Case Study

Archaeological Impact Assessment for Municipal Infrastructure

Client: City of Burnaby
Sector: Municipal Infrastructure
Duration: March 2024 – June 2024
Team Members: Greg Morrissey, Daniella Tsimbaliouk, Kierstin Dolata

The City of Burnaby enlisted Campfire Archaeology and Heritage Ltd. to manage the archaeological assessments for a critical municipal infrastructure project. Situated within areas of archaeological sensitivity, the project required a comprehensive assessment to identify and mitigate potential impacts on cultural heritage. This effort included close collaboration with First Nations communities and adherence to the Heritage Conservation Act.

Challenges

Archaeological Sensitivity: The project site intersected with areas of high cultural and historical significance, necessitating detailed assessments.

Stakeholder Coordination: Multiple stakeholders, including municipal authorities, contractors, and First Nations, required consistent communication and collaboration.

Time Constraints: The project had strict deadlines to align with the broader municipal development schedule.

Approach

Desktop Research and GIS Mapping
Conducted a comprehensive Archaeological Overview Assessment (AOA), utilizing GIS tools, archival records, and existing ethnographic data to identify areas with potential archaeological significance.

Field Surveys and Testing
Executed Archaeological Impact Assessments (AIAs) under a Section 12.2 Heritage Inspection Permit, employing a combination of pedestrian surveys, subsurface testing, and feature documentation to locate and evaluate archaeological sites.

Collaborative Engagement
Partnered with Coast Salish First Nations to ensure their traditional knowledge and perspectives informed the project. Community representatives were involved in both the planning and execution of fieldwork.

Chance Find Management Training
Delivered tailored training sessions for construction teams, empowering them to recognize and appropriately manage any cultural artifacts uncovered during excavation.

Comprehensive Reporting
Prepared a detailed report with findings, mitigation strategies, and recommendations to ensure compliance with the Heritage Conservation Act and support long-term preservation.

Outcomes

Seamless Compliance: All regulatory requirements under the Heritage Conservation Act were met, enabling the project to proceed without delays.

Strengthened Partnerships: Enhanced relationships with First Nations communities by centering collaboration and respect throughout the process.

Capacity Building: Equipped construction teams with the knowledge and tools to manage archaeological finds responsibly, ensuring sustainable project outcomes.

Impact

The success of this project underscores Campfire Archaeology and Heritage Ltd.’s expertise in bridging the gap between development and heritage preservation. By integrating archaeological best practices with community-driven approaches, we delivered solutions that respected cultural heritage while supporting municipal growth.