Appendix I. Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment Report

Transcription

1 Appendix I Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment Report

2 Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment for: Region of Waterloo Rapid Transit Project Regional Municipality of Waterloo Ontario Transit Project Assessment Process Project Numbers: Licensee: Jessica Marr PIF#: P December 2011 Presented to: AECOM Canada Ltd. 45 Goderich Road Suite #201 Hamilton, Ontario T: F: Prepared by: Yonge Street Suite #1029 Newmarket, Ontario L3X 1X4 T: F:

3

4 Executive Summary was retained by AECOM Canada Ltd., to conduct a Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment (AA), in accordance with the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP), for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo s (Region) Rapid Transit Project, which includes a Light Rail Transit (LRT) corridor, an adapted Bus Rapid Transit (abrt) corridor and a Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF). The rapid transit system, measuring 36 km in length, will introduce the LRT to Waterloo and north Kitchener, with the abrt serving south Kitchener and Cambridge. The Stage 1 AA, conducted by in 2007, identified high potential for the recovery of precontact Aboriginal and historic Euro-Canadian archaeological remains within undisturbed portions of the study area. Due to these findings, a Stage 2 AA was recommended. The Stage 2 AA involved a test-pit investigation, as well as the identification of disturbed locations of the LRT and abrt alignment of the rapid transit system. The entirety of the abrt and the majority of the LRT corridors were disturbed by previous urban development (i.e. paved roadway and sidewalks, landscaped areas, rail lines, and utilities). As well, physiographic factors affecting archaeological potential were encountered and consisted of sloping terrain and low-lying wet areas. Due to the low archaeological potential classification of these areas, a systematic survey was not warranted, nor undertaken in these locations. The remainder of the LRT corridor, consisting of a segment of hydro corridor as well as fallow and grassed margins dotted with trees, were subjected to test-pit survey. Additionally, a testpit survey and pedestrian survey were undertaken within undisturbed portions of the MSF location at 518 Dutton Drive. Despite careful scrutiny, no archaeological remains were encountered. Therefore, both the LRT and abrt corridors, as well as the MSF location area, can be considered free from any further archaeological concern. Waterloo i

5

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary... i Table of Contents... ii Project Personnel... iii 1.0 Project Context 1.1 Development Context Historical and Archaeological Context Field Methods Conclusions Recommendations Advice on Compliance with Legislation Bibliography and Sources Appendices Appendix A: Figures Appendix B: Plates Appendix C: Inventory of Documentary and Material Record Figures Figure 1: NTS Map Identifying Location of the Rapid Transit System Figures 2-45: Stage 2 AA of the Proposed Region of Waterloo Rapid Transit Figure 46: Maintenance and Storage Facility Site Waterloo ii

7

8 PROJECT PERSONNEL: Project/ Field Director: Jessica Marr MTC licence P334 Field Archaeologists: Kassandra Aldridge Dan Jang Mehran Kasravi Mike Lawson Jessica Marr Katie Mather Andy Murray Nimal Nithiyanantham MTC licence R331 Alexander Rodriguez Kim Slocki MTC licence P029 Brandon Tamane Lee Templeton Jay Villapando Peter Warren Report Preparation: Mike Lawson Nimal Nithiyanantham Graphics: Mike Lawson Nimal Nithiyanantham Waterloo iii

9

10 1.0 PROJECT CONTEXT 1.1 Development Context As a key component of its Regional Growth Management Strategy 1, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo (Region) has proposed the development of a new rapid transit system to link the major urban centres of the City of Cambridge, City of Kitchener and City of Waterloo, as well as to help reduce traffic congestion and to minimize urban sprawl. To facilitate this study, conducted in accordance with the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP), was initially retained by Earth Tech (Canada) Inc. (now AECOM Canada Ltd.) in 2007 to conduct a Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment (AA) of various rapid transit options, for which high archaeological potential was established within sections of all options. In March and May 2011, the Region undertook two rounds of public consultation following federal and provincial funding commitment announcements. Consultation events were held throughout the Region and offered the public an opportunity to gain awareness of and provide input on the preferred technology and functional design plans. Following these public consultations, the Region identified a Preferred Rapid Transit Implementation Option 2, which was approved by Regional Council on June 15, To ensure no archaeological resources would be impacted by construction activities, was retained by AECOM Canada Ltd., to conduct a Stage 2 AA of the Council-approved rapid transit system, which includes a Light Rail Transit (LRT) corridor, an adapted Bus Rapid Transit (abrt) corridor and a Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) site (see Figure 1). The rapid transit system, measuring 36 km in length, will introduce the LRT to Waterloo and north Kitchener with the abrt serving south Kitchener and Cambridge. Each component is discussed in detail below. This Stage 2 AA was conducted pre-submission under the project direction of Ms. Jessica Marr, in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act (1990) under archaeological consulting licence number P334. Permission to review and assess the subject lands, including the recovery of archaeological material, was granted by the Region of Waterloo on April 18 th, Historic and Aboriginal Context Stage 1 AA Summary The pre-survey research, outlined in the Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment for: The Proposed Waterloo Rapid Transit System, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario (, 2007) report, identified high potential for the recovery of historic Euro- Canadian and Aboriginal archaeological remains within undisturbed portions of the study area. Using information from the MTC s Checklist for Determining Archaeological Potential, several factors were determined to contribute to archaeological potential within the study area. The Stage 1 background research revealed that many registered archaeological sites were located within a 300 metre radius of the study area (all of which are mentioned in succeeding sections of this report), suggesting that more archaeological resources may be encountered in the vicinity. 1 Region of Waterloo, Regional Growth Management Strategy Report, June 23, Waterloo 1

11 The potential for precontact Aboriginal archaeological resources was established based on the close proximity (within 300 m) of the Grand River, Speed River, and numerous additional creeks to the study area limits. For the Euro-Canadian period, the majority of nineteenth century farmsteads were captured by the basic proximity to the water model, since these occupations were subject to similar environmental constraints. An added factor was the development of a network of concession roads in the nineteenth century. These transportation routes, such as the present Main Street, King Street, Water Street, Ainslie Street and Beverly Street, were loci for Euro-Canadian domestic, commercial and institutional land use. The Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Waterloo (1881) depicted the study area to encompass numerous historic features, as well as portions of the historic villages of Waterloo, Berlin, Freeport, Preston, and Galt. It was, thus, concluded that the study area also had potential for the presence of historic archaeological remains. The property inspection of the proposed rapid transit options determined that specific areas within the study area were not significantly disturbed and confirmed the results of the background study. Due to the combination of all of this data, a Stage 2 AA was recommended for those undisturbed locations, if they were to be impacted by construction Current Land-Use(s) The study corridor contains a wide mixture of various institutional, multiple residential, commercial, retail, industrial and major recreational land-uses Date(s) of Fieldwork The Stage 2 AA of the Council-approved rapid transit project, illustrated in Figures 2 to 51, was undertaken on May 4 th, May 6 th, August 8 th, November 4 th and December 5 th The weather during the Stage 2 investigations ranged from overcast to clear and sunny with temperatures ranging from 5-14 o C. The weather and lighting conditions during the Stage 2 investigation permitted good visibility of all parts of the subject lands and were conducive to the identification and recovery of archaeological resources. This field assessment was conducted in compliance with the 2011 Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists, published by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. 2.0 FIELD METHODS The results of the Stage 2 AA are discussed below according to the following components: LRT corridor, abrt corridor and the MSF site. In addition, the results of the field assessment are illustrated below on base maps provided by AECOM Canada Ltd. and photographic plates of the assessment are presented within Appendix B. 2.1 Light Rail Transit (LRT) Corridor North Waterloo (Conestoga Mall to Northfield Drive at Waterloo Spur): Figures 2 to 4 Two archaeological sites were documented within 300 metres of this section of the proposed alignment: AjHd-9 and AjHd-10. Both are Euro-Canadian homestead sites located at the Waterloo 2

12 northeast corner of King Street North and Northfield Drive. Unfortunately, site AjHd-10 was destroyed by previous development activities. No mitigation or compensation measures are required for the documented archaeological site AjHd-9, as the site is located outside the study corridor limits. 100% of this section of the LRT corridor is disturbed from previous development activities (i.e., paved roadway, sidewalk, landscaping, and utilities) (see Plates 1-2). Due to the low archaeological potential classification of these areas, a systematic survey was not warranted, nor undertaken in these locations. In addition, no disturbance to known archaeological sites will occur Waterloo Spur (Northfield Drive to Erb Street): Figure 4 to 9 There are potential adverse impacts to undisturbed lands exhibiting high archaeological potential in this section. These lands are located east of Seagram Drive and directly adjacent to Laurel Creek. No potential adverse impacts on archaeological sites are anticipated within the remainder of this section of the alignment, as the lands within this section have been previously identified as disturbed, sloping or low-lying and wet based on the Stage 1 archaeological assessment (see Plates 3-4). The undisturbed portion of this segment, measuring 0.21ha in size (2.2% of the segment area) and consisting of a fallow and grassed margin dotted with trees, was subjected to a shovel test-pit form of survey. Each undisturbed area was tested at survey intervals of five metres (see Plates 5-6). Test-pit surveys are defined as excavating 30x30cm units at set intervals on a grid pattern. A total of approximately 90 test-pits were excavated to sterile subsoil depths of between centimetres and the topsoil was screened through six-millimetre mesh in order to facilitate the recovery of artifacts. All test-pits were backfilled. Despite careful scrutiny, no archaeological resources were encountered during the Stage 2 survey of this segment Uptown Waterloo Loop (Erb Street to Allen Street): Figures 9 to 10 No potential adverse impacts on archaeological sites are anticipated within this section of the alignment. Furthermore, 100% of the lands within this segment have been documented as disturbed, as seen in the Stage 1 AA report (see Plates 7-8). No mitigation/compensation measures are required. Waterloo 3

13 2.1.4 King Street (Allen Street to Victoria Street): Figure 9 to 12 No potential adverse impacts on archaeological sites are anticipated within this section of the alignment. Furthermore, 100% of the lands within this segment have been documented as disturbed, as seen in the Stage 1 AA report (see Plates 9-10). No mitigation/compensation measures are required Downtown Kitchener Loop (Victoria Street to Frederick Street/Benton Street): Figure 12 to 13 Three archaeological sites were documented within 300 metres of this section of the proposed alignment: AiHc-18, AiHc-66, and AiHc-166. All three sites are of Euro-Canadian cultural affiliation. Site AiHc-18 (Waterloo County Jail) was completely excavated, and no further work is outstanding. Site AiHc-66 (Sonneck) is a homestead site type and it is unknown whether further archaeological work remains outstanding. Site AiHc-166 (RMW-HQ) is an urban settlement located north of the intersection of Frederick Street and Ahrens Street. Some of the structures have been disturbed by development; however, sealed remains may still be present. No mitigation or compensation measures are required for the documented archaeological sites, as these sites are located outside the study corridor limits. 100% of this section of the LRT corridor is disturbed from previous development activities (i.e., paved roadway, sidewalk, landscaping, and utilities) (see Plates 11-12). Due to the low archaeological potential classification of these areas, a systematic survey was not warranted, nor undertaken in these locations. In addition, no disturbance to known archaeological sites will occur Charles Street (Benton Street to Borden Avenue/Ottawa Street): Figure 13 to 15 No potential adverse impacts on archaeological sites are anticipated within this section of the alignment. Furthermore, 100% of the lands within this segment have been documented as disturbed, as seen in the Stage 1 AA report (see Plates 13-14). No mitigation/compensation measures are required. Waterloo 4

14 2.1.7 Borden Avenue/Ottawa Street Loop (Charles Street to CN Huron Park Spur): Figure 15 to 17 One archaeological site was documented within 300 metres of this section of the proposed alignment: AiHc-13. The site is an undetermined Aboriginal campsite, located southwest of Borden Avenue South and adjacent to Shoemaker Creek. The site was threatened by development; however, it is unknown whether the site was destroyed. No mitigation or compensation measures are required for the documented archaeological site, as this site is located outside the study corridor limits. 100% of this section of the LRT corridor is disturbed from previous development activities (i.e., paved roadway, sidewalk, landscaping, and utilities) (see Plates 15-16). Therefore, due to the low archaeological potential classification of these areas, a systematic survey was not warranted, nor undertaken in these locations. In addition, no disturbance to known archaeological sites will occur CN Huron Park Spur (Borden Avenue/Ottawa Street to Hayward Avenue): Figures 17 to 18 No potential adverse impacts on archaeological sites are anticipated within this section of the alignment. Furthermore, 100% of the lands within this segment have been documented as disturbed, as seen in the Stage 1 AA report (see Plates 17-18). No mitigation/compensation measures are required Hayward Avenue and Courtland Avenue (Hayward Avenue to Balzer Road): Figures 18 to 20 No potential adverse impacts on archaeological sites are anticipated within this section of the alignment. Furthermore, 100% of the lands within this segment have been documented as disturbed, as seen in the Stage 1 AA report (see Plates 19-20). No mitigation/compensation measures are required. Waterloo 5

15 Hydro Corridor (Balzer Road to Fairview Park Mall): Figures 19 to 23 There are potential adverse impacts to undisturbed hydro lands exhibiting high archaeological potential. These lands are located north of Fairway Road. No potential adverse affects on archaeological sites are anticipated within the remainder of this section of the alignment, specifically for the Fairway Road alternative option, as the lands within this section have been previously identified as disturbed based on results from the Stage 1 archaeological assessment (see Plates 21 & 24). The undisturbed portion of this segment, measuring 3.1 hectares (92% of the segment area) in size and consisting of manicured lawn within a hydro corridor, was subjected to a shovel testpit form of survey. Each undisturbed area was tested at survey intervals of five metres (see Plates 22-23). Test-pit surveys are defined as excavating 30x30cm units at set intervals on a grid pattern. A total of approximately 1300 test-pits were excavated to sterile subsoil depths of between centimetres and the topsoil was screened through six-millimetre mesh in order to facilitate the recovery of artifacts. All test-pits were backfilled. Despite careful scrutiny, no archaeological resources were encountered during the Stage 2 survey of this segment. 2.2 Adapted Bus Rapid Transit System (abrt) Highway 8 and Highway 401 (Fairway Road to Hespeler Road): Figures 21 & No potential adverse impacts on archaeological sites are anticipated within this section of the alignment. Furthermore, 100% of the lands within this segment have been documented as disturbed, as seen in the Stage 1 AA report (see Plates 25-26). No mitigation/compensation measures are required Hespeler Road (Highway 401 to Coronation Boulevard): Figures No potential adverse impacts on archaeological sites are anticipated within this section of the alignment. Furthermore, 100% of the lands within this segment have been documented as disturbed, as seen in the Stage 1 AA report (see Plates 27-28). Waterloo 6

16 No mitigation/compensation measures are required Downtown Cambridge (Coronation Boulevard to the Ainslie Street Terminal): Figures No potential adverse impacts on archaeological sites are anticipated within this section of the alignment. Furthermore, 100% of the lands within this segment have been documented as disturbed, as seen in the Stage 1 AA report (see Plates 29). No mitigation/compensation measures are required. 2.3 Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) Site To support the LRT system, an MSF is required 3. This facility will house the vehicles during night-time storage and provide a host of services for light and medium duty maintenance (both scheduled and otherwise). Engineering and operations services can be provided at this facility in addition to employee services such as: staff signing on facilities; changing rooms, lavatories and lockers; staff cafeteria or lunch room; First Aid room; secure facilities for transit police / security staff; car parking or provision for staff taxis; and recreational facilities. The identified site location for this facility is located within an existing commercial/industrial area between Northfield Drive and Weber Street, immediately west of Highway 85 (Conestoga Parkway). The potential to recover precontact archaeological material has been identified within this site due to the proximity of Forwell Creek flowing adjacent to the northeast limit of the study area. The northernmost portion of the site area consisted of fallow fields which were ploughed and allowed to sufficiently weather before being subjected to a pedestrian form of survey (see Plates 34-35). This area totaled approximately 0.19ha in size or 11.6% of the MSF area. The remainder of the testable area was subjected to a test-pit form of survey (see Plate 30), an area which measured approximately 0.82 ha in size, or 50% of the MSF area. A total of approximately 340 total test-pits were excavated and nothing of archaeological significance was located (see Figure 46). Disturbances within the MSF site area included existing industrial buildings with associated paved and gravel driveways and parking areas, as well as a large berm in the northern portion of the study area (see Plates 31-33). These disturbed areas totalled approximately 0.63ha in size, or 38.4% of the MSF area. 3 Region of Waterloo Rapid Transit: Transit Project Assessment Maintenance and Storage Facility Site Evaluation Report (Hatch Mott MacDonald, 2011) Waterloo 7

17 3.0 CONCLUSIONS During the Stage 2 AA for the Council-approved rapid transit project, in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, no archaeological resources were encountered. 4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS In light of the results of the Stage 2 assessment, it is recommended that: 1. LRT Corridor: The entire LRT corridor can be considered free from any further archaeological concern. 2. abrt Corridor: The entire abrt corridor can be considered free from any further archaeological concern. 3. Maintenance and Storage Facility: The MSF Site location at 518 Dutton Drive can be considered free from any further archaeological concern. The above recommendations are subject to MTC approval. No excavation activities shall take place on the subject property prior to the MTC (Heritage Operations Unit) confirming in writing that all archaeological licensing and technical review requirements have been satisfied. 5.0 ADVICE ON COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION 1. This report is submitted to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture as a condition of licensing in accordance with Part VI of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c0.18. 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 and Culture, a letter will be issued by the ministry stating that there are no further concerns with regard to alterations 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 time 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. Waterloo 8

18 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. Under Section 6 of Regulation 881 of the Ontario Heritage Act, will, keep in safekeeping all objects of archaeological significance that are found under the authority of the licence and all field records that are made in the course of the work authorized by the licence, except where the objects and records are donated to Her Majesty the Queen in right of Ontario or are directed to be deposited in a public institution under subsection 66 (1) of the Act. Waterloo 9

19 6.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND SOURCES 2007 Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment for: The Proposed Waterloo Rapid Transit System, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario. Class EA. Toronto Hatch Mott MacDonald 2011 Region of Waterloo Transit: Transit Project Assessment Maintenance and Storage Facility Site Evaluation Report. Kitchener Ontario Ministry of Tourism & Culture 2011 Standards and Guidelines for Consulting Archaeologists. Toronto Websites: meeting materials.html Waterloo 10