What is consulting archaeology?

Consulting archaeology in Ontario is a set of services provided to clients that relate to archaeological and heritage concerns within the planning, development and approvals process.

Who does Apex Archaeology Inc. work with?

Apex Archaeology Inc. works with any client that is in need of archaeological expertise as a requirement of the land use planning, development and approvals process - from large housing development companies or cities to individual land owners looking to sever their property.

How much of the property are you required to assess?

We are required to assess any part of the property that is subject to the planning application for which the archaeological assessment is required. The property plan that is submitted to the municipal planning authority dictates the limits of the area that must be subject to archaeological assessment.

Can I have an area assessed using test pit methodology instead of going through the trouble of getting it ploughed?

In short, no. The MCM requires that any land that has been ploughed in the past and that can be ploughed and/or accessed by a plough must be ploughed before that area can be assessed. If the MCM requirements are not met upon review of the report, the area will not be considered cleared of archaeological concern until all areas have been assessed in accordance with MCM requirements.

What is the turn around time on having a report cleared by the MCM?

The length of time it takes to have a report reviewed by the MCM depends on the volume of reports being submitted for review to the MCM. Higher volumes of incoming reports means that it can take longer for Archaeological Review Officers (AROs) to review a report. The MCM does not provide timeframes on report review unless an expedited review has been requested and accepted. Once a report has been reviewed and found to be satisfactory, the MCM will issue a letter that indicates these findings. If your project requires a satisfaction letter from the MCM by a specific date, we recommend that you submit an Expedited Review Request of the report submitted to the MCM for review.

How do I submit an Expedited Review Request to the MCM?

A request for an expedited review must be made through the consultant archaeologist that filed the report with the MCM. First, you will need to contact the archaeological consulting firm that prepared your report and ask that they submit a request for an Expedited Review. Second, you will need to prepare a letter on company letterhead that is addressed to the MCM and that includes the reason(s) for making a request for an expedited review, as well as the date by which the MCM satisfaction letter is required by. A copy of this letter must be submitted to the consultant archaeologist so that it can be submitted to the MCM with the archaeological report.

The MCM provides confirmation within 5 business days of the submission of an Expedited Review Request and will advise Apex Archaeology Inc. when the anticipated report review will be completed. Apex Archaeology Inc. will then notify the client of the date the MCM has stated they will have the report reviewed by. Generally, the MCM will have the expedited review completed within 30-40 business days of accepting the expedited review request.

Does Apex Archaeology Inc. offer expedited services?

Yes, but expedited services necessitate additional fees. If you require an expedited assessment for you project, please send an email to acn@apexarchaeology.ca with Expedited Services in the Subject line. Alternatively, you can give our office a call to speak with us directly.