Archaeology Management Plan

The City of Mississauga has retained Archaeological Research Associates Ltd. (ARA) to prepare the City’s first Archaeological Management Plan (AMP). The City has commenced this year-long project in order to develop a new framework and strategic direction aimed at minimizing the loss of finite archaeological resources within the City’s administrative limits and strengthening the City’s planning and policy processes.

Driven by the responsibilities delegated to the City through the Planning Act and the Provincial Policy Statement (2020), decision-makers and planners must be aware of all lands containing known archaeological sites or areas of archaeological potential in order to make informed decisions in accordance with provincial policies and regulations.

Key deliverables to be produced as part of the AMP in order to develop an effective, municipal decision-making tool, include:

• A comprehensive background review to compile a thorough understanding of the City’s existing histories, resources, and policies, and a benchmarking exercise to establish initial AMP objectives based on best practices.
• A comprehensive set of Geographical Information System (GIS) based mapping that identifies areas of archaeological potential;
• Development of a robust engagement program with the First Nations and Indigenous Communities; and
• Proposed new protocols, policies, and management strategies to be integrated into the City’s Official Plan and planning framework.

As the City is located within the traditional and/or treaty territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Huron-Wendat Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council, these and the Urban Indigenous community will be engaged throughout the year-long AMP project.

Engagement with stakeholders, and the public will also extend throughout the life of this project in order to provide opportunities for information sharing, feedback, and education.