Archaeology
Kawartha Lakes has a rich archaeological record dating back over 12,000 years. Archaeological sites exist across the City that tell the stories of our rich Indigenous and non-Indigenous history and reflect the long-standing and continuous use of our land and waterways. As our communities change and grow, protecting these important sites has become increasingly important to help us understand the history of our material culture.
In Ontario, archaeological sites are protected under Part VI of the Ontario Heritage Act. It is illegal to knowingly disturb an archaeological site, unless you are a licensed archaeologist. All archaeological excavations in Ontario must be undertaken by a professional archaeologist. This ensures that any artifacts or burial sites that may be found as part of an archaeological investigation are properly handled and documented and any artifacts property cared for and stored.
Archaeological Management Plan
The City of Kawartha Lakes has adopted a new Archaeological Management Plan, approved by Council in September 2025, to guide how we manage and protect archaeological resources across the municipality.
This plan outlines when archaeological assessments are required for public and private projects, provides data to help determine when a property or area has archaeological potential, and strengthens how we collaborate with Indigenous communities. For more information on the plan and its development, please visit the project page on Jump In. The plan includes new archaeological potential mapping and a policy directions report.
New resources from our Archaeological Management Plan are currently being developed for public use. Stayed tuned to this page for new resources and updates.
Archaeological Assessments
Archaeological assessments are required for certain types of applications made to the City where there is soil disturbance occurring and where the area has a high archaeological potential. This is primarily the case for applications submitted under the Planning Act. Archaeological assessments are completed prior to any construction activity taking place to ensure that any artifacts that might be present on the site are identified, documented and protected. All archaeological assessments must be completed by a licensed archaeologist. Archaeologists in Ontario are licensed by the provincial government which maintains a database of all licensed archaeologists in the province.
If you would like to learn more about archaeological assessment, when they are required and how it may impact a project you are planning, please contact us at archaeology@kawarthalakes.ca
Archaeological Potential Mapping
Do you need to find out if your property has archaeological potential in advance of construction or redevelopment? The City has developed a public facing Archaeological Potential Map which shows the potential for archaeological finds across the City. The coloured areas on this map show which areas of the City have archaeological potential and where an archaeological assessment may be required.
The mapping can be accessed through our Property and Planning Viewer. Turn on the Archaeological Composite Potential layer to see this information. You can search by address using the search bar or manually explore the map.
I've found an artifact. What do I do?
While we undertake archaeological assessments to try and prevent accidental finds, sometimes artifacts and burial sites are found by accident, either during construction or as part of every day activities.
Accidental Finds
If you accidentally come across an artifact during a day to day activity, such as plowing a field, working in your garden or at the beach, leave the artifact in place. Do not continue to look for artifacts in the area or continue to disturb the site.
Take a photo of the artifact and let us know where you found it at archaeology@kawarthalakes.ca. This helps us document where artifacts have been found in case an archaeological assessment needs to undertaken to support construction in the area in future.
Finds During Construction
If you are undertaking a construction project and encounter an archaeological site, you must stop work immediately. An archaeologist must be brought on site to excavate the site and identify its extent and what artifacts are present.
You must contact archaeology@kawarthalakes.ca to notify the City of the discovery and include its location and photographs of the site. The City's Heritage Planning Officer will assist you in navigating the archaeological process.
Burial Sites
If you encounter human remains or a burial site either during construction or everyday activity, you must stop all work immediately and call the police. The police and coroner will determine if the site is archaeological site or a crime scene. Do not move any remains and limit access to the site.
Once the site has been cleared by the police, an archaeologist will need to be brought to the site to determine the size and scope of the site and next steps to ensure compliance under the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act. You must contact the City's Heritage Planning Officer at archaeology@kawarthalakes.ca to help you navigate the process.
Resources for Archaeologists
Archaeological Potential Mapping
Through our new Archaeological Management Plan, the City has developed an archaeological potential model for the municipality. The public facing version of this mapping is available on our Property and Planning Viewer. Please be advised that this public facing mapping does not include specific locations of archaeological sites and site leads.
If you are an archaeologist working in Kawartha Lakes and need to access additional mapping data not available through the public viewer as part of an archaeological assessment or research project, please contact us.
Archaeological Reports Database
The City maintains a confidential database of archaeological reports related to assessments that have taken place in the City dating back to the 1970s, as well as registered archaeological sites, unregistered sites and site leads. Licensed archaeologists are able to access these records by submitting a request through the Heritage Planning program.
When submitting a request, please provide:
- Geographic information for the property or area you are inquiring about (lot, concession, geographic township and/or municipal address)
- Borden number for registered archaeological sites
- Reason for the request
Requests should be submitted to archaeology@kawarthalakes.ca.
Contact Us
Email: archaeology@kawarthalakes.ca
Telephone: 705-324-9411 ext. 1366
Toll free at 1-888-822-2225
After-hours emergencies: 1-877-885-7337
