Nov 1, 2007
Kingston Whig Standard
Archeologists in Kingston have discovered the remains of a First Nations settlement - a rare find inside the city's boundaries that comes on the eve of city hall unveiling a plan to deal with such finds in the future.
More than half of Kingston could contain archeological finds and that could impact development and residents wanting to build on their property if they reside in an identified area, according to the city's new archeological master plan.
In addition to British and French artifacts buried around the area, the city contains 11,000 years of aboriginal history, including a burial ground under Belle Park, said Sue Bazely, executive director and senior archeologist at the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation.
There has been little evidence found that aboriginals used Kingston as more than a hunting ground or stopping point. Finding a village in Kingston is rare from that perspective and even rarer considering the soil makeup in the area isn't ideal for preserving artifacts, she said.
"Traditionally, you would not expect to find as much evidence."
However, that could change. Bazely said she expects to unearth discoveries as new developments take place downtown and outside the core.
"When you've got a city as old as Kingston ... there's going to be evidence left behind in the ground."
The First Nations village site is not the first such discovery in Kingston. A site was also discovered in the Arbor Ridge subdivision near the Little Cataraqui Creek.
The latest site is still surrounded in secrecy and may forever be that way, said the city's heritage planner, Marcus Letourneau.
Finds remain confidential for one of two reasons: either the information comes from the provincial government or the First Nations groups request the sites remain secret.
"It could be that we aren't able to release the site. There may be burials," Letourneau said.
The most recent find comes as city hall prepares to finalize a master archeological plan for Kingston that will guide developers, residents and planners through areas that may contain historically significant objects.
Although the city developed a plan in the late 1980s, it was never formally approved by council. The two former townships - which were amalgamated by the city - never looked into an archeology master plan. This would be the first chance to survey those areas, Letourneau said.
Kingston hasn't seen enough development in areas where there could be artifacts, but as the city grows, there will likely be more finds, Bazely said.
Under provincial guidelines, approximately 97 per cent of the city could be deemed as having archeological significance, Letourneau said. Staff narrowed the criteria and area to 58 per cent of the city, he said.
Where those places are located could have an impact on development, either large-scale subdivisions, new buildings or even renovations to an existing home. Rules will have to be followed in the event that a historically significant site is found.
City staff and consultants from Archeological Services Inc. and Bray Heritage have worked on the fourvolume master plan for the last year. Councillors are expected to approve it next year.
Part of the plan also involves what to do in the event that an aboriginal site is found. The city is working with First Nations groups to create a protocol for aboriginal finds. Separate consultations will take place with those groups.
Local residents will have their first chance to comment on the plan tonight at 6:30 in Memorial Hall. Consultants and staff will give a detailed analysis of maps of archeologically sensitive areas.
Residents are asked to bring their own items that they believe have historical significance to Kingston. Archeologists will be available after the presentation to identify and document objects and discuss possible areas that could contain artifacts.