Original License Report. Submitted to: New Horizon Development Inc. 69 John Street South, Suite 304 Hamilton, Ontario L8N 2B9 Phone (905)

Transcription

1 STAGE 1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF OLD BRONTE ROAD, PART OF LOT 31, CONCESSION 1 SOUTH OF DUNDAS STREET, GEOGRAPHIC TOWNSHIP OF TRAFALGAR, TOWN OF OAKVILLE, REGIONAL MUNICPALITY OF HALTON Original License Report Submitted to: New Horizon Development Inc. 69 John Street South, Suite 304 Hamilton, Ontario L8N 2B9 Phone (905) Submitted by: New Directions Archaeology Ltd Sandhill Drive, Unit 3 Ancaster, Ontario L9G 4V5 Phone (905) License Holder: Philip Woodley #P018 Project # P June 13, 2013

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3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report details the Stage 1 archaeological assessment of Old Bronte Road, Part of Lot 31, Concession 1 South of Dundas Street, Geographic Township of Trafalgar, Town of Oakville, Regional Municipality of Halton. The study area is a rectangular piece of land approximately 1.23 hectares (3.05 acres) in size and is located south of Dundas Street West. The Stage 1 assessment included a background study and a visual assessment of the study area to determine the potential for recovering archaeological resources. The study area is within a mostly residential area with some retail stores nearby at the intersection of Old Bronte Road with Dundas Street West. The study area is also in close proximity to six registered archaeological sites, an historic town, historic roads and waterways. The Stage 1 assessment determined that approximately 45 percent of the study area is disturbed due to sidewalk construction, and recent construction and development activity. The remaining 55 percent appears undisturbed and the Stage 1 identified areas of archaeological potential across the undisturbed portions of the study area. Given that there is potential for recovering archaeological materials within the study area, it is recommended to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport that a Stage 2 assessment consisting of a test-pit survey is required for the undisturbed portions of the study area. The disturbed portion is free from archaeological concern and requires no further archaeological assessment. i

4 PROJECT PERSONNEL Project Director Field Director Report Graphics Report Preparation Editor Philip Woodley (P018) Philip Woodley (P018) Julie Edwards Julie Edwards Philip Woodley ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS New Directions Archaeology Ltd. would like to thank Joe Giacomodonato of New Horizon Development Inc. for supplying the site plans. ii

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... i PROJECT PERSONNEL... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS... ii LIST OF FIGURES... iii LIST OF PLATES... iv PROJECT CONTEXT: DEVELOPMENT... 1 PROJECT CONTEXT: HISTORICAL... 1 PROJECT CONTEXT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL... 3 FIELD METHODOLOGY... 4 RECOMMENDATIONS... 6 REFERENCES... 7 ADVICE ON COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION... 8 FIGURES... 9 APPENDIX I: Proposed Site Plan for Study Area APPENDIX II: Survey of Study Area LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Location of the study area (NTS map 30 M/05) Figure 2: Location of the study area on 1877 map of Trafalgar Township (Walker & Miles 1877) (not to scale) Figure 3: Survey of study area showing plate locations and directions Figure 4: Aerial image of unknown date showing source of possible disturbance on property. Note the possible demolition of a dwelling Figure 5: Map indicating areas requiring Stage 2 assessment and areas of disturbance iii

6 LIST OF PLATES Plate 1: Field conditions, facing north-northwest, showing corner of 2480 Old Bronte Road property. Note existing building and disturbance due to sidewalk construction Plate 2: Field conditions, facing southwest showing landscaped lawn on either side of driveway. Note existing building and gravel driveway Plate 3: Field conditions, facing north-northwest. Note existing building Plate 4: Field conditions, facing north-northeast, showing existing building and landscaped lawn Plate 5: Field conditions, facing north, showing existing buildings, landscaped lawn, and fruit trees Plate 6: Field conditions, facing north-northwest, showing edge of property and Bronte Road. Note landscaped lawn, fruit trees, and construction trailer Plate 7: Field conditions, facing south, showing landscaped lawn and Bronte Road Plate 8: Field conditions, facing north-northeast. Note disturbance in the form of gravel and debris due to recent construction and development activity Plate 9: Field conditions, facing east, showing landscaped area of property. Note presence of construction trailer and some disturbance from gravel due to recent construction and development activity Plate 10: Field conditions, facing southeast, showing existing building. Note disturbance due to existing driveway and debris from recent construction and development activity Plate 11: Field conditions, facing southwest. Note disturbance in the form of construction fill due to recent construction and development activity Plate 12:Field conditions facing northwest, showing landscaped lawn. Note existing building and disturbance due to sidewalk construction Plate 13: Field conditions, facing southwest. Note existing building and disturbance due to gravel driveway, and recent construction and development activity Plate 14: Field conditions, facing north-northeast, showing landscaped lawn, existing building, and gravel driveway iv

7 Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Old Bronte Road, Oakville 1 PROJECT CONTEXT: DEVELOPMENT This report discusses the rationale, methods and results of the Stage 1 archaeological assessment for a 1.23 hectare (3.05 acre) study area located at Old Bronte Road, part of Lot 31, Concession 1 South of Dundas Street, Geographic Township of Trafalgar, Town of Oakville, Regional Municipality of Halton (Figure 1). The assessment was undertaken on behalf of New Horizon Development Inc. as part of the Planning Act as required by the Town of Oakville and permission to access the property was given by the property owner. Stage 1 is the background study of archaeological sites located within or near the study area and visual assessment of the study area to assess archaeological potential. For this aspect of the project, the Archaeological Site Registry Data Base files at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Toronto were examined to determine if there are any registered archaeological sites located within or near the study area. Historic documents were also examined to determine if any possible historic sites are located within the project limits. 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 Philip Woodley of New Directions Archaeology Ltd. The field notes, photos and related documents will be curated at the office of New Directions Archaeology Ltd. PROJECT CONTEXT: HISTORICAL The study area is located in the historic village of Palermo in the southern portion of the Historic Township of Trafalgar in what was originally Halton County (Figure 2). Halton County was at one time joined to Wentworth County, forming Gore District and was first settled in 1783 almost exclusively by the United Empire Loyalists (Walker & Miles 1877: 54). From this time, the population increased steadily and by 1817 Halton was home to 6,684 people, including three doctors (Walker & Miles 1877: 54). It also contained four churches, 18 grist mills and 41 saw mills (Walker & Miles 1877: 54). In 1853, Halton and Wentworth were separated and in 1857 the Towns of Milton and Oakville were added to Halton County, followed by the Village of

8 New Directions Archaeology Ltd 2 Georgetown in 1865 and the Villages of Burlington and Acton in 1874 (Walker & Miles 1877: 54). The Township of Trafalgar was first settled in 1807 and by 1817 was home to 548 inhabitants (Walker & Miles 1877: 59). The population increase was slow; according to an 1871 census record, the population of Trafalgar Township had increased to only 4,513 (Walker & Miles 1877: 59). Slow population growth in this area was due to the combination of heavy clay soils in the area and the distance from easily navigable waterways (Walkers & Miles 1877: 59). In 1877, the village of Palermo, with a population of approximately three hundred people, was situated three miles from Bronte Station on the Great Western Railroad and eight miles from the town of Milton (Walker & Miles 1877: 59). It was an important stop between Milton and the village of Bronte (Walker & Miles 1877: 59). The first settlers to the village were Lawrence Hagar and his relatives and friends in 1806, who emigrated originally from Pennsylvania (Walker & Miles 1877: 59). A foundry was built in 1842 by Jacob Lawrence and eventually taken over by his son, W.A. Lawrence who also established an agricultural works. In addition, a general store, post office, telegraph office, blacksmith shop, harness shop, hotel, drill-house, school house, and several churches were also built in the village (Walker & Miles 1877: 59). An 1877 map (Walker & Miles 1877: 24-25) indicates the study area, at this time, was located just south of Dundas Street on a lot owned by Caleb Smith in part of Palermo (Figure 2). Fourteen Mile Creek runs through the lot on the western edge and there is a farm house and orchard identified on the map in close proximity to the study area (Walker & Miles 1877: 30). Though not designated as historic houses, the houses present in the study area are listed on the Trafalgar Township Historical Society s website as being significant to Palermo. According to a study conducted by The Heritage Planning Division of Oakville in 2008, the house and barn on 2480 and the house on 2496 Old Bronte Road are not listed on the register of heritage resources but the study dates the 2480 house as circa 1890 and the barn 1900, and the 2496 house as circa There are several other structures of historical interest in close proximity to the study area, including one designated historical resource, the Buck House dated circa Given the study area is located within the boundary of an historic village, and is in close proximity to historic homesteads and historic roadways, there is a high probability of locating historic artifacts in the study area.

9 Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Old Bronte Road, Oakville 3 PROJECT CONTEXT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL The study area is located at Old Bronte Road, part of Lot 31, Concession 1 South of Dundas Street, Geographic Township of Trafalgar, Town of Oakville, Regional Municipality of Halton. The area is dominated by residential land use and some small urban development, including retail stores and modern roads. The study area lies approximately 65 metres (0.065 km) southwest of the intersection of Old Bronte Road with Dundas Street West and approximately 460 metres (0.46 km) north-northeast of Fourteen Mile Creek. It is also approximately seven kilometres northwest of Lake Ontario. The study area is located in the South slope physiographic region, named as such because it is the southern slope of the Oak Ridges Moraine and also includes a portion of land south of the Peel Plain (Chapman and Putnam 1984: 172). It sits approximately 800 to 1,000 feet a.s.l and extends from the Niagara Escarpment to the Trent River, covering approximately 940 square miles (Chapman and Putnam 1984: 172). The region contains drumlins and streams flowing down the slope that have carved valleys into the till composing it (Chapman and Putnam 1984: 172). The South slope is comprised of limestones and shales as well as calcareous till in some locations (Chapman and Putnam 1984: 173). The soil of the South slope, depending on the location, is noted as ranging from lacustrine clay and silt with few stones to loamier and sandier soils more favourable for agricultural use (Chapman and Putnam 1984: ). The topography of the subject property is mainly flat and consisting of residential, landscaped property. A survey of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport archaeological site registry database files in Toronto revealed that there are six registered sites within one kilometer of the study area (Table 1). In addition, an examination of the study area using Ontario Base Mapping (OBM) 1:10,000 was performed to identify potential. To summarize Table 1, of the six registered sites, only three are named and the site type is known for all six. The temporal or cultural affiliation has been accurately determined for all six as well, three of which are listed as Pre- Contact, one as Early Archaic, and the last two as Euro-Canadian. Of the three Pre-Contact sites identified, one is listed as a findspot, one as a lithic scatter, and one as a campsite. The Early Archaic site is listed as a lithic scatter and the two Euro-Canadian sites as homesteads.

10 New Directions Archaeology Ltd 4 In addition to this information, it should be noted that previous archaeological fieldwork may have been completed within 50 metres of the study area by Sutton (2002) and Golder (2011) (full citations in References section). Given the close proximity of the study area to registered archaeological sites, there is a high potential for locating archaeological materials in the study area. Table 1. Registered Archaeological Sites Within One Kilometre of the Subject Property* Borden Number Site Name Temporal or Cultural Affiliation Type of Site AiGw-359 Pre-Contact Findspot AiGw-379 Richview II Pre-Contact Lithic Scatter AiGw-381 Pineberry Site Pre-Contact Campsite AiGw-382 Pineberry II Early Archaic Lithic Scatter AiGw-530-H1 Euro-Canadian, Early and Middle to Late 19 th C Homestead AiGw-531-H3 Euro-Canadian, 19 th C and Late 20 th C Homestead *Information is from the MTCS Archaeological Site Registry Database, Toronto. FIELD METHODOLOGY The Stage 1 visual assessment was conducted on April 4, 2013 under cool and sunny conditions. The study area was visually assessed on foot and photo documented (see Figure 3 for plate locations). The field conditions of the study area consist of landscaped lawn and some areas of visible disturbance due to the existing buildings, gravel driveways, sidewalk construction, and recent construction and development activity (Plates 1 to 14). As the majority of the study area (approximately 55 percent) appears undisturbed, a Stage 2 assessment will be required for the study area in order to identify all archaeological resources or materials that may be present. A pedestrian survey would not be feasible as the property is too small and the surrounding areas too recently developed to allow plough access. Therefore, the assessment would consist of a test pit survey of all accessible and undisturbed areas. The survey would be conducted at a 5-metre interval with all soil shoveled into 6-millimetre mesh and screened for artifacts and the test pits backfilled. ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has provided a 2011 Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists to assist in identifying archaeological potential. Under these guidelines all property is identified as having archaeological potential that is: within 300 metres of

11 Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Old Bronte Road, Oakville 5 registered archaeological sites; 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 within 100 metres 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 several of these criteria. The study area is located in an area of early Euro-Canadian settlement and is in close proximity to water sources and historic transportation routes (roads, railway), as well as several historically significant buildings (Figures 1 and 2). Approximately 45 percent of the study area was determined to be disturbed. Only a small portion of the study area was disturbed due to existing buildings, sidewalk construction, and gravel driveways. The majority of the disturbance appears to have been caused by recent construction and development activity. Figure 4 presents an aerial photo of an unknown date showing what looks like the demolition of a structure in progress, possibly a structure that was located at 2488 Old Bronte. The house is listed in the study conducted by The Heritage Planning Division of Oakville in 2008 as a potential heritage resource and is noted as being demolished in The study lists the structure as Benjamin Smith House and dates it to Taking this date into account, and that the property owner on the historic 1877 map is listed as a Smith, it is possible this house is the one identified on the 1877 map and that some of the trees from the orchard indicated on the map are still present (Plates 5 and 6). According to the Trafalgar Township Historical Society s website, the property owners requested permission from the Heritage committee to demolish the structure due to its unstable state. The demolition could be the source of construction fill and debris seen on the property during the visual inspection (Plates 8, 10, and 11). As previously discussed, six registered archaeological sites are located near the study area. Given the close proximity to these sites, and given the study area meets most of the criteria for having archaeological potential and the majority of the study area appears to be undisturbed, it is recommended to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport that a Stage 2 archaeological assessment involving a test pit survey at 5-metre intervals be conducted on the study area.

12 New Directions Archaeology Ltd 6 RECOMMENDATIONS On the basis of the above information, the following recommendations can be made: 1. The Stage 1 archaeological assessment for Old Bronte Road, Part of Lot 31, Concession 1 South of Dundas Street, Geographic Township of Trafalgar, Town of Oakville, Regional Municipality of Halton determined that 45 percent of the study area has been disturbed due to gravel driveways, sidewalk construction and recent construction and development activity. The other 55 percent was determined to be undisturbed and as having archaeological potential. Given this, it is recommended to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport that a Stage 2 assessment will be required for the study area in order to identify all archaeological resources or materials that may be present. A pedestrian survey would not be feasible as the property is too small and the surrounding areas too recently developed to allow plough access. Therefore, the assessment would consist of a test pit survey of all accessible areas. The survey would be conducted at a 5-metre interval with all soil shoveled into 6-millimetre mesh and screened for artifacts and the test pits backfilled. 2. Development should not proceed before receiving confirmation that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has entered the report into the provincial register of reports. This report is filed with the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport in compliance with sec. 65 (1) of the Ontario Heritage Act. The ministry reviews reports to ensure that the licensee has met the terms and conditions of the license and archaeological resources have been identified and documented according to the standards and guidelines set by the ministry, ensuring the conservation, protection and preservation of the heritage of Ontario. 3. Should previously unknown or unassessed deeply buried archaeological resources be uncovered during development, 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 archaeologist to carry out archaeological fieldwork, in compliance with sec. 48 (1) of the Ontario Heritage Act. 4. Any person discovering human remains must immediately notify the police or coroner and the Registrar of Cemeteries, Ministry of Government Services. Contacts: Culture Unit, Programs and Services, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport: (416) Registrar of Cemeteries, Cemeteries Regulation Unit: Michael D Mello (416) or (416)

13 Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Old Bronte Road, Oakville 7 REFERENCES 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. Golder Associates Ltd Stages 1 and 2 Archaeological Assessment, Proposed Development at 2495 Old Bronte Road and 2514 Dundas Street West, Town of Oakville, Regional Municipality of Halton, ON Government of Ontario 1990 The Heritage Act RSO Queen s Printer, Toronto Planning Act SO Queen s Printer, Toronto. The Heritage Planning Division, Town of Oakville 2008 Palermo Village A Heritage Resources Review and Strategy Oakville Ontario. Accessed 9 April 2013 from Ministry of Tourism and Culture 1993 Archaeological Assessment Technical Guidelines (Stages 1-3 & Reporting Format). Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation, Cultural Programs Branch, Archaeology and Heritage Planning, Toronto Standards and Guidelines for Consulting Archaeologists. Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Queen s Printer, Toronto. Sutton 2002 The Stage 1-2 A. A. of Draft Plan 24T-01006/0. Part 1, 20R Part of Lot 31, Conc. 1, SDS, Town of Oakville, R. M. of Halton Trafalgar Township Historical Society n.d. Palermo. Accessed 9 April 2013 from n.d. Spring 2007 Newsletter. Accessed 9 April 2013 from Walker & Miles Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Halton Ont. Toronto.

14 New Directions Archaeology Ltd 8 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 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 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.

15 Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Old Bronte Road, Oakville 9 FIGURES Figure 1: Location of the study area (NTS map 30 M/05).

16 New Directions Archaeology Ltd 10 Figure 2: Location of the study area on 1877 map of Trafalgar Township (Walker & Miles 1877) (not to scale).

17 Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Old Bronte Road, Oakville 11 Figure 3: Survey of study area showing plate locations and directions.

18 New Directions Archaeology Ltd 12 Figure 4: Aerial image of unknown date showing source of possible disturbance on property. Note the possible demolition of a dwelling.

19 Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Old Bronte Road, Oakville 13 Figure 5: Map indicating areas requiring Stage 2 assessment and areas of disturbance.

20 New Directions Archaeology Ltd 14 PLATES Plate 1: Field conditions, facing north-northwest, showing corner of 2480 Old Bronte Road property. Note existing building and disturbance due to sidewalk construction. Plate 2: Field conditions, facing southwest showing landscaped lawn on either side of driveway. Note existing building and gravel driveway.

21 Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Old Bronte Road, Oakville 15 Plate 3: Field conditions, facing north-northwest. Note existing building. Plate 4: Field conditions, facing north-northeast, showing existing building and landscaped lawn.

22 New Directions Archaeology Ltd 16 Plate 5: Field conditions, facing north, showing existing buildings, landscaped lawn, and fruit trees. Plate 6: Field conditions, facing north-northwest, showing edge of property and Bronte Road. Note landscaped lawn, fruit trees, and construction trailer.

23 Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Old Bronte Road, Oakville 17 Plate 7: Field conditions, facing south, showing landscaped lawn and Bronte Road. Plate 8: Field conditions, facing north-northeast. Note disturbance in the form of gravel and debris due to recent construction and development activity.

24 New Directions Archaeology Ltd 18 Plate 9: Field conditions, facing east, showing landscaped area of property. Note presence of construction trailer and some disturbance from gravel due to recent construction and development activity. Plate 10: Field conditions, facing southeast, showing existing building. Note disturbance due to existing driveway and debris from recent construction and development activity.

25 Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Old Bronte Road, Oakville 19 Plate 11: Field conditions, facing southwest. Note disturbance in the form of construction fill due to recent construction and development activity. Plate 12:Field conditions facing northwest, showing landscaped lawn. Note existing building and disturbance due to sidewalk construction.

26 New Directions Archaeology Ltd 20 Plate 13: Field conditions, facing southwest. Note existing building and disturbance due to gravel driveway, and recent construction and development activity. Plate 14: Field conditions, facing north-northeast, showing landscaped lawn, existing building, and gravel driveway.

27 Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment of Old Bronte Road, Oakville 21 APPENDIX I: Proposed Site Plan for Study Area

28 New Directions Archaeology Ltd 22 APPENDIX II: Survey of Study Area