Archaeological Reports

Excavations and auger drilling for construction were monitored, yielding artifacts from a likely extension of the previously defined Avonlea/ Laurel occupation, Late Woodland Blackduck (AD 800-1400) tradition, and the Railroad (1888-1988) period. Additional cultural levels were recorded below the impact level. Precontact (1301) and Historic (29) artifacts represent the following categories: lithic; ceramic; floral and faunal remains; architectural objects; manufacturing equipment; glass and ceramic storage and dinnerware containers. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail.

Six locations underwent monitoring and mitigation, including 2 newly identified sites. Recovered Precontact artifacts (513) represent lithic, ceramic, floral and faunal categories. Ceramics are associated with the Late Woodland period (AD 600-1700). The occupation date suggested by stratigraphy is over 1000 years ago. Historic artifacts (37) represent the following categories: architectural objects; glass, wooden, and metal storage containers; dinnerware; faunal remains. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail for each location. Appendices include an artifact catalogue.

Construction monitoring recovered 7574 artifacts from the early 20th century, Protocontact (AD 1650 to 1740), and a Precontact occupation associated with the Blackduck culture (ca. AD 100 to 1400); and a Precontact human burial (dated 1375 years ago). Artifacts represent the following categories: lithics; Precontact ceramics; architectural objects; lighting and manufacturing equipment; communication; clothing; transportation; floral and faunal remains; storage, cooking, ornamental and waste containers; dinnerware. Forensic analysis and cultural context are provided on the burial. Stratigraphy is detailed by layer. Appendices include a final report on the burial by Dr. Christopher Meiklejohn and an artifact catalogue.

Monitoring of mechanized excavations and mitigation yielded a total of 9754 artifacts, including diagnostic lithics identified as Avonlea (AD 400-700) and ceramics identified as Laurel ware (BC 200-AD 1000). Avonlea/Laurel horizon artifacts represent lithic, ceramic, floral and faunal categories. Cultural material patterns indicate several localized activity areas: food processing/cooking; hideworking/clothing manufacture; tool manufacture. Occupation was radiocarbon dated to AD 650. Other Precontact horizons were identified, however no diagnostics were recovered. Historic artifacts (21) represent 2 categories: glass and ceramic storage containers and dinnerware. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail.

Monitoring and mitigation of construction of Pioneer and Water Avenue reconfiguration yielded Precontact artifacts (7001) tentatively attributed to the Peace Meeting horizon (AD 1275-1295) from the following categories: lithics, ceramics (Rainy River, Plains Woodland, Bird River), floral and faunal remains. Postcontact artifacts (49) derived from the Industrial Period (1870-1989) represent categories of: architectural objects; manufacturing equipment; clothing; recreation; adornment; medicine; glass and ceramic storage, cooking, and dinnerware containers. Where possible, containers (bottles, dinnerware) are identified by manufacturer and date. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail.

Monitoring of backhoe excavations and auger tests yielded a total of 1068 artifacts. Historic artifacts (22), all post-dating the construction of the B&B Building in 1888/89, represent the following categories: architectural objects; lighting equipment; transportation; glass, ceramic, and metal dinnerware and storage containers. Precontact artifacts (1046) represent: faunal remains; clothing manufacture; lithic; and ceramic. Ceramics are indicative of Plains cultural group manufacture, and the Precontact occupation here is estimated at 400-800 years ago. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail. Appendices include an artifact catalogue.

wMonitoring of sub-surface augering and excavations for service installations yielded artifacts and stratigraphic data from the Urban Development Period (begins 1873 at this site). Structural remnants of North-West Laundry and the Bain Building, as well as 70 artifacts (dating to early 1900s, relating mainly to residential activities) were recovered. Artifacts represent the following categories: architectural objects; lighting; transportation; glass and ceramic ornamental and storage containers; dinnerware; faunal remains. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail. Appendices include historic maps and panoramas and artifact catalogue.

Evidence of the recent Industrial Period (post-1870) was observed during monitoring of drilling operations in the form of stratigraphic sequences of land modification and fill. No evidence of occupations pre-dating this period was encountered; no artifacts were curated.

Monitoring of construction consisting of auger drilling and mechanized excavation yielded only 12 Postcontact artifacts in the following categories: food processing and glass and ceramic storage and dinnerware containers. Containers are identified by manufacturer where possible, and stratigraphy is discussed in detail.

Monitoring of mechanized excavation of two vertical shafts required for installation of a natural gas pipeline from an existing line east of the intersection of York Avenue and Waterfront Drive did not yield any cultural material. Soil stratigraphy is discussed in detail.