Preparing for the Release of
New Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists

 

The Ministry of Tourism and Culture continues to work toward the release of the final version of the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists. Its release will be preceded by a 60-day informational posting to this website.

The 1993 Archaeological Assessment Technical Guidelines will continue to be in force until the new Standards and Guidelines are released for mandatory compliance. Information about transition to compliance with the new Standards & Guidelines will be made available prior to their release.
The ministry will hold information sessions across the province to support the release of the new Standards and Guidelines. Details about the information sessions will be published to this website and distributed directly to all licensed archaeologists in Ontario.

TECHNICAL BULLETINS

The two technical bulletins, Engaging Aboriginal Communities in Archaeology and Forest Operations on Crown Land will be released in tandem with the new Standards and Guidelines.

The Aboriginal engagement bulletinwill function as a ‘living’ document after its release, and will be the subject of ongoing review as the ministry continues to engage with Aboriginal communities. This will ensure that the guidance provided remains useful and effective and continues to reflect emerging best practice and accepted principles.

In addition to the two technical bulletins, the ministry will be releasing an administrative bulletin with information about the processes for filing Project Information Forms and reports on archaeological assessments.

PILOT PERIOD 

The pilot period for the 2009 draft Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists concluded on September 30, 2009. The ministry thanks those consultant archaeologists who, along with their clients, piloted the draft Standards and Guidelines during the 2009 fieldwork season. The ministry would also like to thank all of the archaeologists, members of the residential construction and forestry industries, and individuals from Aboriginal communities and organizations who provided feedback on the draft Standards and Guidelines and related draft technical bulletins.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information about the new Standards and Guidelines and related bulletins, contact:
Malcolm Horne, Archaeology Review Officer
Culture Programs Unit
Ministry of Tourism and Culture
416-314-7146
malcolm.horne@ontario.ca