Archaeological Master Plan
The two-volume Archaeological Master Plan — consisting of the Planning Report [PDF: 11.2MB] and Technical Report [PDF: 5.9MB] and the associated maps — was developed between 2006 and 2010 by the City, Archaeology Services Inc., and Bray Heritage of Kingston and reflects input from the public and various stakeholders. The public consultation process is now completed and feedback is being considered.
The Plan provides for the establishment of operational planning policies, guidelines, and provisions for implementation. The documentation of sites in the Archaeological Master Plan includes maps of known archaeological sites which in the public mapping have been slightly randomly offset so as to not release the exact site locations, built heritage resources, traditional land use patterns, as well as site integrity mapping. It also includes areas of non-interest, which will not require an archaeological assessment ahead of being developed.
The document will be a key reference on all development planning decisions (including decisions related to essential public works and infrastructure renewal projects); culture and cultural tourism policies; and a consideration in the City's economic development models. It will also be integrated into the current Official Plan process (the value of archaeology is acknowledged in the Official Plans now guiding Kingston).
WHY KINGSTON NEEDS THIS PLAN:
The archaeological potential of a piece of land must now be considered as part of the planning process under the Ontario Heritage Act, the Provincial Policy Statement (2005), and the Planning Act. Recent changes to the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 and the Ontario Heritage Act mean that archaeology needs to be addressed in planning decisions. These two documents identify archaeological resources as non-renewable cultural resources necessitating municipal evaluation of planning and building applications for potential impacts to ensure their protection.
Only an estimated 10 to 15 per cent of all archaeological sites in Ontario have been identified and our ability to understand and appreciate our past depends on finding and documenting such resources before they are destroyed.
Kingston's archaeological heritage extends back some 11,000 years. The ground on which the city is built has hosted First Nations communities and early Canadian settlements. Our World Heritage fortifications, beautiful historic properties and vast archaeological resources are entrusted to our community, and we are responsible for understanding their value and properly cherishing them.
CONTACT:
For more information on the City of Kingston archaeological Master Plan contact Marcus Letourneau, Heritage Planner, at 613-546-4291, ext. 1386 or mletourneau@cityofkingston.ca.
