As an archaeologist in the…

As an archaeologist in the province of Ontario, I find it extremely concerning that some sites will not be subject to archaeological investigation prior to development. I understand the importance of the proposed provincial priorities, however archaeological heritage is irreplaceable once removed, and the obliteration of a site renders the information it could have provided about both colonial and Indigenous history irretrievable. Especially given the history of denying Indigenous land claims based on the destruction of their archaeological heritage, this would undermine Canada's history and the importance of Indigenous heritage. Furthermore, the stipulation that exceptions to this exception include known archaeological sites is redundant, since so many archaeological sites remain unknown without proper archaeological investigation, and therefore excavators wouldn't even know if there was a significant archaeological site in the region just based on our prior understanding of the landscape. I believe this would be extremely damaging in the long term to Canada's heritage and our values, and that this Amendment should not be passed.

A prime example is the discovery of the First Parliament building at the site of an Ontario Line Station. Without archaeological investigation, this important structure, which changes our understanding of the Toronto's early geography, would have never been discovered.