Archaeological Management Plan
All Niagara Region projects

About the project

Niagara has a rich cultural heritage with diverse resources. Cultural heritage, like archaeological sites and artifacts, is Niagara’s connection to the past and is celebrated for its uniqueness.

The Planning Act provides the legislative framework for land use planning in Ontario. It requires municipal decision makers to be aware of lands containing archaeological sites or areas of archaeological potential, and to ensure land use decisions comply with provincial legislation.

Provincial cultural heritage and archaeological policies encourage municipalities to prepare archaeological management plans for the conservation of archaeological resources.

As part of the new Niagara Official Plan, Niagara Region has retained Archaeological Services Inc. to prepare and consult on a Regional Archaeological Management Plan. The plan will:

• Support the goals and directions of provincial planning documents
• Identify and map areas of archaeological potential
• Ensure the long-term protection of archaeological resources
• Streamline the planning and development review process
• Provide clear direction for when archaeological assessments will be required

The plan will also integrate planning protocols for resource management implementation and Aboriginal engagement.

The Archaeological Management Plan will be further guided by the formation of a steering committee represented by participating ministry and conservation authority staff, area planners, and local municipal and Regional staff.

Project timeline