Abstract

This paper discusses the process developed by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Southwest Region for the archaeological assessment of highway construction projects and the mitigation of sites on highway rights-of-way. The products of the assessment/mitigation process are defined and critically examined. While the principal function of the archaeological unit is to clear environmental assessment requirements to enable the Ministry to deliver the provincial highway construction program, we are committed to producing useful data and distributing results. In addition, these studies address issues of site significance and preservation, First Nations' concerns, and public interest and education. The paper draws examples from a recently completed project, that resulted in the excavation of several sites ranging from Paleo-Indian to Late Woodland times.