Comment
With respect, I have some serious concerns regarding these proposed changes.
I have concerns that the province can simply decide on a "priority", which can be anything and avoid this legislation altogether. Archeological investigation does not significantly slow down projects or significantly increase costs so I am unsure why the province wants to cut corners.
As most archaeological sites are indigenous and predate record keeping by settlers, without some investigation, we may be disturbing historic indigenous sites or burial sites during project excavation. Canada is a supporter of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. How are we supporting this declaration if we eliminate the need to for archeological investigation based on the whims of the Province, whatever the "priority" of the day may be.
I can see a future where the province removes anything that adds additional work or investigation but without this work how are we protecting the heritage of the indigenous people whose land we are developing?
Supporting links
Submitted May 7, 2025 2:59 PM
Comment on
Proposed Amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act, Schedule 7 of the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025
ERO number
025-0418
Comment ID
130771
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status