Private Landowner Q&A
about Archaeological Research
in Haldimand County

Go to previous page of questions and answers

Q. Is any archaeological information collected from a private land owner's property made available to the general public?

No, under the terms of archaeological licenses issued by the Ministry of Culture, all information collected from a land owner's property is confidential and is therefore not available to the general public. However, archaeologists are required to submit a report for each field work season.

Q. How does a land owner know when an archaeologist is approaching them to gain access to private property?

A licensed archaeologist will always approach a landowner(s) to identify themselves, explain the purpose of their field study, and ask for permission to gain access to the private property. It is important to have permission from a landowner(s), in advance of a land study, to allow an archaeologist to follow geologic formations or patterns of land use by early people.

Q. Will archaeological and geologic reconnaissance restrict or interfere with a private land owner’s farming practices?

No, this activity does not restrict or interfere with a land owner’s farming practices or impact crops. Archaeological reconnaissance generally involves walking ploughed fields.

Q. If an artifact is found on private property what should I do?

If an artifact is found, write down where it was found and sketch a map showing the artifact’s original location. The artifact should be wrapped in tissue paper and keep in a safe place where it will not be lost or broken. The artifact can either be kept by the land owner or donated to the Haldimand Museum in Cayuga.

Q. What is the importance of doing an archaeological reconnaissance in Haldimand County?

The importance of doing an archaeological reconnaissance in Haldimand County is to study and record where and how people lived in Ontario after the glaciers receded (ca. 11,000-7,000 yrs. B.P.).