondary, historic and glacial); elevated topography; well drained soils; distinctive
land formations; resource areas (food, medicinal plants, source raw materials and early Euro-Canadian
industry); areas of early Euro-Canadian settlement; areas within 100 metres of historic transportation
routes; areas containing Ontario Heritage designated properties; and properties identified by local
informants as having potential (MTCS 2011: 17-18).
The study area meets many of these criteria. Branches of Fourteen Mile Creek are located within 60
metres of the study area, and would have provided excellent resources for both Aboriginal and EuroCanadian habitation of the land. Fourteen sites are located within one kilometre of the study area, two
of which were identified within 300 metres (AiGw-128 and Aigw-129). A review of nineteenth
century mapping indicated Bronte Road was a historic roadway and that the Village of Palermo was
only one kilometre to the south. The map review also demonstrated that by 1877 (Map 5), one structure
and a large orchard were present within the study area. Early twentieth century topographic maps
(Maps 6 and 7) and aerial photography (Maps 8 and 9) confirmed that the farmstead illustrated on the
1877 atlas was still present in 1954. Further, based on topography and the presence of well drained
soils, the study area clearly holds archaeological potential.
However, the determination of archaeological potential is tempered with a review of whether portions
of the property have experienced extensive and deep land alterations that have removed archaeological
potential. The widening and paving of Bronte Road, the construction of the eastbound onramp to
Highway 407, and the berms created along the eastern edge of the onramp have removed potential
within those areas. The remainder of the study area does not appear to have been subject to land
alterations and as a result, contains archaeological potential (Map 9).
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RECOMMENDATIONS
On the basis of the above information, the following recommendations (Map 11) are made:
1. The portion of the study area located on the eastbound onramp to Highway 407 and the
adjacent berm does not hold archaeological potential and requires no further assessment
2. The remainder of the study area contains archaeological potential and requires a Stage
2 archaeological assessment prior to any ground disturbing activities:
a. The portion of the property located in the active agricultural fields must be
subject to a pedestrian survey as per Section 2.1.1 of the Standards and
Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (MTCS 2011:30). The fields must
be ploughed and allowed to weather by at least one heavy rainfall to improve
visibility of archaeological resources.
b. The portion of the property located within the overgrown grasslands is
considered abandoned farmland with heavy brush and weed growth. Further,
this portion of the property contains the remnants of structures that would be
damaged by a plough. As a result, the grasslands portion of the property must
be subject to a test pit survey as per Section 2.1.2 of the Standards and
Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (MTCS 2011:31).
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ADVICE ON COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION
1. This report is submitted to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport as a condition of
licensing in accordance with Part VI of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c 0.18. The
report is reviewed to ensure that it complies with the standards and guidelines that are issued
by the Minister, and that the archaeological fieldwork and report recommendations ensure the
conservation, protection and preservation of the cultural heritage of Ontario. When all matters
relating to archaeological sites within the project area of a development proposal have been
addressed to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, a letter will be
issued by the ministry stating that there are no further concerns with regard to alteration to
archaeological sites by the proposed development.
2. It is an offence under Sections 48 and 69 of the Ontario Heritage Act for any party other than
a licensed archaeologist to make any alteration to a known archaeological site or to remove
any artifact or other physical evidence of past human use or activity from the site, until such
times as a licensed archaeologist has completed archaeological fieldwork on the site, submitted
a report to the Minister stating that the site has no further cultural heritage value or interest,
and the report has been filed in the Ontario Public Register of Archaeology Reports referred to
in Section 65.1 of the Ontario Heritage Act.
3. Should previously undocumented archaeological resources be discovered, they may be a new
archaeological site and therefore subject to Section 48 (1) of the Ontario Heritage Act. The
proponent or person discovering the archaeological resources must cease alteration of the site
immediately and engage a licensed consultant archaeologist to carry out archaeological
fieldwork, in compliance with Section 48 (1) of the Ontario Heritage Act.
4. The Cemeteries Act, R.S.O. 1990 c. C.4 and the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act,
2002, S.O. 2002, c.33 (when proclaimed in force) require that any person discovering human
remains must notify the police or coroner and the Registrar of Cemeteries at the Ministry of
Consumer Services.
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REFERENCES
Archaeological Assessments Ltd. (AAL)
2007 Stage 1-2 Archaeological Assessment of the Ontario Realty Corporation Property,
Additional Oakville Assembly Lands, Part of Lots 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 Concession I
NDS, Registered Plan of Trafalgar, Town of Oakville, Project No. D6399 (P013-3182007). Report on file with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Archaeological Services Inc. (ASI)
ND
Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Regional Road 25 Improvements from Highway
407 to Derry Road (Regional Road 7), Towns of Oakville and Milton, (Former
Trafalgar Twp., Halton County, RM of Halton, Ontario (P050-024). Report on file with
the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Chapman, L.J. and D.F. Putnam
1984 The Physiography of Southern Ontario, Third Edition. Ontario Geological Survey
Special Volume 2, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Toronto.
Cumming, R. (ed.)
1971 Illustrated Historical Atlas of Halton County. Reprint of 1877 Edition. Toronto: Walker
& Miles.
Department of Defense
1909 Topographic Map Hamilton Sheet 30M05, Department of Defense. Accessed from:
http://maps.library.utoronto.ca/cgi-bin/files.pl?idnum=285
1931 Topographic Map Hamilton Sheet 30M05, Department of Defense. Accessed from:
http://maps.library.utoronto.ca/cgi-bin/files.pl?idnum=285
Google Earth
2009 Orthographic Imagery
2015 Orthographic Imagery
Government of Ontario
1990 The Heritage Act RSO 1990. Queen’s Printer, Toronto.
1996 Planning Act SO 1996. Queen’s Printer, Toronto.
Ministry of Tourism and Culture
2011 Standards and Guidelines for Consulting Archaeologists. Ministry of Tourism, Culture
and Sport, Queen’s Printer, Toronto.
2015 Ontario Archaeological Sites Database. Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
Gillespie, J.E. R.E. Wicklund, and M.H. Miller
1946 Soil Survey of Halton County. Report No. 43 of the Ontario Soil Survey. Guelph:
Experimental Farms Service, Dominion Department of Agriculture and the Ontario
Agricultural College.
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Tremaine, George C.
1858 Map of the County of Halton,, Canada West. Toronto. Accessed from:
http://maps.library.utoronto.ca/hgis/countymaps/halton/
University of Toronto
1954 Aerial Photographs, Tile 434.794. Accessed from
http://maps.library.utoronto.ca/data/on/AP_1954/index.html
Walker & Miles.
1877 Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Halton Ont. Toronto. Accessed from:
http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/countyatlas/searchmapframes.php
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MAPS
Map 1: General Study Area
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Map 2: Study Area on Topographic Map
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Map 3: Preliminary Design Development Plan
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Map 4: Study area indicated on 1858 historic map (Tremaine 1858).
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Map 5: Study area indicated on 1877 map (Walker & Miles 1877)
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Map 6: Location of the study area on a 1909 Topographic Map
Map 7: Location of the study area indicated on a 1931 Topographic Map
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Map 8: Study area indicated on a 1954 Aerial Photograph
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Map 9: location of study area on 1954 Aerial Photograph – Detail of Farmstead
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Map 10: 2015 Google Earth Imagery
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Map 11: Recommendations Map
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Map 12: Location and Direction of Photographs
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IMAGES
Image 1: Study area facing east, note active
agricultural field
Image 2: Study area facing north, note silo
Image 3: Study area facing west, note overgrown
grasslands
Image 4: Study area facing southeast, note
overgrown grasslands
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Image 5: Close up of modern household debris
Image 6: Study area facing west, note agricultural
field and overgrown grasslands
Image 7: Study area facing west, note grade rise
up to Bronte ramp to Hwy 407
Image 8: Study area facing southwest, note
overgrown grasslands and silo
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APPENDIX I: Document Inventory
Assessment
Stage 1 A.A. of
Bronte Road Park
and Ride
Field Documents
Photographs
Total
11
Nature
Digital
Field Notes
1
Digital and
hard copy
Field Maps
1
Digital and
hard copy
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Location
On server at 1480 Sandhill
Drive, Unit 3, Ancaster;
Folder P018-0755-2015
On server and on file at 1480
Sandhill Drive, Unit 3,
Ancaster; Folder P018-07552015
On server and on file at 1480
Sandhill Drive, Unit 3,
Ancaster; Folder P018-07552015
New Directions Archaeology Ltd.