Imperial Oil Resources Limited Cold Lake Expansion Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment March 2016
SECTION 16.0 – HISTORICAL RESOURCES TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
16.0 HISTORICAL RESOURCES ...... 16 -1 16.1 Introduction ...... 16 -1 16.1.1 Terminology ...... 16 -2 16.2 Study Area ...... 16 -3 16.2.1 Spatial Boundaries ...... 16 -3 16.2.2 Temporal Boundaries ...... 16 -3 16.3 Assessment Approach ...... 16 -3 16.3.1 Issues ...... 16 -5 16.3.2 Assessment Criteria ...... 16 -5 16.3.3 Constraints Planning ...... 16 -6 16.4 Methods ...... 16 -6 16.4.1 Record Review Data Sources ...... 16 -7 16.4.2 Evaluation of Historical Resource Potential ...... 16 -8 16.4.3 Baseline Field Assessment...... 16 -10 16.4.4 Post-field Studies ...... 16 -12 16.5 Baseline Case ...... 16 -14 16.5.1 Background ...... 16 -14 16.5.2 Results of Desktop Assessment ...... 16-28 16.5.3 Results of Baseline Field Assessment ...... 16-38 16.5.4 Regulatory Approval ...... 16 -79 16.6 Application Case ...... 16 -79 16.6.1 Mitigation ...... 16 -82 16.6.2 Summary ...... 16 -82 16.7 Planned Development Case ...... 16 -83 16.8 Monitoring ...... 16 -83 16.9 Summary ...... 16 -83 16.10 References ...... 16 -84
Table of Contents – Page i Imperial Oil Resources Limited Cold Lake Expansion Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment March 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont’d)
PAGE LIST OF TABLES
Table 16.5-1: Listed Lands within the Historical Resources Local Study Area ...... 16-29 Table 16.5-2: Previous Historical Resources Impact Assessment Studies within the Historical Resources Local Study Area ...... 16 -31 Table 16.5-3: Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites within the Historical Resources Local Study Area...... 16 -34 Table 16.5-4: Previously Recorded Heritage Standing Structures in the Historical Resources Local Study Area ...... 16 -36 Table 16.5-5: Archaeological Sites Recorded or Revisited during Baseline Field Assessment ...... 16 -45 Table 16.6-1: Mitigation Summary ...... 16 -82 Table 16.6-2: Application Case Effects Summary ...... 16 -83
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 16.2-1: Historical Resources Local Study Area Overview Map ...... 16 -4 Figure 16.5-1: Existing Historical Resources Overview Map ...... 16-32 Figure 16.5-2: Archaeological Potential Baseline Study Map ...... 16-39 Figure 16.5-3: HRIA Survey Results Northwest Portion of Project Area Overview Map ...... 16-40 Figure 16.5-4: HRIA Survey Results Northeast Portion of Project Area Overview Map ...... 16-41 Figure 16.5-5: HRIA Survey Results Southwest Portion of Project Area Overview Map ...... 16-42 Figure 16.5-6: HRIA Survey Results Southeast Portion of Project Area Overview Map ...... 16-43 Figure 16.6-1: Historical Resources Application Case Map ...... 16-81
Table of Contents – Page ii Imperial Oil Resources Limited Cold Lake Expansion Project Volume 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment March 2016
16.0 HISTORICAL RESOURCES
16.1 Introduction This section describes baseline status of historical resources within the Cold Lake Expansion Project area and also includes an assessment of project effects with respect to historic resources.
In Alberta, historical resources are protected by the Historical Resources Act (HRA) (Government of Alberta 2000), which is administered by Alberta Culture and Tourism (CT). Under section 1(e) of the HRA, historical resources are defined as:
any work of nature or of humans that is primarily of value for its palaeontological, archaeological, prehistoric, historic, cultural, natural, scientific or aesthetic interest including, but not limited to, a palaeontological, archaeological, prehistoric, historic or natural site, structure or object.
Historical resources like archaeological and palaeontological sites, as well as historic structures, are finite and non-renewable. Since those resources within and near development areas may be negatively affected, CT requires screening of projects to ensure that conflicts are avoided and/or managed. Typically, the screening is initiated by the submission of a Historic Resources Application, but CT does not issue HRA requirements without a project footprint. Baseline historical resources assessment is part of the Terms of Reference for this project (Volume 3, Appendix A), but no project footprint was available when the assessment was initiated. As a result, the field assessment portion of this baseline study was completed in the absence of a requirement under the HRA.
All project-related field assessments of historical resources are designated historical resources impact assessments (HRIAs), regardless of the purpose of the study. This section describes the results of the field HRIA and associated desktop record review for the project as part of the Baseline Case. Project effects on historical resources are assessed as part of the Application Case. Historical Resources within the Planned Development Case are no different from the Application Case.
Since no known palaeontological sites or lands with palaeontological potential have been identified in the project area, no field assessment of palaeontological resources was undertaken.
The HRIA for the project was conducted in compliance with the Alberta HRA under Archaeological Survey of Alberta Archaeological Research Permit (Permit) Number 13-207. The associated final report was submitted to CT on 8 August 2014 (Burford 2014). This HRIA meets the Terms of Reference for the project (Volume 3, Appendix A) (and also the requirements of the HRA and associated regulations and guidelines administered through CT).
No HRA requirements have yet been issued by CT for the Cold Lake Expansion Project (the project).
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16.1.1 Terminology Under the Alberta HRA, historical resources include archaeological sites and objects, palaeontological sites and objects and standing historic structures. Archaeology is the study of past human occupation, with specific reference to how and where people lived. In Canada, archaeologists focus on the period of time extending from the end of the Pleistocene Epoch (approximately 14,000 years ago) to approximately 100 years ago. Paleontology is the study of the evolution of all living things on earth. In Canada, these range from Precambrian blue green algae (greater than 2 billion years old) to Pleistocene fauna (as young as approximately 14,000 years old).
Archaeological sites in Alberta are generally divided into three chronological categories: precontact, protohistoric and historic (or post-contact). Precontact sites date from approximately 12,000 years ago to A.D. 1500, and represent the period when only Aboriginal people were present. Sites typically yield artifacts reflecting the stone, bone and ceramic technologies these groups used, as well as animal and sometimes plant remains from food gathering and preparation activities. Site types include campsites dominated by evidence of domestic and habitation activity, hunting and butchering sites associated with capturing and processing game, and quarry and workshop sites where stone for tools was acquired and worked. More rarely, sites associated with ceremonial and spiritual activity are found; examples include stone cairns, alignments and effigies, as well as occurrences of rock art.
Protohistoric sites in Alberta date to the short period between A.D. 1500 and 1750, when Aboriginal trade networks brought European goods to the region, preceding eventual European contact. The range of site types is similar to the precontact period, but with the additional elements of European technology and materials (e.g., guns, iron). Historic sites date to after A.D. 1750, when Europeans began to explore and settle in the region. A broad range of domestic, subsistence, industrial and other site types reflecting the diverse populations and rapid changes are characteristic of this period.
Archaeological sites in Canada are assigned unique identifiers using the Borden system, which divides the country into a series of nested blocks based on latitude and longitude. The smallest blocks in the system extend across 10 minutes of latitude and 10 minutes of longitude, covering approximately 20,350 ha. Each of these blocks has a unique four-letter alphabetic designation. Sites falling within a particular Borden block are given its alphabetic designation, along with a number that indicates the order in which sites within that block were found (Borden 1952). The project area intersects six Borden blocks: GdOn, GdOo, GdOp, GeOn, GeOo, and GeOp.
Palaeontological sites (locales or localities) are places where remains of ancient living forms are preserved. These remains tend to be associated with specific geological or geomorphological formations and are recognized in exposures. Even though remains may be widespread within those formations, the visibility of the materials is key to discovery. In central Alberta, incised river valleys and erosional features have potential to contain discoverable palaeontological resources. Palaeontological research in Alberta has focused on past animal distributions, palaeoenvironmental reconstruction, chronology, and glacial history.
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Standing historic structures are any buildings or cultural landscape features in their original context that retain aboveground evidence of construction techniques and/or stylistic elements.
16.2 Study Area
16.2.1 Spatial Boundaries The historical resources local study area (HRLSA) is a 133,993 ha area and is includes three oil sands leases: 040, 041 and 042. The HRLSA is located 15 km north of the Town of Cold Lake within Lakeland County (Figure 16.2-1). The HRLSA includes three major lakes: Bourque Lake, Marie Lake and May Lake. The nearest major river is the Medley River, which is within the eastern part of the HRLSA. Marie Creek bisects the HRLSA and flows into the Beaver River 25 km to the south, via May Lake and Marie Lake. Jackfish Creek drains from the south end of Bourque Lake and also flows into the Beaver River.
The HRLSA is located in largely undeveloped forested lands. Previous disturbances are generally restricted to winter access roads and seismic lines with minor subsurface disturbance. Previous historical resources fieldwork in the vicinity has been restricted to historical resource management projects.
The large body of previous assessment studies covering portions of the HRLSA and the scope of both the desktop review and the field assessment are sufficient to describe the historical resources within the area. A regional study area was not identified.
16.2.2 Temporal Boundaries The project will have overlapping construction, operation and reclamation activities. Project effects are examined using a maximum disturbance approach that assumes all development will occur at the same time over the entire footprint, representing a full development assessment (Volume 2, Section 3.3). The temporal boundaries of the assessment of historical resources include all available field data up to the completion of the baseline HRIA in October 2013 and desktop information available in the March 2015 Listing of Historic Resources (CT 2015).
16.3 Assessment Approach For the most part, the approach to historical resource assessment for the project was based on standard practices for HRIAs in Alberta. Several HRIAs had been conducted in the general area previously and some baseline data existed prior to the onset of the baseline study for this project. Instead of focusing on a given footprint, this assessment was landscape-based within the entire HRLSA. As a result, this assessment, which incorporates the data produced by previous work, was the first in the region that directly tested models of historical resource potential with respect to the entire land base. This has resulted in a more realistic understanding of where historical resources are likely to be found than had been previously developed and provides a more accurate Baseline Case.
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16.3.1 Issues The key issues in historical resource assessment are how the project will affect existing resources and how the potential loss of individual resources will affect the interpretation of data on a local and regional scale. Since most of the locations of historical resource sites in the project area were not known, the main objectives of HRIA studies were the identification and evaluation of historical resources, and assessment of historical land use.
Individual artifacts or fossils and archaeological or palaeontological sites exist as parts of a greater complex of past behaviour and ecosystems, which is theoretically definable in terms of time and space. Natural decay, burial and post-burial disturbances may affect sites and reveal an incomplete record of human behaviour. The basic processes of human mobility and resource utilization are expressed as an interrelated matrix of archaeological sites and historic structures, in which no individual site is representative of the complete precontact and post-contact land use or archaeological landscape. Similarly, no individual fossil site is representative of the entire prehistoric biodiversity.
First Nations have an interest in the status of historical resources in the project area. Aboriginal input as described in Volume 3, Appendix K1 was considered in the assessment. To date, the Frog Lake First Nation has expressed a concern about project effects on historical, heritage and sensitive sites (Volume 1, Section 4.0). Results of the baseline HRIA were shared with the following First Nations:
Beaver Lake Cree Nation;
Cold Lake First Nations;
Heart Lake First Nation;
Kehewin Cree Nation; and
Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation.
16.3.2 Assessment Criteria HRIA studies are designed to assess historical resource sites in terms of location, distribution, site type, size, age, condition, and archaeological/historical value with respect to the project. Site type refers to the function which the site played in past human settlement systems. Archaeological sites in the region are typically one of five types depending on the nature of the artifacts recovered from them:
isolated finds are sites from which only one artifact is recovered. An isolated artifact may be the result of differential preservation or indicate a single event;
lithic (toolstone) scatters are dominated by flakes of waste stone material with little evidence of formed tools;
lithic workshops are those sites which contain some evidence of stone tool manufacture other than simply flakes of waste stone material. A workshop is typically identified by the presence of cores or core fragments, or partially-constructed tools;
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campsites are those sites which contain formed tools, hearth features, and bone fragments indicating a longer-term or repeat occupation of the area. Hide scrapers and cutting tools are found in campsite occupations; and
kill sites are sites dominated by animal bones and hunting tools.
The determination of site size at this stage in archaeological investigations is based on the horizontal spread of positive shovel prospects (those containing archaeological material). An estimation of age of sites is based on comparisons with other archaeological sites in the region. Some chipped stone tools are known to change in form over time in certain ways and their presence in archaeological sites is diagnostic of certain time periods or cultures. In many situations when carbon-based dating methods (i.e., radiocarbon dating) are not appropriate, diagnostic tool style comparisons is the only method available to date the occupation of a site.
Site condition refers to the baseline condition of the site as it is observed, either disturbed in an exposure or undisturbed in a buried context. Some post-contact sites, particularly structures, may exist in surface deposits but also remain undisturbed.
The determination of value or interpretive potential is the most important and most complex part in the assessment process. This evaluation is also flexible, depending on the relationship of the resources to specific developments. At the HRIA level, assessment is based on site characteristics, compared with known sites in the region. These characteristics include site location, site size, age, and internal site structure (Archaeological Survey of Alberta 1989).
The site location category includes the location of the site relative to landforms and geomorphological processes and also the location with respect to other sites in the study area. Site size as an assessment category is self-explanatory, but there is no direct correlation between site size and significance. Small sites may be more significant than large sites. Aging or dating a site may be difficult to determine and again, there is no direct correlation between age and significance. Internal site structure includes the variety, density and distribution of artifacts and features within a site. All of these site characteristics are assessed with respect to what can be learned about past human behaviour within a particular region.
16.3.3 Constraints Planning Constraints planning involves identifying environmental sensitivities early in the design process, assessing and mapping these and then locating project facilities away from areas of higher sensitivity and preferentially into areas of lower sensitivity. Documented archaeological sites (including a 50 m buffer) and lands on the Listing of Historic Resources (CT 2015) that are associated with previously recorded archaeological sites or historic standing structures with moderate or unknown significance are identified as areas of sensitivity (Volume 2, Section 3.4).
16.4 Methods The assessment of historical resources with respect to the project included field studies and a series of prefieldwork and post-fieldwork tasks. Historical resource studies are inherently based on cumulative data; the results of previous work in a region are essential to analysis and
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interpretation. The first task associated with this study included background research and a record review. The investigation into previous studies assisted in determining the historical resources potential of the HRLSA and focused the field studies.
A thorough examination of graphical and digital representations of the HRLSA, including maps, aerial photos and LiDAR, also informed the determination of potential and subsequent areas for field studies. Once in the field, a number of standard survey techniques were used to locate and assess historical resources in the HRLSA. Post-field studies included cataloguing, analysis, interpretation, and reporting. The background, including what is known about the historical resources and natural environmental setting of the region, is discussed below as part of the baseline data, as are the results of the record review.
16.4.1 Record Review Data Sources The historical resources studies completed for the project included an extensive examination of published and unpublished reports, and articles to establish the most current understanding of the environmental setting and cultural chronology of the region.
The record review included a search of the current Listing of Historic Resources (CT 2015) (the Listing) for the lands in the vicinity of the project. A search of existing records held in the library of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta and review of previous HRIA files pertaining to the project were also conducted.
The Listing (CT 2015) is a register of all lands in the province known to contain valuable historical resources; it also integrates some lands where valuable historical resources have yet to be found, but potential for such resources has been identified. Lands not included in the Listing are those known through previous assessment to lack valuable historical resources or those that have yet to be assessed. The Listing is organized using the Alberta Township System.
The publically accessible version of the Listing is updated regularly and made available on CT website (CT 2015). In order to protect valuable historic resources, the public version does not indicate their exact locations, but instead lists legal subdivisions (LSDs) where such resources are known or have the potential to occur. These LSDs are classified using the following Historic Resource Values (HRVs):
HRV1 – designated under the HRA as a Provincial Historic Resource and/or by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and/or owned by CT for historic resource protection and promotion purposes – these lands receive the highest level of protection;
HRV2 – designated under the HRA as a Municipal or Registered Historic Resource;
HRV3 – contains a significant historic resource that will likely require avoidance;
HRV4 – contains a historic resource that may require avoidance; and
HRV5 – believed to contain a historic resource.
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The lands flagged in the Listing are also categorized by type of historical resource as follows:
a archaeological;
c cultural;
gl geological;
h historic;
n natural; and
p palaeontological.
Additional information on the nature of individual historical resources is available in the restricted version of the Listing and the provincial database of archaeological sites. In the database, sites are also assigned HRVs. The HRV categories and values for individual resources accord with those defined for the LSD-based Listing, defined above, with the addition of an HRV0 designation for recorded historical resource sites that are not valuable.
The March 2015 version of the Listing was consulted to determine if the HRLSA encompasses any LSDs that have been assigned HRV.
Documents relating to the HRLSA were also reviewed in order to provide the background information for the HRIA. The sources included previous permit reports, academic journals and local histories. No project-specific traditional land use (TLU) information was available at the time of the study. However, 40 parcels of land on the Listing are recorded as TLU sites. Relevant TLU information included in HRIA reports, heritage survey site (HSS) forms and archaeological site forms for the HRLSA was reviewed. Historic township maps were also reviewed with special attention made on trails or travel corridors in the HRLSA.
16.4.2 Evaluation of Historical Resource Potential The project footprint was not available at the initiation of the HRIA study. Areas of the HRLSA possessing potential for the presence of archaeological resources were the focus of the HRIA. This approach was discussed with and supported by CT. A total of 3,075 ha of lands with archaeological potential were selected for field inspection.
Although there have been numerous previous HRIA studies within the HRLSA and numerous existing historical resources recorded, there were notable gaps within the baseline data. Previous HRIA studies assessed developments located on the periphery of the northern and western edges of the HRLSA. Large areas of the HRLSA remain undeveloped and have not been subject to an HRIA. The current study is the first archaeological investigation of the central area of the HRLSA, particularly in the vicinity of May Lake. The absence of recorded historical resources, including archaeological sites, historic structures and traditional use sites from large parts of the HRLSA is not an indication that these areas were not occupied in the past.
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16.4.2.1 Landscape Analysis Archaeological potential modelling is a process of identifying landforms with the greatest potential for precontact human activity. In the boreal forest of northeastern Alberta, terrain that is most likely to have been the focus of previous human activity displays identifiable characteristics. These characteristics include:
well drained soils;
elevated terrain and well-defined margins;
vegetation ecosite indicators of dry soils such as pine forest;
proximity to defined hydrological features;
proximity to wetlands;
proximity to resource, food and or raw material sources;
proximity to known trails and travel corridors; and
proximity to other known historical resources.
Well-drained soils are more conducive to human activity and occupation than poorly drained wetlands. Elevated terrain, especially with a southern aspect allows for a field of vision over lower areas and provides areas exposed to prevalent winds and sunshine. The more defined and elevated a terrain feature is, the more characteristic it becomes and the more likely it is to play a part in the landscape as an important landmark. Easily identifiable terrain features aid in navigation. Rivers, lakes and wetlands would also have been an important source of plant and animal resources. River and creek terraces and long linear terrain features provide ideal transportation corridors. Reliable and predictable sources of food and raw materials are regularly the focus of repeated human occupations. Known material sources and other sites are indicators that similar historic resources may be present in the vicinity. Terrain with archaeological potential may possess a number and combination of these described characteristics.
High resolution black and white aerial photographs were available for the HRLSA. These images showed the variation in plant communities as variations in colour and contrast. This was used to determine topographical changes and areas of historic resource potential.
Elevated terrain features in close association with hydrological features were selected as having archaeological potential. Previous archaeological studies within northeastern Alberta have shown a clear pattern of precontact site associations with elevated landforms, rivers, creeks, and waterbodies (Tischer 2004; Unfreed 2001; Ronaghan 1982).
16.4.2.2 LiDAR Analysis LiDAR imagery is collected using a sensor mounted below an aircraft that emits a short infrared laser pulse toward the earth’s surface. These pulses are fan shaped across the flight path of the aircraft (Davis 2012). Each pulse results in multiple laser returns. The first returned laser pulse is typically from the forest canopy, while the final returned pulse is from the ground. The more
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laser pulses that hit the ground and are recorded by the aircraft will produce the most accurate LiDAR surface (Davis 2012). LiDAR is problematic when attempting to map dense or closely spaced conifer canopies in which the laser pulses cannot penetrate the forest canopy (Crow et al. 2007; Krogstad and Schiess 2004). An example of a dense conifer canopy within the project area would be tightly spaced young dense fir, black spruce or white spruce. Areas that feature more open canopies or deciduous canopies such as mature Jack pine, aspen and balsam poplar produce accurate and detailed bare earth surfaces from LiDAR data (Crow et al. 2007).
The finalized LiDAR surface does not indicate the amount of laser pulses that reached the ground creating a false sense of accuracy within areas of dense conifer. It is common to find areas of LiDAR surfaces with few or no ground returns (Krogstad and Schiess 2004). The bare earth surface is extrapolated from surrounding laser pulse returns to compensate for the missing ones, which in some cases omits or produces small landforms (Krogstad and Schiess 2004).
The LiDAR data available for the project area was a bare earth digital surface, which featured hill shading. When displaying the LiDAR surface, a stretch algorithm was applied to the raster data to improve the visual contrast. This stretch algorithm utilized standard deviation of the surface values across the raster to augment individual landforms. This stretched bare earth LiDAR raster was overlapped with the HRLSA. The digitally observed elevated landforms with high archaeological potential were outlined and later imported onto hand-held global positioning system (GPS) units for the HRIA field program.
16.4.3 Baseline Field Assessment The fieldwork was guided by HRA requirements issued for similar projects.
Previous requirements issued by CT for baseline studies stipulate that TLU sites, where observed, are to be included in the report on HRIA field studies. CT may regard some TLU sites as historical resources. This condition only applies to those types of sites listed below:
historic cabin remains;
historic cabin (unoccupied);
cultural or historical community campsite;
ceremonial site/spiritual site;
gravesite(s);
historic settlement/homestead;
sites of historic events;
oral history site;
ceremonial plant or mineral gathering site;
trail; and
sweat lodge site.
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Under the permit issued by CT, the field assessment must be completed prior to land surface disturbance under snow-free, unfrozen ground conditions and after spring thaw flood conditions had abated.
The HRIA was undertaken in September and October 2013 in three separate shifts. During this time, the ground was bare and surface exposures were visible. Crew size varied between shifts and areas being assessed. The two primary objectives of the HRIA were to locate and assess archaeological resources in the HRLSA.
Amec Foster Wheeler archaeologists parlayed with an Imperial representative who had extensive knowledge of unrecorded historic sites within the HRLSA (Kirstein pers. comm. 2013). The location and some background information for 21 potential historic resource sites were provided. The Imperial representative had identified these sites using a number of different sources including Imperial subcontractors, field visits and independent LiDAR assessment.
HRIA fieldwork was carried out between 20 September and 25 October 2013. A total of 139 target areas identified as displaying archaeological potential were subject to subsurface testing and a total of 1,535 subsurface tests were excavated. Approximately 38% of the terrain with archaeological potential was subject to field assessment. Field assessment of all areas of archaeological potential was not possible due to time constraints.
Areas identified with LiDAR and considered to display archaeological potential were targeted for field investigation under the HRIA study. Areas observed on the ground that exhibited potential, but were not delineated in the prefield studies were also investigated.
The validity of the archaeological potential model was also assessed. If predetermined potential was not supported with landform characteristics witnessed in the field (e.g., LiDAR error), no further field assessment was undertaken. If the field potential matched the desktop evaluation, further detailed field assessment was undertaken (i.e., subsurface testing).
Shovel tests were excavated in areas of potential where suitable landforms were present. A shovel test is a 40 x 40 cm square test pit excavated to a depth of 50 cm or until restricted by bedrock or glacial till. Testing locations were generally linear transects of multiple shovel tests along moderate and high potential landforms with a spacing of 5 to 10 m depending on vegetation cover and landform suitability. In some cases, judgmental placement of shovel tests was used to cover smaller landforms. All existing mechanical and natural exposures were visually examined for historic and precontact cultural materials. Photographs were taken of all areas which were shovel tested with geographical coordinates of the shovel tests captured by GPS.
All archaeological materials recovered from shovel testing or exposure examinations were collected, bagged and tagged with the provenience including the depth below surface where applicable. All surface features including traps, trails, cabins, and other structures were recorded with photography and sketch maps completed as part of the site recording procedure. Further testing was conducted to delineate the boundary of the archaeological site.
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Archaeological sites found were recorded with a GPS at the centre point and with additional peripheral points captured at larger sites. In addition, a site sketch map of shovel tests and any noted surface features, site photography and field notes were completed.
16.4.4 Post-field Studies Post-field studies included compiling field data, cataloguing artifacts and data, analysis, and reporting. These studies follow the standards and guidelines required by CT (Archaeological Survey of Alberta 1989).
16.4.4.1 Cataloguing Stone or lithic artifacts were the only remaining evidence of precontact occupation at archaeological sites found in the HRLSA. These artifacts were collected, catalogued and analyzed and provided a method for interpreting what activities were being performed at these sites. The interpretation of the artifacts provided information on the northern boreal forest regional chronology and determined site function.
Collected artifacts were separated into two distinct categories: 1) finished formed tools, tool fragments and expedient tools; or 2) the debris or debitage from the activities associated with making formed tools. Different recording methods were used for each of these categories.
In the formed tools category, each tool or tool fragment was individually catalogued and described. Tools include both formal and expedient types, as well as core and core fragments. Typical types include:
anvil – typically a cobble used in bipolar reduction, recognizable by pitting on a flat surface;
biface – a tool worked on both sides. A biface may be used for domestic activities (e.g., cutting, slicing);
burin – engraving tool formed by the removal of a small prismatic spall from the corner or edge of a flake or tool;
core – a piece of rock from which flakes were removed. Cores can be manufactured to permit easy removal of subsequent flakes;
chopper – typically a large bifacial tool or cobble used for heavy battering and pounding;
endscraper – a specialized tool for scraping hides characterized by a convex working edge with a steep edge angle. An endscraper can be hand held or hafted onto a handle;
graver – a retouched flake used for scoring or engraving soft material (e.g., bone or hide) and is characterized by a sharp pointed working edge;
hammerstone – a hand-held cobble which exhibits areas of concentrated pitting on a natural unmodified surface used to detach flakes from a core;
microblade – a small, narrow parallel-sided flake, typically less than 5 cm in length;
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projectile point – typically a bifacially-worked implement with a sharp point at one end with the opposite end distinct in shape depending on whether it was hafted into a spear, dart or arrow shaft;
retouched flake – a piece of debitage specifically flaked along a margin in order to produce a scraping or cutting tool;
spokeshave – a retouched flake tool characterized by a concave working edge mainly used to scrape or shave cylindrical material (e.g., wood);
utilized flake – a sharp-sided flake used as a cutting tool as evidenced by unpatterned/ irregular micro-chipping along an edge. Flakes were used for cutting, chopping, scraping and other activities and may have polish caused by repetitious friction; and
wedge – is a bifacially flaked tool which is hammered into a piece of wood or bone presumably to cause the material to split.
Formed tools provide information with respect to what types of activities may have occurred at an archaeological site and be diagnostic of cultural affinities and provide a time frame for when the site was occupied. Projectile points represent different cultures and time periods as their forms have changed through time (i.e., large spear points to small dart points to smaller arrow points). A written description of all formal tools recovered is included in the site descriptions.
In the debitage category, flakes and chunks of discarded material were catalogued differently. Debitage was catalogued as an aggregation of flakes and debris with similar attributes which are grouped together by flake type and raw material. Flakes were categorized by completeness (i.e., complete flake, broken flake, or flake fragment) and also by their position in the reduction sequence to form tools (i.e., primary flakes, secondary flakes and tertiary flakes).
16.4.4.2 Radiocarbon Dating Radiocarbon dating is an absolute dating method that measures remaining radiocarbon isotope (Carbon 14) in organic remains. Because C14 has a known rate of decomposition, the age of a site may be inferred based on results. Organic remains from archaeological sites include faunal remains (i.e., bone, teeth, antler, horn), wood and shell. When suitable organic remains were recovered from archaeological sites, permission was sought from CT to transport this archaeological material outside Alberta to Beta Analytical Inc. in Miami, Florida. There the samples were analyzed using accelerator mass spectrometry standard dating. The results were calibrated according to calibration database INTCAL09. All results are accredited to ISO-17025 standards.
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16.5 Baseline Case
16.5.1 Background
16.5.1.1 Environmental Setting The HRLSA is located on the southern edge of the Moostoos Upland regional physiographic unit (Atlas of Alberta 1969) within the Saskatchewan Plain physiographic division of the Interior Plains physiographic region (Pettapiece 1986). The HRLSA overlooks the Beaver Lowlands area located to the south at an elevation of 580 metres above sea level (masl) and below. The Moostoos Upland is a large broad, upland area that is generally 600 masl and extends up to 150 km to the north of the HRLSA. The Medley and Marguerite Uplands make up the southern extent of the Moostoos Upland. This area ranges in elevation from approximately 580 masl to as high as 730 masl. Elevation generally decreases to the south. The highest elevation within the HRLSA is 630 masl.
Terrain within the HRLSA area varies considerably. In the southeastern part of the HRLSA on the Medley Upland terrain is low relief glacial till plain. In the west and northwest on the Marguerite Upland terrain is high relief and hummocky morainal stagnant ice topography. The terrain is bisected by numerous glacial melt water channels and includes considerable over- washed areas where veneers of glacial fluvial deposits overlay glacial till; as a result of the impoundment of meltwater in front of retreating glaciers. During deglaciation, glacial meltwaters drained by channels extending from Sinclair and Burnt Lake, through Bourque Lake, south through Tucker Lake and southwest to the Beaver River. The Medley River, Marie Creek and Jackfish Creek are located in wide glacial meltwater channels.
The HRLSA is located within the Central Mixedwood Natural Subregion, part of the Boreal Forest (Natural Regions Committee 2006). The Central Mixedwood is a mosaic of mixed stands of aspen and white spruce on uplands and areas of Jack pine on well-drained sand and gravel areas broken by extensive wetlands. Soils are typically luvisolic on till uplands, brunisolic on sandy aeolian features and deep organic soils in poorly drained areas.
The HRLSA area is a variety of low wetlands and upland terrain. Numerous poorly drained wetland areas with black spruce muskeg, wetlands and fens within wide glacial melt-water channels are separated by large upland areas. The HRLSA contains three major lakes, Bourque Lake, Marie Lake and May Lake. The drainages within the HRLSA are generally oriented north to south, draining south towards the Beaver River. Detailed descriptions of the soils, vegetation and wildlife are available in Volume 2, Sections 10.0, 11.0 and 12.0.
Local Fauna and Flora The availability of subsistence resources within a particular area is an important factor in the hunter-gatherer subsistence strategy during the Precontact and Early Historic periods. The numbers and availability of these resources limit the human population density and land use intensity. The locations of human activity within the landscape are dictated by these resources and the seasonal availability. This is particularly related to repeated and predictable annual resource availability.
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The HRLSA provides suitable habitat for game species including deer, moose, and black bear. The HRLSA is also located within the former range of bison. Woodland bison populations were decimated by hunting during the 19th century and by the early 20th century, only a few animals remained preserved by human intervention in Wood Buffalo National Park. Bison played an important part in maintaining open grassland in the Central Mixedwood by browsing aspen shoots and trampling. Grasslands were also maintained by the historical use of fire for forest suppression by First Nations. The encroachment of forest into former grassland areas was likely facilitated by the removal of bison from this habitat (Mitchell and Gates 2002).
Furbearing mammals include hare, beaver, and muskrat, and are common throughout the HRLSA. In addition to providing furs for trade, these species were a valuable supplement to the precontact diet, especially the hare.
Waterfowl would have also provided a valuable food resource in the past. The Cold Lake region is within one of the major migratory flight paths. Species of waterfowl that may be found within the HRLSA include Canada goose, snow goose, swans, and cranes. Various species of duck and pelican are also known to nest in the region. Some species of waterfowl nest in the region and the eggs of these species would have been a valuable resource. White pelican were known to nest in the region in the past and their eggs were gathered in the early part of the 20th century by settlers (Skarsen 1980).
The three major lakes, Bourque Lake, May Lake and Marie Lake, contain substantial fish resources (Volume 2, Section 9.0). The species of major importance to humans include burbot, cisco, lake whitefish, northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, and white sucker (Scott and Crossman 1998).The timing and location of the spawning of these fish species are an important factor in the location of archaeological sites.
In addition to the fish and wildlife, the HRLSA includes numerous plant resources. Many of the plant species of the boreal forest are exploited as food or medicinal resources. The most obvious plant resources are the large patches of blueberry and cranberry that are located on dry sandy Jack pine areas of the HRLSA.
Palaeontological Resources The bedrock in the HRLSA consists of a series of formations created during the Mesozoic era (ca. 252 to 66 million years ago). The sediments deposited during alternate uplifting of the land and in-flooding of ocean waters caused by tectonic forces contain rich dinosaurian fauna, ammonites, fish, marine reptiles, oysters, clams, and snails, as well as the remains of a rich aquatic flora which once thrived in the area. Such palaeontological remains are most likely to be found in bedrock exposures or associated talus in deeply incised river valleys.
The near surface bedrock within the HRLSA is made up of the Lea Park Formation, which consists of Upper Cretaceous shales, gray marine claystone containing sands and silt, ironstone and bentonite layers (Hamilton et al. 1999). The Lea Park Formation overlies Lower Cretaceous Mannville Group Formations (Grand Rapids, Clearwater and McMurray) where oil sand deposits are found.
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The geological formations of the region are well-known fossil bearing sediments. Embedded in the sand of the Fort McMurray formation are small invertebrate fossils of freshwater origin and molluscs. Fossils found within the Clearwater and Grand Rapids formations include protozoa, molluscs and arthropods (Stelck and Kramers 1980), as well as ichnofossils (or trace fossils).
Large marine vertebrate remains have also been recovered from these formations including those of Ichthyosaur and Plesiosaur from larger open pit mining operations (Druckenmiller and Maxwell 2010).
Thick glacial accumulations overlay the bedrock throughout the HRLSA. These Quaternary Period deposits include unconsolidated glacial till and coarse glacial-fluvial sediments. During warm interludes of the Pleistocene and early Holocene, Alberta supported a rich and varied fauna, including mammoth, mastodon, ground sloth, musk oxen, caribou, and bison (Harrington 2003; Fuller and Bayrock 1965). Bones of these extinct forms of fauna are found within old river gravels and sands where eddies have concentrated the remains in rich pockets. More regularly, the bones are found scattered randomly through sands and gravels.
No areas of palaeontological resource sensitivity have been identified within the HRLSA. Local environmental conditions and lack of bedrock formation exposures in the HRLSA have limited the opportunity for chance discovery of any palaeontological resources to date. As such, CT has not identified the HRLSA as being “palaeontologically sensitive”. Palaeontological resources may be present beneath the muskeg, glacial till and in the folds of ancient bedrock.
Palaeoenvironment At present, the most useful data regarding the date of the first human occupation of the region comes from geomorphological studies. The physical landscape of east-central Alberta has undergone many changes as a result of glacial and immediately post-glacial processes. The land was covered by the Laurentide ice sheet until approximately 11,000 radiocarbon years ago (calibrated to 13,000 calendar years ago) (Dyke 2004). It is likely that the ice margin had retreated to the edge of the Muskeg Mountain Uplands 300 km north of HRLSA by this time and the HRLSA was completely free of ice sometime before this. Lofty Lake, 125 km to the west, was ice-free by 11,400 years ago and Stony Mountain, 150 km to the northwest, was ice-free by 11,400 years ago (Fisher et al. 2009). As the ice sheets retreated, with occasional regional re-advances, they scraped surface sediments and moved loose sand, silt and gravel. Surfaces affected by these glaciers are either scraped to bedrock or mantled with thick layers of glacial till.
Deglaciation within the HRLSA was a complex process with glacial re-advance events and periods of ice stagnation. The Cold Lake Glaciation was the last major glaciation within the HRLSA. The Cold Lake Glacier was made up of three separate expanding lobes: the Primrose Lobe advanced from the northeast; the Seibert Lobe advanced from the north wrapping itself around the Primrose Lobe from the east and around the southern extent along its western extent; and the Lac La Biche Lobe advanced from the northwest along the Seibert Lobe, which had started to stagnate and melt. After the advance of the Lac La Biche Lobe, all three lobes stagnated and began to recede (Andriashek and Fenton 1989).
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As the ice limits varied, large pools of meltwater formed between the different glaciers and the existing uplands. Glacial lacustrine sediments were deposited in layers. The meltwater formed some very large glacial lakes in the Prairie provinces. In the Cold Lake region, pro-glacial melt- water channels created the valleys of the Beaver and Sand Rivers. Much of the current drainage within the HRLSA are underfit streams within large meltwater channels.
Following deglaciation, exposed sediments were colonized by a succession of plant communities, which in turn supported mammal populations and attracted human occupation. The development of the early environment can be interpreted from pollen records. These pollen records have been analyzed from a number of lakes in northeastern Alberta (Bouchet- Bert 2000; Hutton et al. 1994). Early vegetation was dominated by grasses and shrubs with some shrub willow and aspen (11,800 to 11,000 years ago). This early environment supported communities of now extinct large mammals. From 11,000 to 9,600 years ago, the proportion of grasses decreased sharply with a marked increase in spruce and birch. During this period, the populations of large mammals moved towards extinction. Slightly higher percentages of willow and herbaceous plants indicate that this early forest was more open than today. Evidence from Moore Lake shows that parkland and grassland replaced forests in the regions between 9,600 and 5,800 years ago (Schweger and Hickman 1989), showing a northern advance of the aspen parkland.
Evidence also shows that arid conditions must have existed over west-central Alberta during the late glacial and early Holocene times and that many lakes were dry or seasonal wetlands (Schweger and Hickman 1989).
The boreal forest, close to the present day form, was established sometime after 7,000 years ago, at the same time as lake levels were reaching their modern day levels. The pollen assemblage of pine, spruce and birch approximate to the modern assemblage was in place by approximately 7,500 year ago. This coincides with the end of the warm and dry conditions. Peatlands had started to form before 6,000 years and became more extensive between 6,000 and 5,000 years ago (Zoltai and Vitt 1990). The proliferation of peatland development in the region occurred during a cooler, wetter climatic period after 5,000 years ago (Halsey et al. 1998). Close to the HRLSA, at Marguerite Lake and Moore Lake, peat formation began approximately 3,400 years ago when climatic conditions began to match those of today. Prior to this, conditions were warmer and drier.
The timing and changes in lake levels and the accumulation of peat within the HRLSA has implications in regards to archaeological site location. During the period of peak aridity before 7,500 years ago, the pattern of terrain available for human occupation is likely to have been noticeably different to that observed today. Evidence of human occupation (from the late to mid-Holocene) close to lakes and wetland margins may be obscured or destroyed by rising water levels (Schweger and Hickman 1989). Furthermore, development of peat after 3,400 years ago on terrain that was formerly forested dry land may further obscure evidence of human occupation. This is particularly likely as current modelling of archaeological potential selects terrain that is now well-drained and elevated.
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16.5.1.2 Historical Resource Site Types Precontact archaeological sites found in the boreal forest of northeastern Alberta range in composition, age and complexity. Typically they include campsites, workshops, lithic scatters, and isolated finds. Quarry sites, kill sites, ceremonial and rock art sites also occur, but rarely.
Protohistoric and historic archaeological sites within the HRLSA are expected to be similar in type to precontact archaeological sites and include campsites, artifact scatters and isolated finds. In addition, the remains of historic structures such as cabins may also be observed. Archaeological sites relating to the industrial development of the region may also be found as standing structures, foundations, or landscape modifications. Heritage standing structures are recorded on HSS forms.
TLU sites within the HRLSA include camping or hunting locales, plant collection locations or areas related to matters of a spiritual nature. Aboriginal TLU sites that are considered by CT to be historic resources under the HRA include, but may not be restricted to the following: historic cabin remains; historic cabin (unoccupied); cultural or historical community campsite; ceremonial site/spiritual site; gravesite(s); historic site; oral history site; ceremonial plant or mineral gathering site; trail; and wickiup/sweat lodge site. These sites are identified in consultation with members of Aboriginal communities (Volume 2, Sections 15.4 and 15.5).
16.5.1.3 Cultural History The following discussion addresses the broad regional cultural sequence for northeastern/ central Alberta boreal forests. The focus is placed on outlining some of the finds in the HRLSA similar to those within the greater area to estimate patterns of occupation in various time periods. Specific isolating phases and complexes will not be discussed. All dates used are in calendar or calibrated radiocarbon years. Where practical, the radiocarbon years have been converted to calendar years.
In the cultural area of northeast/central Alberta, the precontact record is typically subdivided into three periods including the Early Precontact (ca. 12,000 to 7,500 years ago), the Middle Precontact (ca. 7,500 to 2,000 years ago), and the Late Precontact (ca. 2,000 to 500 years ago). The original definition of these periods was based on the association of changing styles of projectile points, spear points, dart points, arrowheads, and radiocarbon dates. The relatively rare preservation of organic materials in the boreal forest has resulted in many archaeological cultures being defined by their stone tools types. Archaeologists understand that differences in stone tool culture do not necessarily equate to differences in language or other cultural traditions.
Definition of cultural chronologies is typically based on regional distinction defined by environment and related resources. The HRLSA regional environment is within the Lakeland district within the transition zone from Mixedwood to Boreal Forest. This transitional zone between parkland and boreal environments is expected to contain cultural indicators from populations that lived in both ecozones. There are also strong indications that the cultural record of northeastern/central Alberta has also been influenced by northern traditions entering the area from northern Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and even northern British Columbia.
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Theoretically, the Early Period represents the initial exploration and settlement of lands exposed by receding glaciers. The Middle Period represents the “settling-in” time, when the post-glacial landscape became more ecologically diverse and different peoples began to attach themselves to specific areas. The Late Period is generally thought to represent an evolution and divergence of cultural expressions that started in the Middle Period, later transforming into defined cultural groups identified in the earliest historic records. The degree of genetic relationship between the people of each of the periods, however, is debatable. It is also not known to what degree identified archaeological cultures are ancestral to existing Aboriginal groups.
The chronological sequence for the region is being continuously developed and revised as more data become available, but two ubiquitous characteristics of boreal forest archaeological sites are consistently undermining that effort; the lack of organic material suitable for radiocarbon dating and the rarity of stratification of sediments preclude a definitive separation of site occupations. In the HRLSA sites found are almost invariably scatters of stone tools and the remains of stone tool manufacture, found in shallow unstratified sediments. It is difficult to discern if a site was occupied continuously for an extended period or intensively for a short period. The use of some types of artifacts persisted for long periods and makes dating of sites problematic.
Early Precontact Period (ca. 12,000 to 7,500 years ago) By the Early Precontact Period, glaciers in northeastern Alberta had retreated, although remnant glaciers were likely common in areas less exposed to sun and wind. The climate is thought to have warmed sharply from ca. 12,000 to 11,000 years ago and then a 1,000 year cold and dry period caused some glaciers to re-advance. After 10,000 years ago, the warming trend began again.
The last of the Ice Age megafauna, including now extinct forms of mammals such as bison, mammoths, horse, and mastodons roamed the scrubby post-glacial grasslands. Early Precontact people maintained toolkits that were characterized by large projectile points either triangular, fluted, lanceolate, or stemmed forms suitable for hafting onto throwing and stabbing spears. It is believed that these Early Precontact people were culturally adapted to the exploitation of megafauna. Towards the latter part of this time frame, as some megafauna species became extinct, the technology changed to include smaller projectile points.
Early Precontact peoples are believed to be generally nomadic with a broad-spectrum subsistence strategy that would have included bison as well as other available resources and are seen as a response to the wide variety of natural resources available at the time.
In northeast/central Alberta, evidence for the earliest post-glacial inhabitants is elusive. Hundreds of sites may date to this time, but there is little scientific dating evidence available. Since the definition of most archaeological cultures is based on projectile point typology, most researchers consider that the larger lanceolate points found in the region date to the Early Precontact. One of the few lines of scientific evidence to suggest an early occupation is the discovery from an area north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, of a finely-made lanceolate projectile point that tested positive for elephant proteins (Saxberg 2005). This indicates that the artifact
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had been in contact with extinct Pleistocene megafauna, indirectly suggesting people were in the area and hunting resources over 10,000 years ago. If this area was free from glacial-ice and hospitable to human populations, then it can only be assumed that areas further to the south were also habitable at this time.
One of the most regionally significant sites is the Duckett site (GdOo-16), situated on the northeastern shore of Ethel Lake. Artifacts recovered from this site indicate that earliest occupation at the site occurred just after glaciers retreated from the area (Fedirchuk and McCullough 1994; McCullough et al. 1981). Evidence from the Duckett site indicates an almost continuous human occupation throughout the Precontact Period. Early Precontact cultures at the Duckett site include Agate Basin, Hell Gap, Plainview, Frederick, and Scottsbluff (Fedirchuk and McCullough 1994; McCullough et al. 1981).
Early fluted and stemmed projectile point styles have also been found in areas along the North Saskatchewan River drainage basin in adjacent western Saskatchewan (Tischer 2001). Gryba has identified an area of “stubby, reworked” fluted points found in the study area to reflect the winter range of early inhabitants as access to new raw lithic materials in this recently deglaciated area would have been difficult, requiring tools to be reworked from broken or damaged points (Gryba 1985).
Evidence for later occupation after ca. 9,000 years ago is more common. Numerous artifacts and archaeological sites with strong similarities to well-dated archaeological cultures in other regions have been found in the region. Examples include materials recovered from near Vilna, west of St. Paul, where a single Folsom point was collected as a surface find (McCullough 1982). At the Merland site, east of St. Paul, a Scottsbluff component was identified (Haley, Newton and Fedirchuk 1982). North of Ardmore, an Eden point tip was collected (Heitzmann, Priegert and Smith 1980), and Early Precontact lanceolate points were collected from sites GfPa-11, GfOx-23 and GfPa-6 on the shores of Lac La Biche (Ball and Johnston 2006; McCullough 1975).
Middle Precontact Period (ca. 7,500 to 2,000 years ago) The Middle Precontact Period is generally thought to be a settling-in period where people began to associate themselves with specific landscapes and regions, although evidence of widespread mobility and/or trade is also present. It is during this period that the genesis of indigenous cultures with relatively well-defined home territories likely began, which ultimately would have been the roots of ethno-historic and modern First Nations.
The major technological development of Middle Precontact times is the widespread adoption of the atlatl throwing board and associated darts. Throwing board technology allowed for much more force behind the projectile than a hand-thrown spear or harpoon. The dart points from this period are generally smaller than the spear points of the Early Precontact, but not as small as the later arrowheads. These dart points are generally notched or stemmed to facilitate hafting.
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The Middle Precontact Period began at a time when the climate was changing dramatically. This hot, dry period, known as the Hypsithermal, was beginning to affect the Plains to the south 8,300 years ago (Wilson 1982). Forest tree species that had colonized the land following deglaciation were affected by the warmer drier climate. During the period 8,800 to 6,200 years ago, grasslands flourished (Hickman and Schweger 1996) and the transition zone between the boreal forest and parkland was pushed northwards. The changes in the environment forced people to adapt the changing resource patterns. During this time, the southern boundary of the boreal forest reached its northern-most position (Lichti-Federovich 1970).
There is some debate about how people modified their subsistence and occupation patterns during this time. It is very likely that while grasslands in the south were drying out, the borders of the Plains were expanding to the north, drawing bison and people to higher latitudes. Regardless, there is an obvious shift in both resources and technologies being used. The earlier forests were more open than those seen today, and likely supported great populations of bison and other large mammals. Environmental conditions became cooler and wetter approximately 5,000 years ago, more or less stabilizing for the next five millennia (Reeves et al. 2001).
In northeastern/central Alberta, the Middle Precontact Period is characterized by a mixture of projectile point types traditionally assigned to Plains and Northern cultures. There is ample evidence of the presence of both cultures in the area, suggesting an influx of southern Plains people to the northern fringe of their traditional lands. The Middle Precontact cultural phases commonly noted in the study area include Oxbow, McKean and Pelican Lake complexes from the south, as well as Shield Archaic and Taltheilei forms from the east and north.
Ranges of Middle Precontact Components have been found at the Duckett site on Ethel Lake (Fedirchuk and McCullough 1994; McCullough 1980), at GdOn-18 (English Bay) on Cold Lake (Spicer 2010) and GcOm-25 nearby (Fedirchuk 1980). Evidence of Oxbow Culture has been found in collections from Lac La Biche (Balcom 1986; McCullough 1982) and Calling Lake (Fedirchuk 1982; Gruhn 1981) to the west, as well as further north at Sabine Lake in northern Saskatchewan (Somer et al. 2009) and into the Northwest Territories (Noble 1971). The McKean Culture evidence is present at sites on Cold Lake including the Kinosoo Site (GcOm-27) (Fedirchuk 2010), GdOn-14 (ASA 83-028), and the Charlie Labatt Site (GdOn-14) (Heitzmann, Fedirchuk and McCullough 1983). The McKean Culture is also well represented in collections from Lac La Biche and Pinehurst Lake (McCullough 1982) and Calling Lake (Gruhn 1981). Many McKean identified components include evidence of site specific tasks (e.g., hunting, fishing) and features (e.g., hearths). The location of sites in close proximity to major waterbodies suggests that by the Middle Precontact, water-based resources such as fish and waterfowl were a major part of the seasonal resource cycle. Water routes may have been a preferred path for travel between lakes and throughout the greater region. Islands situated on larger lakes, such as Black Fox Island and Big Island on Lac La Biche, were also occupied (McCullough 1982). Pelican Lake and Besant artifacts and components common in the plains to the south are also found in the area, including Cold Lake (Heitzmann, Fedirchuk and McCullough 1983), Pinehurst Lake (McCullough 1975) and Lac La Biche (McCullough 1982). Late Middle Period style diagnostics have also been found as far north as Artillery Lake in the Northwest Territories (Noble 1971).
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The influence of technological methods and cultural styles also occurs in a north to south direction. Various Taltheilei artifacts have been found around Lac La Biche (McCullough 1982), at Christina Lake (Blower 2007), and as far south as the North Saskatchewan River, near Borden Lake (CT 2013). The Lac La Biche area has also yielded artifacts with diagnostic styles identified as similar to Mackenzie Lanceolate, Caribou Island and Frank Channel Complexes sequenced from the Mackenzie District of the Northwest Territories (Noble 1971). Throughout their tenure in the taiga and northern boreal forest, the Taltheilei peoples remained closely tied to caribou as their main resource, and their movement across the landscape tends to mirror the seasonal range of the herds.
Populations from both the north and the south visited the study area to access seasonal resources that were not available in their traditional territories. Fish and waterfowl were available in the summer months, and the northern edge of migrating bison herds would skirt the Lakelands in the winter months. Precontact caribou herds may have migrated as far south as the study area. The geographically restrictive use of locally available stone tool material such as quartzites and siltstones at the majority of archaeological sites suggests that ancient peoples were very knowledgeable of local geology and landscape. This knowledge is the result of extensive exploration started in the Early Precontact Period and is a defining characteristic of Middle Precontact cultures. The presence of Beaver River Sandstone (BRS) sourced in the Fort MacKay region 300 km to the north (Fenton and Ives 1984) at a number of sites in the region indicates that ancient peoples were also very knowledgeable of geological resources and landscape over a much wider area.
Late Precontact Period (ca. 2,000 years ago to A.D. 1500) During the Late Precontact Period, cultural diversity became most pronounced. On the Plains, people adopted the bow and arrow as the major projectile technology and this type of technology spread into northern areas. In the HRLSA, at least three interacting cultures shaped the character of land use; the Taltheilei Tradition from the north, the Woodland Tradition from the east, and the Plains adapted Late Side-Notched Traditions from the south. These influences shaped a culture already adapted to the boreal Lakelands.
Late Precontact northeastern/central Alberta would have been climatically similar to today, perhaps slightly warmer and drier (Lichti-Federovich 1970). People’s subsistence strategy would have been focused on maintaining a seasonal resource harvesting strategy in a mosaic boreal forest environment much like that of the present day region.
Small side-notched projectile point technologies are evident at sites around Cold Lake (Fedirchuk 2010; Spicer 2010), Moose Lake (Bryan 1987), Lac La Biche, Heart Lake (McCullough 1982), and Calling Lake (Gruhn 1981). McCullough has identified Avonlea-style points around Lac La Biche. Avonlea groups likely wintered in the parkland zone and southern edge of the boreal forest (Landals 1995). Avonlea components, including ceramic vessels and fish bones were found at the Yellowsky Site on the shores of Turtle Lake in Saskatchewan (Wilson-Meyer and Carlson 1983). Late Period Taltheilei styles (e.g., Windy Point) have also been found (McCullough 1982); indicating northern influence was still being felt in the area up to the time of European contact.
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The Late Precontact Period also sees the entrance of ceramics into the archaeological record. Clearwater Lake Punctate ceramics were found on Moose Lake by Bonnyville (Damkjar 1989), Black Fox Island in Lac La Biche (McCullough 1982), and near the historic sites of Fort George and Buckingham House (Gullason 1990). The Clearwater Lake Ceramic Style is a regional variant of the Selkirk Tradition, which originated in the central boreal forest areas of what is now Manitoba approximately 800 years ago (Meyer and Russell 1987). Selkirk people were known to be fishers and took advantage of spawning fish as a resource during warm weather months. During the winter, they likely retreated deeper into the boreal forest where they followed moose and caribou populations and camped near large lakes or rivers with other aquatic resources (Meyer and Epp 1988). The presence of Selkirk ceramics in the study area indicates the western edge of Selkirk expansion. Other ceramic styles are also present in the area. Fragments of pottery similar to Narrows Fabric-Impressed Ware and Southern Alberta Saskatchewan variants have been found around Lac La Biche (Ball and Johnston 2006; Learn 1986; 1982; McCullough 1975) and at the Duckett site (GdOo-16) (Young 2006).
The end of the Late Precontact Period varies depending on location, but is generally thought to be approximately A.D. 1500 in North America, when Europeans were initially exploring the edges of the continent.
Protohistoric Period (ca. A.D. 1500 to A.D. 1750) The Protohistoric Period refers to a short time after the arrival of Europeans in North America when new goods and diseases were spreading through the continent without direct interaction between Europeans and First Nations. Archaeological studies in the boreal forest show that the occupation of some archaeological sites has been continuous from the Precontact Period into the Historic Period and in some cases extends into recent times (Stevenson 1986; Donahue 1976). This is particularly notable at archaeological sites on Gardiner Lake located west of the Athabasca River and at the Peace Point site in Wood Buffalo National Park. The archaeology at the Peace Point site provides evidence of continued occupation over 1,500 years, with precontact, proto-historic and historic occupations present. The later occupation is thought to be a continuation of subsistence and settlement patterns that began in precontact times (Stevenson 1986).
Post-contact (Historic) Period (ca. A.D. 1750 to present) The Post-contact or Historic Period marks the beginnings of the documented historical record. Most of the early forays by Europeans into the area were in direct attempt to affect or shape the way in which future economic trade could take advantage of the resources, including the First Nation population. These interactions started with early inland explorers followed by the French fur traders, independent (peddler) trade, and the English fur traders as well as influence from missionaries, surveyors and adventurers, the effects of epidemics, the Northwest Mounted Police, Treaty intervention, and the railroad. Each of these interactions or events had an effect on how the region developed during the Post-contact Period, and the ultimate character of the human population.
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In east-central Alberta, the first Europeans in the area were likely French fur traders as early as A.D. 1750. Records of these early forays are minimal but we know that William Pink was exploring the forks on the Beaver River near present day Briereville in 1767. It was not until A.D. 1798 when David Thompson made the first passage by a Euro-Canadian through the Portage La Biche route between the Lac La Biche River and Beaver Lake that a critical southern link between the Mackenzie and Churchill River basins was made. In 1778, Peter Pond had already “discovered” Methye Portage in Saskatchewan which linked the two basins, albeit by a longer route through the Clearwater River. First Nations had been using both of these travel corridors for centuries.
Smaller trading operations had started in the Cold Lake area by the end of the 18th century. Montréal traders built Cold Lake House near Beaver Crossing. Few written records remain of this site and its duration or success is unknown (Légal 1914).
The first fur trade post in the region was established in 1789 by Angus Shaw of the North West Company. The post was located on Moose Lake, Lac d’Orignal, near the present town of Bonnyville (MacGregor 1963). The Lac d’Orignal post operated for 37 years (Smythe 1968). At the same time, Peter Pond was establishing the fur trade to the north on the Athabasca River, founding Fort Chipewyan by 1788. Peter Fidler built Greenwich House for the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) at Lac La Biche in 1799, but it only lasted one season (Smythe 1968). Fort George and Fort Augustus were built shortly after on the North Saskatchewan River to the south, and served as major trading depots for the area during the late 18th and early 19th century. After the 1821 amalgamation of HBC and the North West Company, restructuring of the monopoly resulted in the closure of many of these forts including the Lac d’Orignal post.
The Beaver River became a recognized corridor for connecting traders to fur suppliers in the study area. Marie Creek and Jackfish Creek within the HRLSA are part of the Beaver River drainage system. The Beaver River route was used until after the amalgamation when in 1824 the route was abandoned in favour of an overland road between Fort Assiniboine and Fort Edmonton (Scott 1963).
Missionaries moved into the region by the mid-19th century. Missions were established at Lac La Biche and St. Raphael at Cold Lake (Légal 1914; Petitot 1875). An established road connecting the Lac La Biche Mission to Fort Pitt linked the area with Fort Carlton and other eastern corridors. By this time, the Beaver River route was more or less abandoned by European settlers. When the railroad reached Lac La Biche and St. Paul in 1914 most of the arable land south of the Athabasca River, east of Lac La Biche and south of the Beaver River had been settled (MacGregor 1972). The non-arable lands east of Lac La Biche and north of the North Saskatchewan River consisted of extensive forests, lakes and wetlands. This area served as a refuge for First Nations and Métis people who wished to maintain a traditional lifestyle, hunting, fishing and trapping. In 1876, Treaty #6 was signed and resulted in the relocation of many First Nations onto reserves.
After confederation in 1867, the Government of Canada began to take more of an interest in western lands for settlement and exploration. In the 1870s, the HBC re-established some remote posts in order to maintain relations with the First Nations and also to expand the fur
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trade to lands where furbearing mammals were still somewhat abundant. In the 1870s, a Hudson’s Bay outpost, under the jurisdiction of the Onion Lake Post, was located on the southern border of the Cold Lake Reserve. In 1915, the Cold Lake HBC outpost was given “post status” and became self-managing. The Cold Lake HBC post was later reconstructed just north of Beaver Crossing. In the 1930s, the Cold Lake HBC post name was changed to Le Goff and a new Cold Lake outpost was established 10 miles to the north. By 1933, the new Cold Lake outpost had superseded Le Goff and it was closed. Up until the 1890s, steamboats had brought freight from Fort Gary to Fort Pitt on the North Saskatchewan River and then the freight was moved overland 80 miles north to Cold Lake.
The main period of homesteading began in the region in the early part of the 20th century. The first official survey of the land in the region took place in 1900. Subsequent surveys took place in 1909 and 1914. At this time, land was divided up into quarter sections and smaller lake lots for the purpose of homesteading. The survey crews also cut access roads and township lines (Skarsen 1980). Mounds were also built as survey markers.
There were some favourable conditions within the Cold Lake region that helped to promote and support early settlement. During the early 20th century, farming was the primary occupation of settlers during the summer months. Farming took place on the cleared aspen parkland to the south of the HRLSA, on land that was more productive and easily cleared than the boreal forest to the north. However, a great deal of activity also took place in the forests to the north of Cold Lake. During the summer months, the settlers’ diet was supported by hunting and berry gathering. Berries were available in such numbers that during the summer it was possible to operate a commercial cannery which canned wild raspberry and blueberry. This cannery was in operation until 1934. During the winter months, farming was supplemented by commercial fishing predominantly on Cold Lake and Primrose Lake. It was common practice to construct small fishing camps with either log cabins or tents. Occasionally, fishing cabooses mounted on sled and pulled by horses were used. Fishing took place with nets under the ice. A total of three nets were allowed per fishing licence and some operations employed up to 100 nets with fish being sold as far south as the United States. Subsistence fishing also took place on smaller lakes such as Bourque and Marie lakes. During the winter months, fish was an important part of the diet during economic struggles of the early part of the 20th century.
Trapping was also a major winter activity. Access into the forested region north of the farmland was made by existing trails that were improved with corduroy for wagons and later automobiles. These trails had likely originated in prehistory. Access was also made convenient across frozen lakes and along frozen rivers.
The Duckett family were one of the predominant families that used the HRLSA for hunting, fishing and trapping (Kirstein 2013). Three cabins within the HRLSA and two outside are attributed to the Duckett family. This is corroborated by historic records. Bill Duckett originally came from Bashaw in the fall of 1920 (possibly 1919) to hunt in the Cold Lake region. Impressed by the region, he returned in 1922 with his son Howard as well as Pete and Jim Wilson and decided that this was good country in which to settle. He left to collect the rest of the family, leaving Howard and Jim Wilson to build a cabin at Bourque Lake where they spent their
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first winter. The exact location of this cabin is not known. Later Howard and Edgar Duckett homesteaded in the Ethel Lake area in the early 1930s. They farmed during the summer and continued to trap and fish during the winter (Cherry Grove History Committee 1981).
There were also extensive forestry operations within the Cold Lake region. The construction of the major railways in the region required a considerable amount of wooden ties. The main Canadian Pacific Railway line to Edmonton had replaced the steamboat by 1891, and by 1929, the Canadian National Railway had been completed up to Bonnyville. During the winter months, settlers and farmers would supplement their earnings by working at the numerous temporary sawmills that were established in the mature forests north of Cold Lake. The western side of Cold Lake, north of Marie Lake, was the area of most intensive logging partially because of the ease of access across the frozen lakes. However, other operations could be accessed using rough tracks. The power for these sawmills was typically provided by early motor cars such as Model T Fords or tractors (Cherry Grove History Committee 1981; Skarsen 1980).
Sawmill camps were typically small camps with two to six men living in one or two cabins. If there were two cabins in camp; one served as a bunkhouse and the other as a kitchen with a large stove. The bunkhouse had an airtight heater or “puffing Billy.” There was typically a gasoline lantern, a line over the stove for drying and crude bunks around the walls. The facilities for washing clothes and bathing were limited. The men stayed for several months at these sawmill camps. Only Jack pine was used and sawmill camps were typically close to sandy uplands where Jack pine was readily available. The tree was scored with a heavy scoring axe and then the tree was smoothed on two sides before being cut into lengths and peeled. Horses were used for hauling the ties out of the bush (Cherry Grove History Committee 1981; Skarsen 1980).
The Canadian National Railroad had completed its tracks up to the south of the Beaver River at LeGoff, and the wooden trestles for a bridge over the Beaver River were in place by 1931. Grading was completed to east of Pierceland before the effects of the depression caused the abandonment of the project (Cherry Grove History Committee 1981). Lumber operations continued with more emphasis on producing spruce and pine boards for building construction.
A number of factors contributed to a shift in economic activities within the study area. Firstly, in 1920, a permitting and licence system for trappers was introduced in Alberta as part of the Alberta Game Act. In the early 1940s, Alberta introduced Registered Fur Management Areas and began to require a licence to trap in a designated area. Métis and First Nations Fur Management licences enabled members to hunt and trap within the boundaries of the reserve or settlement in which they lived. This restricted the number of people who could trap within the region.
In the early 1950s, the area to the north of the HRLSA was selected as the site for an air weapons range. Improvement to regional communications was required and in 1951, the bridge over the Beaver River was completed and the first train came to Grand Centre. Highway 28 was also improved in preparation for the construction of Royal Canadian Air Force Station Cold
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Lake, now Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Cold Lake. The construction of the airbase resulted in an improvement of services and utilities including rural electrification, telephones and improved roads. The airbase also brought more stable employment.
The oil and gas industry is a major economic factor in the region. Imperial started several pilot projects in the Cold Lake area by 1963. These were located at May Lake, Ethel Lake and Leming Lake.
Ethnographic Record The HRLSA is within an area of overlap between territories that were historically held by the Chipewyan and Cree peoples. The study area is located within the overlapping traditional territory of five First Nations groups: Cold Lake First Nations, Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Heart Lake First Nation, Kehewin Cree Nation, and Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation.
Ethnographic records of the Cree and Chipewyan provide valuable information to aid in the prediction of archaeological site location. Although these records post-date the onset of the fur trade which brought changes in subsistence patterns, the resource potential for the study area would have remained fairly constant since development of the boreal forest approximately 5,000 years ago. The arrival of Euro-Canadian fur traders began a period of great change for the Aboriginal peoples of the area. Most notable changes were the introduction of firearms, other trade goods and a change in subsistence to a focus on trapping and trading. These changes influenced methods of hunting, trapping and travel, increased personal possessions and enforced a reliance on permanent settlements. However, traditional subsistence strategies persisted into the 20th century and to some extent up to the present day.
The social organization of historic Cree and Chipewyan typically consisted of small family groups who followed a seasonal pattern centred on a recognized territory that has evolved to exploit seasonally abundant resources as they become available (Smith 1981a and 1981b). Group sizes typically remained small, but varied according to the necessities of harvest practices and the abundance of resources.
During the fall, time was spent hunting, fishing and gathering plants and preparing for winter hunting and trapping. In the winter, smaller family groups returned to their camps and cabins on their traplines. Trapping for furbearing animals lasted until March and trapping for beaver and muskrat lasted until May. In spring, after the close of the trapping season, family groups continued to hunt and fish. Hunting of ducks and migratory birds was also important at this time. In the summer, groups returned to the main campgrounds on major rivers or lakes where they would fish, berry pick and hunt.
The Cold Lake region is adjacent to the parkland transition zone. There is historical and ethnographic records that fire played a large role maintaining the boundaries of the Parkland- Boreal Ecozone. The mosaic of open aspen forest and grassland characteristic of the parkland periodically extended north of the climatically determined range. There is evidence that cultural practices (controlled burns) maintained parkland-like conditions (Lewis 1982).
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Prior to the start of the fur trade, the Chipewyan people relied heavily upon the barren ground caribou. In the spring, the Chipewyan followed the caribou as they moved from the boreal forest to the arctic tundra. By the late 18th century, the European demand for furs and availability of trade goods became important factors in the Chipewyan migration from the forest-tundra into the boreal forest.
During the early part of the 20th century, First Nations at Cold Lake became more involved in farming and adopted a more sedentary lifestyle. Cabins were built and during the summer months, raising cattle, growing crops and making hay were major occupations. In the fall, much of the population would still leave for winter trapping and fishing. The pursuit of hunting and trapping took place extensively in the Primrose Lake area. The Chipewyan continued this lifestyle until the early 1950s when the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range was established (Cherry Grove History Committee 1981).
16.5.2 Results of Desktop Assessment
16.5.2.1 Listing of Historic Resources Prior to this project, there were 80 parcels of lands on the Listing (CT 2013) within the HRLSA (Table 16.5-1). These areas of listed lands were associated with previously recorded archaeological sites, traditional use sites or historic structures with moderate or unknown significance. Forty-nine parcels of land on the Listing were recorded as being traditional use sites with HRV4c, typically associated with a heritage standing structure recorded on an HSS form. Six areas were associated with historic archaeological sites and 24 were associated with precontact archaeological sites.
16.5.2.2 Previous Historical Resources Studies The study areas of 24 previous archaeological HRIAs overlap with the HRLSA (Table 16.5-2). All the HRIAs were carried out as a result of development (Figure 16.5-1), primarily relating to oil sands. With the exception of the earliest archaeological assessments, each of these projects have focused on a specific development footprint. Prior to the mid-1980s, most of the archaeological assessments in the boreal forest in Alberta targeted well-drained lands adjacent to major waterways and lakes; lands interpreted with the most potential to contain archaeological sites. Subsurface testing was much less intensive during those early assessments and reliance on the inspection of natural and mechanical processes was common. Later assessment studies recognized that well-drained lands surrounding smaller waterways, trail systems, and even lands overlooking swaths of muskeg may also contain archaeological sites and that these could be more readily discovered through intensive subsurface testing.
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Table 16.5-1: Listed Lands within the Historical Resources Local Study Area
Historical Borden Site Type Alberta Township System Category Resources Value Number Homestead 13,7-65-2-W4 4 GdOn-6 a Traditional use site 3,6-11,1-29-65-2-W4 4 GdOn H1 c Traditional use site 14,11-31-65-2-W4 4 GeOn H5 c Traditional use site 16,13-31-65-2-W4 4 GeOn H6 c Traditional use site 16,13-31-65-2-W4 4 GeOn H8 c Traditional use site 9,16,31-65-2-W4 4 – c Traditional use site 9-11,14-16,31-65-2-W4 4 GeOn H4 c Traditional use site 15,10-32-65-2-W4 4 – c Traditional use site 12,13,32-65-2-W4 4 GeOn H4 c Traditional use site 6-11,14-16,34-65-2-W4 4 – c Traditional use site 9,10,15,16,34-65-2-W4 4 – c Traditional use site 2,7,5-66-2-W4 4 – c Traditional use site 4,5,5-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H4 c Traditional use site 1,8,6-66-2-W4 4 – c Traditional use site 1-3,6-8,6-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H4 c Traditional use site 1-8,6-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H6 c Traditional use site 1-8,6-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H8 c Traditional use site 3-6,6-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H5 c Traditional use site 9,10,15,16,8-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H3 c Traditional use site 9,16,8-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H2 c Traditional use site 10-15,9-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H2 c Traditional use site 11-14,9-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H3 c Traditional use site 2-7,16-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H2 c Traditional use site 3-6,16-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H3 c Traditional use site 1,2,7,8,17-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H3 c Traditional use site 1,8,17-66-2-W4 4 GeOn H2 c Scatter 5,14-65-3-W4 5 GdOo-36 a Scatter 4,14-65-3-W4 4 GdOo-36 a Scatter 1,8,15-65-3-W4 5 GdOo-36 a Campsite/workshop 16,15-65-3-W4 4 GdOo-7 a Campsite/workshop 1,22-65-3-W4 5 GdOo-7 a Traditional use site 4,5,12,26-65-3-W4 4 GdOo-35 c Scatter/campsite/workshop 1,2,27-65-3-W4 5 GdOo-1 a Campsite/workshop 6,10,11,27-65-3-W4 5 GdOo-2 a Dwelling 7,27-65-3-W4 5 GdOo-35 a Traditional use site 1,2,7-10,27-65-3-W4 4 GdOo-35 c Campsite/workshop 7,27-65-3-W4 4 GdOo-2 a Scatter/campsite/workshop 7,8,27-65-3-W4 4 GdOo-1 a Dwelling 8,27-65-3-W4 4 GdOo-35 a Traditional use site 14-16,36-65-3-W4 4 GeOn-H1 c Traditional use site 9-16,36-65-3-W4 4 GeOn H5 c
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Historical Borden Site Type Alberta Township System Category Resources Value Number Traditional use site 1,8,1-66-3-W4 4 GeOn H5 c Traditional use site 1-3,6-8,1-66-3-W4 4 GeOn-H1 c Traditional use site 9,16,20-66-3-W4 4 GeOo H1 c Traditional use site 11-14,21-66-3-W4 4 GeOo H1 c Traditional use site 3-6,28-66-3-W4 4 GeOo H1 c Traditional use site 1,8,29-66-3-W4 4 GeOo H1 c Precontact cairn 13,19-65-4-W4 4 GdOp-2 a Campsite 14,28-65-4-W4 5 GdOp-8 a Campsite 8,28-65-4-W4 5 GdOp-10 a Campsite 8,10,28-65-4-W4 5 GdOp-1 a Campsite 7,28-65-4-W4 4 GdOp-1 a Campsite 7,28-65-4-W4 4 GdOp-10 a Precontact cairn 4,30-65-4-W4 4 GdOp-2 a Traditional use site 15,16,32-65-4-W4 4 GeOp-13 c Traditional use site 9,16,32-65-4-W4 4 GeOp H2 c Traditional use site 10-15,33-65-4-W4 4 GeOp H2 c Traditional use site 13,33-65-4-W4 4 GeOp-13 c Traditional use site 14-16,33-65-4-W4 4 GeOp H1 c Campsite 3,33-65-4-W4 4 GdOp-8 a Campsite 3-6,33-65-4-W4 4 GdOp-7 a Campsite 5,6,33-65-4-W4 4 GdOp-6 a Traditional use site 9-16,33-65-4-W4 4 GeOp H3 c Traditional use site 13,34-65-4-W4 4 GeOp H1 c Traditional use site 4,5,3-66-4-W4 4 GeOp H1 c Campsite 4,4-66-4-W4 5 GeOp-14 a Traditional use site 1-3,6-8,4-66-4-W4 4 GeOp H1 c Traditional use site 1-4,6-8,4-66-4-W4 4 GeOp H3 c Traditional use site 2-4,4-66-4-W4 4 GeOp H2 c Traditional use site 4,5,4-66-4-W4 4 GeOp-13 c Campsite 5,4-66-4-W4 4 GeOp-14 a Campsite 1,5-66-4-W4 5 GeOp-14 a Structure 8,5-66-4-W4 5 GeOp-3 a Structure 1,5-66-4-W4 4 GeOp-3 a Campsite 1,5-66-4-W4 4 GeOp-12 a Settlement 1,5-66-4-W4 4 GeOp-13 a Traditional use site 1,5-66-4-W4 4 GeOp H2 c Traditional use site 1,2,7.8.5-66-4-W4 4 GeOp-13 c Campsite 8,5-66-4-W4 4 GeOp-14 a
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Table 16.5-2: Previous Historical Resources Impact Assessment Studies within the Historical Resources Local Study Area
Permit # Project Relationship to HRLSA Reference 77-093 Imperial Oil Cold Lake Lease Includes local study area Reeves and McCullough 1978 Esso Resources Ltd. Cold Lake Project 80-068 Overlap in southwest and east McCullough 1980 Commercial Development Area Overlap in northeast, Medley 81-098 Medley River North/South Haul Road McCullough and Fowler 1981 River Esso Cold Lake Water Pipeline, Water 83-028 Near southeast corner Heitzmann et al. 1983 Intake and Water Filtration Plant 84-054 Novacorp Pipeline Leming Lake Lateral Transects southwest corner Heitzmann 1984 Esso Resources Ltd. Cold Lake Project Overlap in southwest, Bourque 84-093 Fedirchuk 1984 Commercial Development Area Lake, Jackfish Creek 85-089 Suncor Burnt Lake Thermal Project Overlap in southeast McCullough 1986 Youth Conservation Campground at Marie 92-010 Within local study area Kowal 1992 Lake Overlaps small area west of 96-061 Cold Lake Expansion Project Gorham 1997 Marie Creek Wild Rose Pipeline Inc. Athabasca Pipeline 97-036 Transects west part Unfreed 1998 Project Imperial Oil Resources Ltd. Thicksilver 97-110 Transects west part Clarke and Dalmer 1998 Heavy Oil Pipeline, Cold Lake - Hardisty Wild Rose Pipeline Inc. Athabasca Pipeline 99-011 Parallel to west edge Unfreed 1999 Project Reroute Alberta Energy Company Ltd. Foster Creek 00-133 Transects northwest corner Meyer 2000 Pipeline and Foster Creek Water Pipeline AEC Oil & Gas Company Ltd. Projects in 00-174 Transects local study area Rollans et al. 2001 the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range Imperial Oil Resources Cold Lake 01-205 Expansion, Nabiye and Mahihkan North Within local study area Tischer 2001 Projects Imperial Oil Resources Ltd. Mahihkan 05-275 Within LS local study area Murphy 2005 North Super Padsite 59A Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. Primrose 05-511 Transects north edge Roskowski 2006 Transmission Line Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. 06-731 Transects north edge Blaikie-Birkigt 2007 Transmission Line Tri-City Gravel Contractors Ltd. Medley 08-238 Overlaps slightly in northeast Blaikie-Birkigt 2008 River Gravel Pit 10-162 Imperial Oil Resources Well Pad L09 PAD Within local study area Kjorlien 2011a Imperial Oil Resources Nabiye Project N07 10-163 Within local study area Kjorlien 2011b Topsoil Storage Area and Borrow Pit ATCO Bourque to Leming Electric 11-209 Overlaps southwest corner Britt and Ng 2011 Transmission Line ATCO Transmission Line from Bourque to 11-216 Overlaps southwest corner Britt 2011 Wolf Lake 11-276 Inter Pipeline Fund Taiga Pipeline Transects east part Leyden 2012
Page 16-31 5 5 5 5 5:
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In spite of the fact that several previous archaeological assessments occurred on lands that overlapped the current HRLSA, considerable data gaps existed within the lands included in this baseline study. This was in part attributed to changing methodological rigour and changing ideas of what constituted archaeological potential, but also the lack of a cumulative analysis and, more importantly, ground truthing of archaeological potential within a given land base without the filter of a development footprint. Previous studies like the 2001 assessment of the Nabiye and Mahihkan North project areas (Tischer 2001) attempted to define archaeological potential within a large area now included in the current HRLSA, but the ground truthing was restricted to the development area so that the potential of the development area, not the landscape, was tested. With no development footprint available, the current baseline assessment for the project was designed to understand the baseline archaeological potential of the HRLSA and thus create a better model to inform future development.
16.5.2.3 Archaeological Sites The previous studies listed above resulted in the discovery of 51 archaeological sites recorded within the HRLSA (Table 16.5-3; Figure 16.5-1). These data are maintained by the Historic Resources Management Branch of CT. The precontact sites are comprised of 20 campsites, one scatter with greater than 10 artifacts, nine scatters, less than 10 artifacts, 14 isolated finds and one possible stone feature in the form of a cairn. The historic archaeological sites include four cabin sites, two sawmills and one trail; these sites range in estimated date from the 18th century A.D. to ca. 1950.
The precontact archaeological sites generally produce assemblages of fewer than 10 artifacts, although most have only been investigated through surface inspection and subsurface shovel testing. No archaeological sites have been subject to systematic excavation in excess of 1 m2. The dominant toolstone is quartzite, although quartz, siltstone and chert also occur. Most of the previously identified precontact sites cluster around the shores of relatively large lakes and, to a lesser extent, near perennial streams. Particularly large sites tend to occur at points where perennial streams enter lakes.
The apparent clustering of precontact sites around the lakes and streams in the HRLSA may reflect past survey strategies. Many precontact sites identified in early studies that concentrated focus on surface evaluation near lake shores. More recent surveys have made more consistent use of subsurface testing and have extended their coverage to include inland areas. Subsurface testing of elevated landforms not in close proximity to surface water sources have yielded occasional precontact finds, although these sites typically produce low numbers of artifacts.
The historic residential sites also cluster along lake shores. Again, this pattern may reflect a bias in survey strategies, but also may be indicative of the continuity of settlement patterns and subsistence resources from the Precontact to Historic Periods. The two industrial sites are both sawmills in inland locations; they are associated with a land use strategy that appears to have developed for a short period during the mid-20th century.
Sites with HRV of 4 are expected to have outstanding site-specific requirements that have previously been issued by CT with respect to other projects. The exact nature of these requirements is not available.
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Table 16.5-3: Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites within the Historical Resources Local Study Area
Borden Historical Period Site Type Number Resources Value GdOn-02 HRV0 Precontact Campsite, workshop GdOn-03 HRV0 Precontact Campsite, workshop GdOn-04 HRV0 Precontact Campsite, workshop GdOn-05 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find GdOn-06 HRV4 Historic Homestead GdOn-22 HRV0 Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts GdOo-01 HRV4 Precontact Campsite GdOo-02 HRV4 Precontact Campsite, workshop GdOo-03 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find GdOo-04 HRV0 Precontact Campsite, workshop GdOo-05 HRV0 Precontact Campsite, workshop GdOo-06 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find GdOo-07 HRV4 Precontact Campsite GdOo-08 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find GdOo-09 HRV0 Precontact Campsite, workshop GdOo-35 HRV4 Historic Dwelling GdOo-36 HRV4 Precontact Scatter >10 artifacts GdOp-01 HRV4 Precontact Campsite GdOp-02 HRV4 Precontact Stone feature GdOp-06 HRV4 Precontact Campsite GdOp-07 HRV4 Precontact Campsite GdOp-08 HRV4 Precontact Campsite GdOp-09 HRV0 Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts GdOp-10 HRV0 Precontact Campsite GdOp-11 HRV0 Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts GdOp-12 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find GdOp-13 HRV0 Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts GdOp-14 HRV0 Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts GdOp-15 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find GdOp-25 HRV0 Historic Industrial - sawmill GdOp-26 HRV0 Historic Trail GdOp-27 HRV0 Historic Industrial - sawmill GdOp-28 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find GdOp-29 HRV0 Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts GdOp-30 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find GdOp-31 HRV0 Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts GeOp-01 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find
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Borden Historical Period Site Type Number Resources Value GeOp-02 HRV0 Precontact Campsite GeOp-03 HRV4 Historic Structure GeOp-04 HRV0 Precontact Campsite GeOp-06 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find GeOp-07 HRV0 Precontact Campsite GeOp-09 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find GeOp-10 HRV0 Precontact Campsite GeOp-12 HRV4 Precontact Campsite GeOp-13 HRV4 Historic Settlement GeOp-14 HRV4 Precontact Campsite GeOp-15 HRV0 Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts GeOp-17 HRV0 Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts GeOp-18 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find GeOp-19 HRV0 Precontact Isolated find
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16.5.2.4 Heritage Standing Structures There are 22 previously recorded heritage standing structures in the HRLSA (Table 16.5-4; Figure 16.5-1). These sites are defined by having standing historic structures and/or features that are visible without excavation. Several structures may be present in a single site.
HRV values are not assigned to heritage standing structures, although the lands surrounding the structure may be assigned an HRV based on archaeological, historical or cultural value. All but three of the previously-recorded heritage standing structures within the HRLSA are located in lands with HRV designations, two of which are associated with an HRV0 archaeological site (HS99149/99150 and GdOp-25).
Table 16.5-4: Previously Recorded Heritage Standing Structures in the Historical Resources Local Study Area
HSS HRV of Type Comments Number Surrounding Lands Abandoned and demolished sawmill south of Bourque Lake close to 40324 Sawmill No HRV Jackfish Creek on cart trail. Partially collapsed cabin on the north shore of Marie Lake, likely 81359 Cabin HRV4c dating from 1950s. Collapsed cabin foundation, overgrown with moss, 1950s or older. 81360 Cabin Located on eastern terrace of minor unnamed creek north of Marie HRV4c Lake. 81361 Cabin Collapsed cabin with dovetail construction. HRV4c 81362 Cabin Cabin and barn in advanced state or degradation. HRV4c 81363 Cabin Collapsed cabin overgrown with moss. HRV4c 81364 Trail Section of historic cart trail associated with HS81363. HRV4c, various Partially collapsed cabin of plank construction on cutline 375 east of 81365 Cabin HRV4c HS81365. Collapsed plank and plywood shack on cutline 375 west of 81366 Shack HRV4c HS81365. Partially collapsed cabin located on northwest side of Marie Lake 81367 Mink farm north of Marie Creek. Part of Martin Johnson’s mink ranch built prior HRV4c to 1945. 81368 Mink farm Stable, part of Martin Johnson’s mink ranch built prior to 1945. HRV4c 81369 Mink farm House, part of Martin Johnson’s mink ranch built prior to 1945. HRV4c 81370 Mink farm Mink cages, part of Martin Johnson’s mink ranch built prior to 1945. HRV4c 81371 Cabin Intact cabin possibly still in use, recorded as Jim Janvier Cabin. HRV4c/ 4a Three roomed cabin on Bourque Lake of dovetail construction, 81372 Cabin HRV4c partially collapsed. Pile of cobbles may represent a burial. 81373 Cabin Collapsed fishing shack on Bourque Lake. HRV4c 81374 Cabin Collapsed plank and plywood trapline cabin located on cutline. HRV4c/ 4a Partially collapsed cabin of dovetail log construction, east side of 81375 Cabin HRV4c Bourque Lake. Partially collapsed cabin of dovetail log construction, east side of 81376 Cabin HRV4c Bourque Lake, associated with HS81375. 81377 Outhouse Plywood outhouse, associated with HS81375. HRV4c 99149 Sawmill Sawmill Building 1 also recorded as archaeological site GdOp-25. No HRV 99150 Sawmill Sawmill Building 2 also recorded as archaeological site GdOp-25. No HRV
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Six heritage standing structures are located in a small cluster, HS81360, 81361, 81362, 81363, 81364, and 81374. It is likely that these sites are related in occupation and age. All of these structures are in an advanced state of degradation and likely date from before 1950. These structures are located on a township line that was cut during the early township surveys between 1900 and 1911 and are located in close proximity to a section of trail recorded on the resulting survey maps (Department of the Interior 1913a, 1913b, 1913c, 1913d, 1913e, and 1913f). The historic trail recorded as HS81364 is likely a part of the trail, which was recorded in the 1909 survey. This trail is an alternate route between May Lake and Marie Lake and would have provided access to township lines that were cut during the township survey. The general area was the site of historic lumber operations and these structures are likely associated with this activity. The nearby HS81374 is a much more recent, post 1950s, trapper cabin. Two closely associated plywood cabins located to the north are also more likely to date from post- 1950.
A group of four heritage standing structures (HS81367, 81368, 81369, and 81370) represent the Martin Johnson Mink farm, which was constructed prior to 1945. Heritage standing structure HS81371 is recorded as the trapping cabin of the Janvier family (Cold Lake First Nations). The remaining HSS forms are related to isolated structures associated with early lumber operations, subsistence fishing and trapping. Another two heritage standing structures (HS81372 and 81372) are located on the township line between Townships 65 and 66. Access to those sites would have been possible along this cleared route after the completion of the township surveys between 1900 and 1911.
Heritage standing structures located on HRV4c or HRV4a lands are expected to have outstanding site-specific requirements that have previously been issued by CT with respect to other projects. The exact nature of these requirements is not available.
16.5.2.5 Palaeontological Resources The palaeontological sensitivity for the HRLSA is unknown. No listings for areas of high palaeontological resource sensitivity are located within the HRLSA or in a 10 km area surrounding the HRLSA.
16.5.2.6 Traditional Land Use The background historical resources research and HRIA field studies were undertaken prior to discussions regarding TLU studies within the HRLSA with Aboriginal groups. No TLU information specific to the HRLSA was available to assist in the design of the fieldwork strategy.
The location and distribution of previously known TLU sites was used to aid in the design of fieldwork. There are known TLU sites in the HRLSA recorded on the Listing (Table 16.5-1). Forty-nine of the parcels of land on the Listing are recorded as being traditional use sites. These TLU sites are associated with three historic archaeological sites (GdOo-35, GeOp-3 and GeOp-13) and 14 heritage standing structures (HS81359, 81360, 81361, 81362, 81363, 81365, 81366, 81371, 81372, 81373, 81374, 81375, 81376, and 81377). In addition, the historic trail GdOp-26 may also be regarded as a traditional use site, however, this site has a designation of HRV0 and is not on the Listing.
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These TLU sites are located with consideration to the following conditions; either on or in close proximity to the major lake of the region; within transportation corridors between the major lakes; or within the northeast corner of the lease where the operation of early 20th century sawmills were focused. It is predicted that additional TLU sites will be located along the margins of the major lakes and major tributary creeks and along historic trails. The Historic Township Maps (Department of the Interior 1913a, 1913b, 1913c, 1913d, 1913e, and 1913f) for the HRLSA were inspected and all trails were georeferenced to be used as a guide for fieldwork.
16.5.2.7 Archaeological Potential Modelling The initial identification of areas of archaeological potential was made using air photo interpretation (Figure 16.5-2). Locations were selected upon the basis of proximity to hydrological features and wetlands. What appeared to be well-defined, well-drained elevated terrain features were predominantly selected. The archaeological potential modelling was supplemented by LiDAR interpretation once these data became available. The final selection of zones of archaeological potential included 322 different areas, with a total area of 3,075 ha.
The selection of archaeological potential is not entirely comprehensive. The nature of the terrain within the HRLSA includes numerous drainage channels and upland areas with complex micro- topography. An exhaustive assessment of all of the terrain is beyond the scope of this baseline study. The areas of archaeological potential were, in part, selected to represent a sample of characteristic landforms within the HRLSA.
16.5.3 Results of Baseline Field Assessment The field survey took place between 20 September and 25 October 2013. Access to the target areas was made by ARGO and on foot. The areas of archaeological potential were located in the field by maps, and by reference to spatial data loaded into a hand held GPS unit. Approximately 38% of the areas of archaeological potential were visited in the field.
16.5.3.1 Subsurface Testing and Archaeological Potential A total of 1,535 subsurface tests were excavated at 139 target areas that exhibited archaeological potential. Subsurface test locations are shown in Figures 16.5-3 to 16.5-6.
A total of 57 archaeological sites were recorded as a result of the current study. A total of 34 of these archaeological sites were identified as a result of subsurface testing. Thirteen sites were identified using information provided by Imperial, and 10 sites were identified by surface finds. Of the 1,535 subsurface tests, 141 proved positive for cultural remains, resulting in a recovery rate of 9%.
The field assessment supported the desktop selection of archaeological potential. A total of 96 subsurface test locations were placed within areas of archaeological potential identified in the prefield assessment. Approximately 1,165 ha, or 38% of the areas of archaeological potential were subject to field assessment. However, 43 subsurface test locations were placed in areas not identified as displaying archaeological potential during the desktop study. Some of these locations were assessed because of convenience, on route to areas to be assessed or to provide greater coverage in areas for which little baseline information existed or because the terrain displayed high archaeological potential that had not been identified during the desktop study.
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Not all areas of archaeological potential were tested. A subset of the areas of archaeological potential was selected with key target areas chosen for field inspection. A particular focus was on completing a survey around May Lake and other areas of the HRLSA for which no baseline data existed. No baseline data existed for the area in the northeast corner of the HRLSA, and the area between May Lake and Bourque Lake. The tested and untested areas of archaeological potential are shown on Figures 16.5-3 to 16.5-6.
16.5.3.2 Archaeological Sites A total of 57 archaeological sites were recorded as a result of the HRIA component of baseline assessment for this project. These sites consist of one historic trail, one historic scatter >10 artifacts, nine historic cabins, three historic sawmills, five precontact campsites, six precontact lithic workshops, four precontact lithic scatters >10 artifacts, 14 precontact lithic scatters with <10 artifacts and 15 isolated precontact artifacts. Six of the precontact sites also include a historic component. Precontact lithic workshop GeOo-55 includes a historic cultural depression and a scatter of historic refuse. Precontact lithic scatter GeOo-52 includes historic truck parts. Precontact campsites GdOo-46 and GdOo-40 both include a historic cultural depression and precontact campsite GeOo-60 includes a historic scatter. Two of the historic sites, GeOo-9 and GeOp-67, were also recorded on HSS forms as historic structures. Forty-six of these sites were identified within 50 m of areas of archaeological potential. Previously recorded sites GdOo-9 and GdOp-2 were revisited.
Since the completion of the HRIA, all archaeological site data have been reviewed by CT and HRVs have been assigned, indicating which sites will require further assessment should they be located in the development footprint. The sites and HRVs are listed in Table 16.5-5.
GdOo-43 Historic refuse dump GdOo-43 is identified at test location TL 124-1 (Figure 16.5-6). The site is classified as a scatter with greater than 10 artifacts. It is located at a point where a historic trail bisects a long ridge feature overlooking a large wetland to the west. The site consists of a portion of the trail and a surface scatter of historic cans and other debris. A metal detector survey identified a subsurface concentration of metal artifacts. A single subsurface test excavated over a positive metal detector signal proved positive results for historic cultural remains and confirmed the presence of a buried historic component.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
One metal tin lid was collected at this site from within the moss and root mat. The lid is from a tin of Gillett’s Lye, “100% perfumed and powdered”, that was manufactured from the late 19th to mid-20th century. Lye was commonly used in the early part of the 20th century for processing furs and hides, making soap and other cleaning purposes. Numerous decayed cut tree stumps are located to the southeast of the site, indicating historic logging activity in the surrounding area.
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Table 16.5-5: Archaeological Sites Recorded or Revisited during Baseline Field Assessment
Borden New or Historical Period Site Type Number Revisited Resources Value GdOo-43 New Historic Scatter >10 artifacts/ trail HRV4a GdOo-44 New Precontact Scatter >10 artifacts HRV4a GdOo-45 New Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts HRV0 GdOo-46 New Multicomponent Scatter >10 artifacts HRV4a GdOp-33 New Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts HRV4a GdOp-34 New Precontact Scatter >10 artifacts HRV4a GdOp-35 New Historic Dwelling HRV4a GdOp-36 New Historic Dwelling HRV4a GdOp-37 New Historic Dwelling HRV4a GdOp-38 New Historic Dwelling HRV4a GdOp-39 New Precontact Campsite HRV4a GdOp-40 New Multicomponent Campsite HRV4a GeOn-04 New Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts HRV0 GeOn-05 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOn-06 New Historic Industrial - sawmill HRV4a GeOn-07 New Historic Dwelling HRV4a GeOn-08 New Historic Industrial - sawmill HRV4a GeOn-09 New Historic Industrial - sawmill HRV4a GeOo-34 New Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts HRV0 GeOo-35 New Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts HRV0 GeOo-36 New Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts HRV0 GeOo-37 New Multicomponent Scatter <10 artifacts HRV0 GeOo-38 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOo-39 New Precontact Workshop/scatter/trail HRV4a GeOo-40 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOo-41 New Precontact Workshop/scatter HRV0 GeOo-42 New Precontact Campsite HRV4a GeOo-43 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOo-44 New Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts HRV0 GeOo-45 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOo-46 New Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts HRV0 GeOo-47 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOo-48 New Precontact Workshop HRV4a GeOo-49 New Precontact Workshop HRV4a GeOo-50 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOo-51 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOo-52 New Multicomponent Scatter <10 artifacts HRV0
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Borden New or Historical Period Site Type Number Revisited Resources Value GeOo-53 New Precontact Scatter >10 artifacts HRV4a GeOo-54 New Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts HRV0 GeOo-55 New Multicomponent Workshop/trail HRV4a GeOo-56 New Precontact Workshop HRV4a GeOo-57 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOo-58 New Historic Dwelling/trail HRV4a GeOo-59 New Multicomponent Dwelling/scatter <10 HRV4a GeOo-60 New Multicomponent Campsite/trail HRV4a GeOo-61 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOo-62 New Precontact Scatter >10 artifacts HRV4a GeOo-63 New Precontact Campsite HRV4a GeOo-64 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOo-65 New Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts HRV0 GeOo-66 New Multicomponent Trail HRV4a GeOo-67 New Historic/Contemporary Dwelling HRV4a GeOp-23 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOp-24 New Precontact Scatter <10 artifacts HRV0 GeOp-25 New Historic Dwelling HRV4a GeOp-26 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GeOp-27 New Precontact Isolated find HRV0 GdOo-09 Revisit Precontact Scatter >10 artifacts HRV0 GdOp-02 Revisit Unknown Stone feature HRV4a
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Archaeological site GdOo-43 has low interpretive value. Although the site is well-preserved, the historic land use in the early 20th century within the HRLSA is well documented. The presence of a historic trail and evidence of historic logging suggests there is the potential for further historic sites to be located within the surrounding area. In addition, the trail may have precontact origins indicating that there is the potential for precontact remains to be located within the surrounding area.
GdOo-43 has been assigned HRV4a.
GdOo-44 Precontact archaeological site GdOo-44 is a scatter with greater than 10 artifacts identified within a surface exposure created by the recreational trail that follows the western shoreline of Marie Lake (Figure 16.5-6). The site is located on an elevated bench overlooking Marie Lake to the east.
Eleven artifacts were recovered from surface disturbances. No subsurface testing was carried out at this site due to time constraints. The site area has been impacted by all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use of the recreational trail. These impacts are ongoing and cumulative as the sandy soils are sensitive to erosion.
The site consists of a disturbed surface scatter of lithic artifacts lacking culturally diagnostic material. It is likely, however, that additional undisturbed cultural remains may be located in the site area.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GdOo-44. If future development is proposed within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended. This site is unlikely to be affected by future Imperial development as it is within a buffer zone. It is recommended that additional assessment be carried out in order to determine the site boundaries and to establish the site relationship with nearby sites GdOo-9 and GdOo-36.
GdOo-45 Precontact Aboriginal archaeological site GdOo-45 is a scatter of fewer than 10 artifacts identified within a surface exposure created by a branch of the recreational trail that follows the western shoreline of Marie Lake (Figure 16.5-6). The site is located on the northern side of a minor unnamed creek, which drains a large wetland to the west. At the site, the wetland narrows into a series beaver ponds that lead into a narrow, steeply walled creek that drops away to the east and drains into Marie Lake, which is 850 m to east. Eighteen subsurface tests were excavated in the area immediately surrounding a surface find. One subsurface test proved positive for cultural remains, confirming the presence of an intact buried component.
The site area is bisected by a recreational trail and is subject to ongoing and cumulative impacts from ATV use and tree falls. The site area is exposed to westerly winds and there are numerous tree throws in the surrounding area.
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Seven small pieces of white quartzite flakes were recovered from a small discrete surface scatter. This likely is a small toolstone work station.
This site has moderate interpretive value. The site consists of a small scatter of lithic artifacts, which lack culturally diagnostic material.
GdOo-45 has been assigned an HRV of 0.
GdOo-46 Precontact Aboriginal archaeological site GdOo-46 is a scatter of greater than 10 artifacts identified at test location TL 138-7 (Figure 16.5-6).The site is located on the south side of the mouth of an unnamed creek, where it cuts through a large upland area and flows into Marie Lake. The site consists of a small precontact lithic scatter and a historic cultural depression. A recreational trail runs along the shoreline of Marie Lake close to the site. This trail likely has historic and precontact origins. Four subsurface tests were excavated, and all were positive for cultural remains, consisting of precontact toolstone materials.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GdOo-46 has high scientific value. Although the site is a small lithic scatter, the density of cultural material is high and includes numerous toolstone types. Artifacts were recovered from two distinct layers and material is buried up to 25 cm below the surface. The site is located immediately south of previously recorded archaeological site GdOo-7, which is located on the north side of the unnamed creek.
GdOo-46 has been assigned an HRV of 4a. If future development is proposed within this area, it is recommended that a much more intensive subsurface assessment of the site and surrounding area be carried out with a particular focus on the beach area to the east.
GdOp-33 Precontact archaeological site GdOp-33 is a scatter of fewer than 10 artifacts identified within a large surface exposure at a campground and boat launch area on the western shore of Bourque Lake (Figure 16.5-5). The site consists of two surface finds and a single positive subsurface find to the north of the surface finds. A total of 12 subsurface tests were excavated.
The site is located on a flat, featureless plain overlooking Bourque Lake to the east. Vegetation consists of scattered Jack pine with moss, lichen and blueberry. The site area has been impacted by truck and ATV use of the camping area, and a deep cut has been made through the lake bank for a boat launch. These impacts are ongoing and cumulative as the sandy soils are sensitive to erosion.
Two projectile points (representing the Middle and Late Precontact Periods) were recovered from surface exposures. Subsurface testing in the immediate vicinity of the surface finds was negative. Further to the north, however, a single subsurface test within intact terrain was positive for a secondary flake of white quartzite.
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Archaeological site GdOp-33 is a large diffuse lithic scatter and has been assigned HRV4a. There remains the potential for moderately significant cultural remains to be located within deep sediments or intact portion of the site to the north.
This site is unlikely to be affected by the project as it is within a riparian buffer zone. However, the site is affected by ongoing impacts from use of the camping area and boat launch. It is recommended that additional assessment should be carried out in order to determine the site boundary to the north and to determine if the site contains a more deeply buried component.
GdOp-34 Precontact archaeological site GdOp-34 is a scatter of more than 10 artifacts identified at test location TL 73-13 (Figure 16.5-5). The site is located on the north side of a small bay on the east side of Bourque Lake. The site consists of five widely scattered positive subsurface tests. A total of 13 subsurface tests were excavated. The site is roughly defined by negative testing to the north and east and by Bourque Lake to the west.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GdOp-34. This site is unlikely to be impacted by future Imperial development as it is within a riparian buffer zone. If future development is planned within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended.
GdOp-35 Historic archaeological site GdOp-35 was identified by an Imperial representative through LiDAR interpretation, and was verified by a field visit (Figure 16.5-5).The site is located on the western shoreline of Bourque Lake, immediately adjacent to a historic trail. The site consists of a large timber-lined depression with a nearby cultural depression and a general scatter of historic artifacts. An associated subsurface scatter of metal artifacts was identified by a metal detector survey. Two subsurface tests were excavated, and confirmed the presence of a buried historic component. No standing structure or berm was identified; however, the location and scatter of historic material indicates that the site is likely the former location of a cabin. The presence of chimney parts indicates the presence of a heated living structure.
The timber structure within the depression is well-preserved; however, the cabin is completely decayed. The site has not been impacted by any previous development. The site likely dates to the early part of the 20th century when Euro-Canadian settlers, Métis and First Nations groups were intensively fishing and trapping at Bourque Lake. GdOp-35 provides evidence for this early 20th century land use. As the site is well preserved and is potentially associated with an Aboriginal group, this site has moderate scientific and cultural value.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GdOp-35. This site is unlikely to be impacted by future Imperial development as it is within a riparian buffer zone. If future developments are planned within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended. Particular focus should be made upon obtaining reliable dating evidence from cultural material and tree
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cores and obtaining evidence of site use. Environmental sampling within cultural depressions has the potential to recover evidence of fish processing and storage. Additional research is also recommended in order to identify any association with any First Nation or Métis groups.
GdOp-36 Historic archaeological site GdOp-36 was identified by an Imperial representative through LiDAR interpretation and was verified by a field visit. The site is located at the southern end of Bourque Lake, adjacent to a poorly defined section of a trail (Figure 16.5-5). The cabin site consists of a low and barely discernible rectangular berm with an opening on the south end. Two large cultural depressions are located 45 m to the north of the cabin site. A metal detector survey was carried out across the site and metal detector signals were found to be restricted to within the cabin foundation. One subsurface test was excavated within the berm and was negative for cultural remains. One subsurface test was excavated within the cabin, and one wire nail and two historic glass fragments were recovered.
Although the cabin is an advanced stage of degradation, and no standing structure remains, the site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
One wire nail was recovered from a subsurface test but not collected. A pot converted into a chimney piece was also observed on the surface. A large white spruce tree growing within the cabin berm was cored and is approximately 60 years old. This indicates that the cabin was in an advanced state of degradation by the early 1950s and had probably been abandoned at some point in the preceding 20 years.
Archaeological site GdOp-36 has moderate significance. Although the cabin at GdOp-36 is completely decayed and overgrown with moss, the site is well-preserved and is potentially associated with Aboriginal groups. The cabin was likely constructed in the early part of the 20th century and associated with early commercial fishing and or trapping. First Nations, Métis and European Canadians are all known to have built cabins in similar locations, and exploited the same natural resources during the early 20th century. GdOp-36 provides evidence for this early 20th century land use.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GdOp-36. This site is unlikely to be impacted by future Imperial development as it is within a riparian buffer zone. If future developments are planned within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended. Environmental sampling within cultural depressions has the potential to recover evidence of fish processing and storage. Additional research is also recommended in order to identify any association with First Nations or Métis groups.
GdOp-37 Historic archaeological site GdOp-37 was identified by an Imperial representative through LiDAR interpretation and was verified by a field visit. The site is located at the southern end of Bourque Lake, south of a well-defined section of historic trail (Figure 16.5-5). The cabin site consists of a low and well-defined rectangular berm with an opening on the southeastern side.
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The walls are collapsed and overgrown by moss, although two courses of logs are visible in the northeast corner. Three cultural depressions, most likely cache pits, are located immediately outside the cabin and a well is located 20 m to the north. One subsurface test was excavated within the cabin and was negative for cultural remains. One subsurface test was excavated outside the cabin to the south and was positive for historic cultural remains.
Although the cabin is an advanced stage of degradation and no standing structure remains, the site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
The cabin location and observed construction methods indicate that the cabin was constructed in the early part of the 20th century, and was likely associated with early subsistence or commercial fishing and or trapping. The site is possibly associated with site GdOp-38.
Archaeological site GdOp-37 has moderate significance. Although the cabin is decayed and overgrown with moss, the site has not been disturbed by previous impacts and is relatively intact. The site likely dates to the early part of the 20th century, when Euro-Canadian settlers, Métis and First Nations groups were involved with fishing and trapping at Bourque Lake. GdOp-37 provides evidence for this early 20th century land use. The site is likely associated with GdOp-38, which is located 70 m to the northeast.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GdOp-37. This site is unlikely to be impacted by future Imperial development as it is within a riparian buffer zone. If future developments are planned within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended. Environmental sampling within cultural depressions has the potential to recover evidence of fish processing and storage. Additional research is also recommended in order to identify any association with First Nations or Métis groups.
GdOp-38 Historic archaeological site GdOp-38 was identified by an Imperial representative through LiDAR interpretation and was verified by a field visit. The site is located at the southern end of Bourque Lake within a large clearing at a fork in a historic trail (Figure 16.5-5). The cabin site consists of a low and well-defined rectangular berm with an opening on the southern end, representing the cabin foundation and collapsed walls. The berm is 7.3 x 4.8 m and indicates the largest cabin identified within the HRLSA during the current study. The walls are collapsed and overgrown by moss. Four cultural depressions, most likely cache pits, are located immediately outside the cabin. The largest cultural depression is approximately 7 m long and is parallel to the northern wall of the cabin. A large stove is located to the west of the cabin. A fifth cultural depression and a second stove are located to the east of the cabin indicating that another cabin may have also been present at the site. One subsurface test was excavated within the cabin and was positive for cultural remains.
One wire nail and two pieces of historic glass were recovered from one subsurface test, confirming a buried historic archaeological component. Additional glass and metal artifacts, including two stoves, were observed on the surface but not collected.
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Archaeological site GdOp-38 has moderate value. Although the cabin is decayed and overgrown with moss, the site has not been impacted by previous development. The cabin location and observed construction methods indicate that the cabin was constructed in the early part of the 20th century and was likely associated with early subsistence or commercial fishing and or trapping. The size of the cabin and the stove indicates that more resources were available to the group that occupied this site. The location of the structures would have provided a convenient stopping location for travelers on the trail. The site is likely associated with GdOp-37, which is located 70 m to the southwest. First Nations, Métis and European Canadians are known to have built similar cabins of similar construction in similar locations and exploited the same natural resources during the early 20th century.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GdOp-38. This site is unlikely to be affected by future Imperial development as it is within a riparian buffer zone. If future developments are planned within the site, or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended. Environmental sampling within cultural depressions has the potential to recover evidence of fish processing and storage. Additional research is also recommended in order to identify any association with any First Nations or Métis groups.
GdOp-39 Precontact archaeological site GdOp-39 is identified at test location TL 122-11 (Figure 16.5-5), on the western side of Bourque Lake in close proximity to a historic trail. The site is a precontact campsite consisting of a small lithic scatter with preserved faunal remains. Twelve subsurface tests were excavated and five subsurface tests were positive for cultural remains.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
A total of 18 lithic artifacts were recovered. The artifacts generally consist of basic lithic reductions of various grades of locally available quartzite. However, one retouched flake of BRS, one retouched flake and one piece of shatter possibly of Swan River Chert were recovered. BRS is sourced 300 km to the north in the Fort MacKay area and the nearest source of Swan River Chert is in southeastern Saskatchewan. The presence of these materials indicates either long distance trade of raw materials or a movement of people. One fragment of bone found in close association to the lithic artifacts was also recovered.
The bone fragment was submitted for radiocarbon dating and returned a radiocarbon date of 1,960 +/- 30 radiocarbon years, calibrated to a date range of 2,040 to 1,890 years ago.
Archaeological site GdOp-39 may be highly significant. The cultural material is relatively deeply buried and a radiocarbon date was obtained. It is rare to recover datable organic material from archaeological sites in the boreal forest. The potential remains for additional cultural remains to be located at GdOp-39 that may add to the understanding of the cultural sequence within the region.
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An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GdOp-39. This site is unlikely to be affected by future Imperial development as it is within a riparian buffer zone. If future developments are planned within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended. It is recommended that the boundaries of GdOp-39 be more accurately defined and that subsurface testing be carried out within the lower area to the east and west of the site in order to attempt to identify deeply buried and stratified cultural remains.
GdOp-40 Multicomponent archaeological site GdOp-40 is identified at test location TL 63-13 (Figure 16.5-5). The site is located along the southwestern shore of Bourque Lake, east of Jackfish Creek along a section of historic trail, previously recorded as site GdOp-26. The site is a campsite consisting of a sparse lithic scatter with fire cracked rock and preserved faunal remains. A cultural depression is located at the eastern end of this site that is possible historic in nature. Thirteen subsurface tests were excavated, five tests were positive for cultural remains.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
A total of 10 lithic artifacts were recovered. The artifacts generally consist of basic lithic reductions of various grades of locally available quartzite. However, one flake fragment and one retouched flake of siltstone were also recovered. Fire cracked rock was recovered from three subsurface tests. Seventeen fragments of calcined bone found in close association with fire cracked rock were recovered from subsurface test 4. Four individual toe elements could be identified, and represent at least one mid-sized, digitigrade mammal, either beaver or canid.
The bone fragment was submitted for radiocarbon dating and returned a date of 2,140 +/- 30 radiocarbon years, calibrated to a range of 2,300 to 2,010 years ago.
The cultural depression is located at the eastern end of GdOp-40. There are large cobbles exposed on the surface of this depression. The depression is overgrown with willow and is likely historic in origin. No historic remains or evidence of historic structures were observed within the surrounding area, although the depression is located with a large clearing.
Archaeological site GdOp-40 may contain highly significant materials. The site was intact prior to subsurface testing and some cultural material was deeply buried. It is rare to recover datable organic material from archaeological sites in the boreal forest. The site consists of a relatively dense lithic scatter. Five distinctly different lithic raw materials were recovered.
Historically, the mouth of Jackfish Creek is a prominent fishing location. Northern pike and walleye spawn in the spring and Lake Whitefish in the late fall. The repeated occupations are likely associated with this reliable and predictable resource. The presence of wetland areas in close proximity to the site, and repeated depositional events associated with ice-jamming indicate the potential for deeply buried stratified remains, with preservation of organic material.
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An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GdOp-40. This site is unlikely to be affected by the project as it is within a riparian buffer zone. If future developments are planned within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended. It is recommended that the boundaries of GdOp-40 be more accurately defined. It is recommended that subsurface testing be carried out within the low area to southwest of the site in order to attempt to identify deeply buried and stratified cultural remains. Additional background research is also recommended in order to identify any association with the historic component of this site and any First Nations or Métis groups.
GeOn-4 Precontact archaeological site GeOn-4 is identified at test location TL 127-16 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on a small isolated upland area within a large, generally flat, featureless black spruce muskeg area. The site consists of a small lithic scatter. Eighteen subsurface tests were excavated, of which three were positive for cultural remains.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development, although the upland feature has been bisected by two seismic lines.
GeOn-4 has an HRV of 0. No further work is recommended.
GeOn-5 Precontact archaeological site GeOn-5 is identified at test location TL 136-37 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on the southeastern terrace of a large wetland area. The site consists of an isolated artifact. A total of 37 subsurface tests were excavated, however, only one single subsurface test was positive for cultural remains, consisting of a projectile point fragment.
The site area is bisected by a winter access road that follows the edge of the terrace. Few surface exposures are present along this road.
GeOn-5 has an HRV of 0. No further work is recommended.
GeOn-6 Historic archaeological site GeOn-6 was initially located by Imperial subcontractors and the site location was verified by a field visit. The site is located on an upland terrain between two creeks, situated within glacial melt-water channels that drain to the southwest into Marie Lake, 5.3 km to the south (Figure 16.5-4). The site consists of a wooden lean-to structure, a stack of cut timber, a large pit, possibly a saw pit and a general scatter of historic metal refuse, including an ESSO grease pail.
The site is likely the remains of a temporary sawmill, which was in operation during the middle of the 20th century. The site is located in an area of the HRLSA that include numerous historic sites. In a 3 km radius surrounding this site, there are nine recorded historic cabins and two recently recorded historic sawmills. The area to the north and northeast of Marie Lake is a location of intense forestry activity that extends from the early part of the 20th century to the present day.
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Archaeological site GeOn-6 is the remains of a historic sawmill, and may have cultural and historical significance. An unknown portion of the site has been previously impacted and there are no standing structures.
GeOn-6 has been assigned an HRV of 4a. If future development is proposed that will affect this site, further assessment is recommended.
GeOn-7 Historic archaeological site GeOn-7 was initially located by Imperial subcontractors, and the site location was verified by a field visit. The site is located on the eastern side of a confluence of two creeks within glacial melt-water channels that drain southwest into Marie Lake, 5.3 km to the south (Figure 16.5-4). The site is 430 m southwest of site GeOn-6 and is located at a fork in a trail. The site consists of a cabin with standing walls, a well, a possible latrine pit and a general scatter of historic refuse including: two stoves, cans, a glass jar, an ESSO grease pail, and steel cables. The cabin is 5 x 5 m, with the door on the north side and windows on all other sides. The roof is collapsed, but was made of sawn planks supported by poles. The walls are made of sawn and axe cut logs. One “Crown” manufactured stove is located within the cabin, and a second stove is located 5 m to the north of the cabin.
The site is located on undifferentiated terrain that slopes slightly to the south above a poorly defined ridge. Vegetation at the site consists of white spruce and scattered aspen. An existing wellsite is located south of the site and has impacted an unknown portion of the site. The area to the north and east of the site area was logged historically and is now covered with a young white spruce regrowth forest. No subsurface testing was carried out at this site although a buried historic component is likely. No cultural material was collected from this site.
Archaeological site GeOn-7 is a historic cabin site, likely part of a historic sawmill camp and may have cultural and historical significance. The site is located in an area of the HRLSA that includes numerous historic sites. In a 3 km radius surrounding this site, there are nine recorded historic cabins recorded and two recently recorded historic sawmills. The area to the north and northeast of Marie Lake is the location of intensive forestry activity that extends from the early part of the 20th century to the present day.
Previous development may have affected part of this site.
GeOn-7 has been assigned an HRV of 4a. If future development is proposed that will affect this site, further assessment of this site is recommended.
GeOn-8 Historic archaeological site GeOn-8 was initially located by Imperial subcontractors and the site location was verified by a field visit. The site is located on the eastern side of a minor creek within a glacial melt-water channel that drains southwest into Marie Lake, 3.5 km to the south (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located where a section of trail is recorded on the 1913 Historic Township Map (Department of the Interior 1913b). The site consists of a stove, a stack of cut logs, a sawn board, a wooden post and a general scatter of historic refuse. The site is located
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on the upper terrace of a minor creek. Terrain at the site is flat, and featureless and well- drained. Vegetation is sparse and consists of occasional mature white spruce with scattered white spruce regrowth.
A recent cutblock is located to the south of the site and has impacted an unknown area of the site. In the area to the north and east of the site, there are winter access roads. No subsurface testing was carried out at this site although a buried historic component is likely. No cultural material was collected from this site.
Archaeological site GeOn-8 may have cultural and historical significance. The site is likely a camp associated with an early 20th century sawmill. The site is located in an area of the HRLSA that include numerous historic sites. In a 3 km radius surrounding this site, there are nine recorded historic cabins and two recently recorded historic sawmills. The area to the north and northeast of Marie Lake is a location of intensive forestry activity that extends from the early part of the 20th century to the present day. Trails depicted on the 1913 Survey Maps show that there were established access routes into this area at this time.
A winter access road and cutblock may have impacted part of this site.
GeOn-8 has been assigned an HRV of 4a. If future development is proposed that will affect this site, further assessment of this site is recommended.
GeOn-9 Historic archaeological site GeOn-9 was initially located by Imperial subcontractors and the site location was verified by a field visit. The site is located on the eastern side of a minor creek within a glacial melt-water channel that drains southwest into Marie Lake, 2.8 km to the south (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located 400 m from a previously recorded cabin, HS81734. The site consists of a barn, a cabin, two stoves and a pile of milled lumber. There also is general scatter of historic refuse. The cabin was constructed of sawn logs.
A recent cutblock is located to the south of the site and may have impacted part of the site. In the area to the north and east of the site, there is a winter access road. No subsurface testing was carried out at this site although a buried historic component is likely.
Archaeological site GeOn-9 may have cultural and historical significance. The site is located in an area of the HRLSA that include numerous historic sites. In a 3 km radius surrounding this site, there are nine recorded historic cabins and two recently recorded historic sawmills. The area to the north and northeast of Marie Lake is a location of intensive forestry activity that extends from the early part of the 20th century to the present day. An unknown portion of the site was previously impacted.
GeOn-9 has been assigned an HRV of 4a. If future development is proposed that will affect this site, further assessment of this site is recommended.
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GeOo-34 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-34 is identified at test location TL 3-9 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located at the north end of May Lake on the west side of Marie Creek. The site consists of a small lithic scatter. Nine subsurface tests were excavated, one of which was positive for cultural remains.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GeOo-34 has low scientific significance. The cultural material is sparse, contains a single lithic raw material and is restricted to a small well-defined area.
An HRV0 designation has been assigned to GeOo-34. If future development is planned within the site or surrounding area, no additional assessment is recommended.
GeOo-35 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-35 is identified at test location TL 4-12 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located 400 m north of May Lake on the western side of Marie Creek. The site consists of a small lithic scatter. A total of 12 subsurface tests were excavated of which four were positive for cultural remains.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Precontact lithic scatter GeOo-35 has low scientific significance. The cultural material is sparse and no culturally diagnostic material was recovered.
An HRV0 designation has been assigned to GeOo-35. If future development is planned within the site or surrounding area, no additional assessment is recommended.
GeOo-36 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-36 was initially identified as a surface find on an ATV trail. The site is located on the western shore of May Lake (Figure 16.5-4). The site consists of a small diffuse lithic scatter. A total of 12 subsurface tests were excavated of which two proved positive for cultural material.
The site area is bisected by an ATV trail, which follows an east-west aligned seismic line.
Archaeological site GeOo-36 is a precontact lithic scatter with low scientific significance.
An HRV0 designation has been assigned to GeOo-36. If future development is planned within the site or surrounding area, no additional assessment is recommended.
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GeOo-37 Archaeological site GeOo-37 is identified at test location TL 6-12 (Figure 16.5-4). The site includes historic and precontact components. The site is located on an upland area 400 m west May Lake. The site consists of a historic surface find, an axe cut stump and a single positive subsurface test. A total of 12 subsurface tests were excavated.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing. A winter access road bisects the upland terrain to the west of the site and has created a considerable surface exposure. No cultural material was identified within this exposure.
A metal detector survey of the area identified one subsurface metal artifact. A subsurface test was excavated over the metal detector signal and a metal snare wire was recovered from within the root mat. One grey chert flake fragment was also recovered from this test. The flake was created by bipolar chert pebble reduction. There is evidence of impact at both ends and the outer edges of the flake retain cortex. A second piece of snare wire was found nearby on the surface.
Archaeological site GeOo-37 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-38 Precontact archaeological isolated artifact find GeOo-38 is identified at test location TL 43-21 (Figure 16.5-4).The site is located 120 m from the western shore of May Lake. A total of 21 subsurface tests were excavated, one of which was positive.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GeOo-38 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-39 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-39 is identified at test location TL 76-14 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on the southern shoreline of May Lake, east of the outfall of Marie Creek. The site consists of a diffuse lithic scatter. A section of a recreational trail, a modern fire pit and informal camping area are also located within the site area. A total of 14 subsurface tests were excavated, of which four were positive for precontact cultural remains. There is a scatter of modern refuse in the general area.
No surface exposures were observed at the site, however, the site has likely been impacted by modern use of the trail and to some extent by modern camping. A winter access road runs parallel to the ridge.
A total of 16 artifacts of basic lithic reduction were recovered. The raw materials represented are locally available quartzite and chert.
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Archaeological site GeOo-39 is a large, diffuse, precontact lithic scatter and has moderate scientific significance. Four lithic raw materials were recovered at this site indicating intense activity.
The site is located in close proximity to historic cabin GeOo-58 and there is a network of trails along the ridge and surrounding area that may have a Historic or Precontact Period origin.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-39. If future development is proposed within the site area or surrounding area additional assessment is recommended. Additional subsurface testing will assist in defining the site boundaries and establishing the relationship with other nearby archaeological sites.
GeOo-40 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-40 is identified at test location TL 80-8 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on a minor unnamed tributary of Marie Creek, 2.5 km northwest of May Lake. The site consists of one isolated artifact. A total of eight subsurface tests were excavated one of which was positive for cultural remains.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GeOo-40 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-41 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-41 is identified at test location TL 110-9 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on the edge of a large upland area, 110 m east of the north end of May Lake. A section of recreational trail is located 45 m to the north. A total of nine subsurface tests were excavated, two of which proved positive for precontact cultural remains.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Precontact archaeological site GeOo-41 is small lithic scatter well-defined by negative tests. No formed tools or culturally diagnostic material was recovered. GeOo-41 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-42 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-42 is identified by two surface finds in exposures created at a boat launch (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on the eastern shore of May Lake where a recreational trail passes through an informal campground. The site consists of a large dense lithic scatter. A total of 11 subsurface tests were excavated, of which seven were positive for precontact cultural remains.
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The site area has been affected by repeated events. The trail around the east side of May Lake appears to have been improved by a bulldozer at some point in the past. A cut had been made in the lake terrace to allow access to the lake for a boat launch. The site has been used repeatedly as an informal campground and impacts from ATV use are ongoing.
The site was initially identified by surface finds. Subsurface testing revealed a large dense lithic scatter. Eight pieces of chert debitage including some bipolarly-split pebble artifacts, 20 pieces of chipping debris of various grades of locally available chert and one piece of BRS were recovered. The BRS is sourced 300 km to the north in the Fort MacKay area. The presence of BRS indicates either long distance trade of raw materials or a movement of people. Seven pieces of charcoal blackened fire cracked rock were recovered, indicating that the site was the location of domestic activity in addition to tool production.
Archaeological site GeOo-42 is a large precontact campsite that has high scientific significance. The assemblage includes five different raw materials and fire cracked rock. Cultural material was recovered at numerous depths up to 50 cm below the surface. The site may include multiple components. The site may also be related to other nearby archaeological sites. The mouth of this creek was the site of intense precontact activity. The nearby recreational trail likely also has Historic or Precontact Period origins.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-42. If future development is proposed within the site area or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended.
GeOo-43 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-43 is identified at test location TL 110-11 (Figure 16.5-5). The site is located on the southern side of a large wetland that surrounds a small lake, 3 km east of Bourque Lake. The site consists of an isolated precontact artifact. Eleven subsurface tests were excavated, of which one was positive for cultural remains.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GeOo-43 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-44 Precontact archaeological site GdOo-44 is identified at test location TL 119-23 (Figure 16.5-5). The site is located on the eastern side of small lake and wetland area, approximately 4 km southwest of May Lake. The site consists of a small lithic scatter. One of 23 subsurface tests proved positive for cultural remains, consisting of one white quartzite flake fragment and two pink quartzite flakes.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
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Archaeological site GeOo-44 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-45 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-45 is identified as a single surface find in exposures on a recreational trail (Figure 16.5-4).The site is located the eastern side of May Lake 300 m south of precontact site GeOo-53. A single flake fragment of white quartzite was recovered.
Archaeological site GeOo-45 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-46 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-46 is identified at test location TL 126-17 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on a large upland area 2.5 km southeast of May Lake. The site consists of small, moderately dense lithic scatter. Seven of 17 subsurface tests were positive for precontact cultural remains, consisting of three black chert fragments and four flakes of quartzite.
Archaeological site GeOo-46 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-47 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-47 is identified as a surface find within exposures on a winter access road (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located 300 m west of May Lake. The site consists of a single surface find of a white quartzite flake. A metal detector find was identified 85 m to the east, but this was not confirmed by subsurface testing. No subsurface testing as the site is located within an HRV4c area.
Archaeological site GeOo-47 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-48 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-48 is identified at test location TL 40-24 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located at the southern end of May Lake, 130 m to the west of Marie Creek. The site consists of a large dense lithic scatter and is a lithic workshop. Seven of 32 subsurface tests were positive for precontact cultural remains.
The site is bordered by on the north and east sides by winter access roads and by an abandoned wellsite to the west. These previous developments did not affect the top of the knoll and the site area was in good condition prior to subsurface testing.
A total of 25 lithic artifacts were recovered from seven subsurface tests and one additional lithic artifact was found on the surface. Three retouched flakes, one of chalcedony and two of quartzite, a uniface of white quartzite and a pink quartzite core fragment were recovered. Twenty-one pieces of lithic debris were also recovered. Material was predominantly pink
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quartzite and white quartzite. One flake of BRS was recovered. The BRS is sourced 300 km to the north in the Fort MacKay area. The presence of BRS indicates either long distance trade of raw materials or a movement of people.
Archaeological site GeOo-48 is a precontact contact lithic workshop with moderate scientific significance. The lithic assemblage includes four distinct lithic raw materials of all stages of lithic reduction. Four expedient tools and a core fragment were recovered. No formed tools or other culturally diagnostic artifacts were recovered, however, there remains the potential for intact remains within the site boundary as large areas of the site remain unassessed and the boundaries are poorly defined.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-48. If future development is proposed within the site area or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended.
GeOo-49 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-49 is initially identified as a surface find within a large exposure at an informal campground and boat launch (Figure 16.5-4).The site is located at the southeast corner of May Lake. The site consists of a small lithic workshop. Four of 17 subsurface tests were positive for cultural remains, and three surface finds were recovered.
The beach area is an undeveloped boat launch and camping ground and/or day-use area. There is evidence of camping with fire pits and domestic refuse in the clearing and further to the east. A wooden outhouse is currently located to the southeast of the site area on the south side of the old beach ridge. The area appears to be a favored location for accessing the trail up the east side of May Lake (Range Road 425). Access via the nearby paved resource road by 4x4 truck or ATV results in heavy impacts to artifact-bearing sediments. The area to the west was intact prior to subsurface testing.
One large biface chopper, one core fragment and 21 pieces of debitage of various grades of quartzite were recovered. The cultural material was recovered from 10 to 15 cm below the surface within the intact portion of the site.
Archaeological site GeOo-49 is a precontact lithic workshop with moderate scientific significance. The lithic assemblage includes five distinct lithic raw materials of all stages of lithic reduction. Fire cracked rock was recovered and indicates that domestic activity was also taking place. As there are deep sands at GeOo-49, it is likely that more deeply buried cultural remains may be present The site has been affected by considerable ongoing disturbance from use of the trail and camping area, although intact areas of the site are located to the west.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-49. If future development is proposed within the site area or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended.
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GeOo-50 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-50 is identified at test location TL 131-11 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on the western terrace of Marie Creek, 1.5 km northwest of Marie Lake. The site consists of an isolated precontact artifact. One of 11 subsurface tests was positive for cultural remains, consisting of one quartzite flake.
Archaeological site GeOo-50 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-51 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-51 is identified as a surface find of a single quartzite chopper in sediment exposures on a recreational trail (Figure 16.5-4).The site is located on Marie Creek, 3 km northwest of Marie Lake. The site consists of an isolated precontact artifact. No subsurface testing was carried out at this site as there were extensive surface exposures of sediments at this location.
Archaeological site GeOo-51 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-52 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-52 is identified at test location TL 133-30 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located 600 m south of May Lake on the eastern side of Marie Creek. The site consists of two widely spaced lithic artifacts and historic truck parts. A recreational trail passes through the site. A historic trail is recorded 150 m to the west on the 1913 Township Map (Department of the Interior 1913d) and the current trail is likely related to this trail. Historic truck parts, including part of a bench seat, were observed at the site indicating that the trail was used in the early 20th century. A total of 30 subsurface tests were excavated at this location. Two flake fragments of locally available quartzite were recovered.
The site area is bisected by a recreational trail. This trail crosses Marie Creek to the south of the site.
Archaeological site GeOo-52 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-53 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-53 is identified at test location TL 137-19 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on the eastern side of May Lake, south of the point where a minor unnamed creek flows into the lake. A recreation trail passes through the site and the site area is used as an informal campground. The site consists of six positive subsurface tests and one surface find. A total of 19 subsurface tests were excavated and a total of 10 lithic artifacts were recovered.
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Archaeological site GeOo-53 is small moderately dense precontact lithic scatter and has moderate scientific significance. An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-53. If future development is proposed within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended.
GeOo-54 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-54 is identified at test location TL 139-14 (Figure 16.5-5). The site is located on large, steep-sided upland area elevated 20 m above the surrounding terrain. May Lake is located 2.6 km to the northeast. The site consists of two positive subsurface tests. A total of 14 subsurface tests were excavated at the site. Two lithic artifacts were recovered, a white quartzite core and large, roughly made pink quartzite side-scraper.
Archaeological site GeOo-54 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-55 Multicomponent archaeological site GeOo-55 is identified at test location TL 41-37 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on the western side of May Lake, 400 m north of the outfall of Marie Creek. The site consists of a large lithic workshop, a blazed tree, a historic cultural depression (likely a cache pit), and a scatter of historic refuse. The site is bisected by a historic trail recorded as site GeOo-66. Twelve of 37 subsurface tests were positive for precontact cultural remains, consisting of three core fragments of quartzite, 17 pieces of lithic debris of various grades of locally available quartzite and one tertiary flake of chalcedony. Three rusted historic cans were observed scattered on the surface and along with the cultural depression indicate historic use of the trail.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GeOo-55 has moderate scientific significance. An HRV4a designation has been assigned to the site. If future development is proposed within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended.
GeOo-56 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-56 is identified at test location TL 43-28 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on the western side of May Lake at the northeast end of a large upland area. The site consists of a large precontact campsite with diffuse lithic scatter. Nine of 28 subsurface tests were positive for precontact cultural remains. Historic trail GeOo-66 bisects the site. A total of 26 lithic artifacts were recovered. The assemblage includes one small stemmed projectile point, one large sandstone abrader, a brown chert scraper fragment and 23 pieces of lithic debitage. Raw material includes numerous grades of quartzite, siltstone and brown and black chert.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
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Archaeological site GeOo-56 is a lithic workshop that has moderate scientific significance. The site is large, but is poorly defined. Large areas of the site remain unassessed and it may extend into areas outside the defined boundaries to the east. The site assemblage includes formed tools and a culturally diagnostic projectile point. There remains the potential for additional cultural remains including stratified deposits in thick sands at the base of the terrain feature. Precontact archaeological site GeOo-38 is located 30 m to the north on the other side of the creek, historic trail GeOo-66 bisect the site and GeOo-56 is part of an intensively occupied precontact archaeological landscape.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-56. If future development is proposed within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended.
GeOo-57 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-57 is identified at test location TL 44-13 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on the western side of May Lake on a low lake terrace. The site consists of an isolated artifact. One of 13 subsurface tests was positive for cultural material, consisting of a single quartzite flake.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GeOo-57 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-58 Historic archaeological site GdOp-38 was identified by an Imperial representative through LiDAR interpretation and was verified by a field visit. The site is located 70 m from the southern shoreline of May Lake (Figure 16.5-4). The site consists of a cabin foundation marked by a low berm around three sides. A large pit is located on the north side of the cabin and it is likely a cache pit. A large stove is located within the cabin and a metal pot was observed on the surface in the corner of the cabin. A large spread of subsurface metal was located using a metal detector. A portion of a historic trail passes through the site area extending to May Lake, joining with recreational trails that likely have a historic origin. Five subsurface tests were excavated one of which was positive for historic cultural remains confirming the presence of a buried historic component.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development. Although a trail bisects the site, the trail is overgrown and no surface exposures of sediment were observed.
Archaeological site GeOo-58 has moderate scientific significance. The site is well-defined with a section of historic trail. Information provided by the Imperial representative identified the cabin as being constructed by Mr. Duckett Sr. in the 1920s. A tree core was taken from a 19 cm diameter aspen tree growing within the cabin foundation. The tree is approximately 50 to 55 years old, indicating that cabin was in an advanced stage of decay by at least the late 1950s.
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The site is in good condition and is a good example of early 20th century settlement and land use. The site is most likely associated with early commercial or subsistence fishing and/or trapping. The presence of a historic trail and the proximity to precontact site GeOo-39 indicates that there is the potential that precontact cultural remains are located at this site.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-58. If future development is planned that will impact the site area, additional assessment and recording should be undertaken.
GeOo-59 Multicomponent archaeological site GeOo-59 was identified by an Imperial representative through LiDAR interpretation and was verified by a field visit. The site is located at the north end of May Lake, 300 m west of Marie Creek (Figure 16.5-4). Historic trail GeOo-66 passes 35 m to the east. The site consists of a low berm that defines a cabin foundation. There are two cultural depressions located within the site that are likely cache pits. A second possible structure foundation is located to the west. A large scatter of subsurface metal artifacts was identified using a metal detector. Subsurface testing confirmed the presence of subsurface historic metal artifacts and single subsurface test was also positive for precontact lithic material.
A large piece of homemade stove was recovered. This stove piece had been irregularly cut out of sheet metal using a large chisel. Large stove parts were also observed within subsurface test 3, inside the cabin foundation. A single secondary flake of white quartzite was also recovered.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GeOo-59 has moderate significance. The site is in good condition and is a good example of early 20th century settlement and land use. The site is most likely associated with early commercial or subsistence fishing or trapping.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-59. If future development is planned that will affect the site area, additional assessment and recording should be undertaken.
GeOo-60 Historic and precontact archaeological site GeOo-60 is identified at test location TL 9-16 (Figure 16.5-4).The site is located on the eastern edge of a large upland area that is 180 m northeast of the point where Marie Creek flows into May Lake. The site consists of a portion of trail, a subsurface historic scatter and a large precontact campsite. A metal detector survey was conducted within a clearing on the trail recorded as GeOo-66. A number of metal detector signals were identified. A subsurface test was excavated over one of these signals and a historic can lid was recovered. This subsurface test also recovered precontact lithic artifacts. A total of 16 subsurface tests were excavated of which 10 were positive for precontact cultural remains. Systematic testing was carried out in order to try and define the boundary of the site, but successive subsurface tests were positive and it became clear that the site was large. The testing interval was increased in order to approximately define the site. One historic can lid, four
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burned bone fragments, one piece of fire cracked rock and 25 lithic artifacts were recovered. The lithic assemblage includes 23 pieces of lithic debris of various grades of locally available quartzite, one large quartzite biface and a retouched flake of BRS.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development. The historic trail does pass through the site, but this trail is overgrown and there is no surface exposure of sediments.
Archaeological site GeOo-60 is a multicomponent campsite and has high scientific significance. Bone fragments were found at the contact between the litter mat and the upper topsoil. The bone was submitted for radiocarbon dating and returned a modern carbon content indicating that the material was living within the last 60 years. The precontact lithic material was recovered from a wide range of depths up to 70 cm and it is likely that there is more than one precontact component present. The depths of the sands are unknown and the site may contain even more deeply buried cultural material, particularly to the east. No subsurface tests were excavated within the poorly drained black spruce muskeg area to the east. There is a high potential that this site includes culturally diagnostic material in association with datable material. The site includes formed tools and fire cracked rock indicating that the site was the location of long-term occupation. The BRS is sourced 300 km to the north in the Fort MacKay area. The presence of BRS indicates either long distance trade of raw materials or a movement of people. The sites proximity to a historic trail with potential precontact origins provides further evidence to support this.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-60. If future development is proposed within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended.
GeOo-61 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-61 is identified at test location TL 114-9 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located at the north end of May Lake, 200 m west of the mouth of an unnamed creek. The site consists of an isolated precontact artifact. One of nine subsurface tests was positive for cultural remains, resulting in the discovery of a single quartzite flake.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GeOo-61 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-62 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-62 is identified at test location TL 115-11 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on the eastern side of May Lake. The site consists of a small lithic scatter. One of 11 subsurface tests was positive for cultural material, consisting of 25 pieces of quartzite debris and a retouched flake made from BRS.
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The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development. A recreational trail is located 35 m to the west and has created substantial surface exposure of sediments.
Archaeological site GeOo-62 has moderate scientific significance. The site includes evidence of a single event of lithic reduction and a discarded tool fragment. Archaeological sites GeOo-42 and GeOo-53 are located 80 and 135 m to the southwest at the creek mouth below the upland area. This area is a focus of intense precontact activity and there is the potential for additional cultural remains in the vicinity. The presence of BRS from the Fort McMurray region is an indication of long distance trade.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-62. If future development is proposed within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended.
GeOo-63 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-63 is identified at test location TL 116-14 (Figure 16.5-4). The site is located on the eastern side of May Lake. The site is a precontact campsite and consists of large lithic scatter. Seven of 16 subsurface tests were positive for cultural remains. One stemmed projectile point preform was recovered. Two biface fragments, three core fragments and 55 pieces of debitage were also recovered. Four pieces of fire-cracked rock were collected. All material except for two pieces of grey chert was made from locally available quartzite.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GeOo-63 has moderate significance. The site assemblage includes numerous different lithic materials, evidence of tool manufacture and domestic activity, including fire-cracked rock. The associated landform is large and extends to the north. There is the potential for the site to extend further to the north and for additional cultural remains to be present.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-63. If future development is proposed within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended.
GeOo-64 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-64 is identified at test location TL 117-12 (Figure 16.5-5). The site is located at the south eastern end of a small lake, 3.5 km east of Bourque Lake. The site consists of an isolated artifact. One subsurface test of 11 was positive for cultural remains, consisting of a single siltstone flake.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GeOo-64 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
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GeOo-65 Precontact archaeological site GeOo-65 is identified at test location TL 118-15 (Figure 16.5-5). The site is located on large steep sided upland area that is elevated up to 20 m above the surrounding terrain. May Lake is located 2.6 km to the northeast. The site consists of a small lithic scatter. Two of 15 subsurface tests were positive for cultural remains. A total of four pieces of lithic debris were recovered. Three flakes had been manufactured from white chert, which may be Swan River Chert.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development. A recent mulched seismic line bisects the terrain feature; however, this has not created any surface exposures of sediments.
Archaeological site GeOo-65 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOo-66 Historic trail GeOo-66 was identified by an Imperial representative through field visits and LiDAR interpretation and was verified by a field visits during the subject assessment. Sections of the trail were surveyed and the route was mapped using GPS and LiDAR. The trail is located on the western side of May Lake and extends from the outfall of Marie Creek at the south end of the lake, along the lake shoreline (Figure 16.5-4). The trail crosses Marie Creek at the north end of the lake and continues north along the eastern side of Marie Creek. The Imperial representative reported that the trail continues to the north of the HRLSA, extending up to Burnt Lake. The trail was the traditional route into the area that is now the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. The trail system may connect with a recreational trail that extends to Marie Lake to the south. This recreational trail may have a precontact origin.
The trail is well-defined with parallel wheel ruts visible along much of its length. The trail is overgrown with little surface exposure of sediments except where occasional modern ATV use has impacted the site. Occasionally mature trees were observed between the wheel ruts indicating that the trail has not been intensively used in the last 60 years.
Archaeological site GeOo-66 has high scientific significance. The site is closely associated with numerous historic and precontact archaeological sites and ties them together within the landscape. The site likely extends further to the north to Burnt Lake, Christina Lake and possibly the Fort McMurray region. Given the presence of raw materials from the Fort McMurray region, the trail is most likely part of a far ranging trade network. Twelve precontact archaeological sites were recorded along this trail during the current study. These sites are GeOo-34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 47, 48, 55, 56, 57, 59, and 60, indicating that the trail has a strong association with precontact land use. Two of these sites contained BRS, which is sourced in the Fort MacKay area, 300 km to the north and provides additional evidence for long distance movement of people.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-66. If future development is proposed within the site area or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended.
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GeOo-67 Historic archaeological site GeOo-67 was identified by an Imperial representative through interviews with local residents and a field visit. The site location was verified by a field visit during the subject assessment (Figure 16.5-4).The site is located on the western terrace of Marie Creek, 4.2 km south of Marie Creek. The site consists of a large standing cabin, located on the edge of the creek terrace. The site is bisected by a trail that is recently used. The trail is generally clear of brush with occasional sediment exposure. A spread of historic refuse extends to the west of the cabin and includes two stoves, a tent trailer, a truck canopy and a large refuse pile. According to an interview held with family members of the Duckett family, this cabin was the third cabin built by Mr. Duckett Sr. in the region and was originally constructed in 1918. Other sources, however, indicate that the Duckett family did not move to the Cold Lake region until the early 1920s (Cherry Grove History Committee 1981). The cabin was used for hunting and trapping. It was reported that there are possibly graves located at this site dating from the 1950s. No depressions or mounds displaying the characteristics of graves were observed. The current cabin is a much more recent structure and is actively used. The refuse deposits are the result of extensive repair work and from tidying up the general area.
Four subsurface tests were excavated in the area surrounding the cabin. No cultural material, historic or precontact, was recovered from the subsurface tests.
Archaeological site GeOo-67 is a historic cabin of moderate scientific significance. The site may have a high cultural significance as a result of the possible presence of graves. The current cabin site is of recent construction and still in use. However, the site has been the location of a cabin since the early part of the 20th century. There remains the potential for precontact cultural remains to be located nearby along the terrace of Marie Creek. The trail along the western terrace of Marie Creek also likely has a precontact origin.
An HRV4a designation has been assigned to GeOo-67. If future development is proposed within the site or surrounding area, additional assessment is recommended.
GeOp-23 Precontact archaeological site GeOp-23 is identified at test location TL 134-8 (Figure 16.5-3). The site is located on the eastern side of Bourque Lake. The site consists of a single precontact artifact. One of nine subsurface tests was positive for cultural remains, consisting of a single quartzite flake.
The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development, although there are numerous tree throws within the site area.
Archaeological site GeOp-23 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
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GeOp-24 Precontact archaeological site GeOp-24 is identified at test location TL 135-21 (Figure 16.5-3). The site is located on the north-western side of Bourque Lake. The site consists of a large diffuse lithic scatter. Five of 21 subsurface tests were positive for cultural remains. One quartzite core fragment and four pieces of lithic debris of various grades of quartzite were recovered.
An informal campground and boat launch is located within the site area and is accessed by a trail from the nearby road. Large areas of the site are clear of vegetation and there are substantial surface exposures. Impacts are ongoing and cumulative.
Archaeological site GeOp-24 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOp-25 Historic archaeological site GeOp-25 was identified by the Imperial representative through previous field visits. The site location was verified by a field visit during the subject assessment (Figure 16.5-3). The site is located on a peninsula that juts out from the eastern side of Bourque Lake. The site consists of a cabin that has been burned within approximately the last 30 years. Juvenile aspen are now growing within the cabin and remains within the cabin appear to be burned. A 1981 penny was recovered from within the cabin. The evidence for burning is restricted to the cabin and surrounding 2 m area.
The cabin was approximately 3 x 5 m and has been cut into a 5 degree slope to level the foundation. A wire spring bed and a stove are located within the cabin and a general scatter of historic artifacts is located around the cabin, including a brick. The remains of a small shed and pit are located on the same lower bench. A refuse dump is located on the upper bench to the west, which includes plastic snowmobile oil containers. No subsurface testing was carried out at this site. No cultural material was collected from this site.
The site area is intact and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GeOp-25 may have cultural and historical significance. It has been assigned an HRV of 4a.
This site may be the same site that contains the “fishing shack” recorded as HS81373 under permit 01-205 as GeOp-H2 (Tischer 2001). The description on the HSS form and in the 01-205 report are very general and this cannot be confirmed. The coordinates show the heritage standing structure within the GeOp-25 site area.
GeOp-26 Precontact archaeological site GeOp-26 is identified at test location TL 113-15 (Figure 16.5-3). The site is located on the eastern terrace of a minor creek that flows into Bourque Lake, 2.8 km to the southwest. The site consists of an isolated precontact artifact. One of 15 subsurface tests was positive for cultural remains, consisting of a single chert flake.
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The site area was intact prior to subsurface testing and has not been affected by previous development. A winter access road cut across the upper terrace of the creek to the north of the site, but has not impacted the site area.
Archaeological site GeOp-26 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
GeOp-27 Precontact archaeological site GeOp-27 was an isolated surface find (Figure 16.5-3). The site is located on a peninsula that juts out of the eastern side of Bourque Lake. The site consists of a single precontact flake fragment. No subsurface tests were excavated at this site.
The site area is intact and has not been affected by previous development.
Archaeological site GeOp-27 has low scientific significance and has been assigned an HRV of 0. No further assessment is recommended.
16.5.3.3 Revisited Archaeological Sites Although 51 archaeological sites have been found within the HRLSA prior to this study, it was not the intention of this study to revisit all of these sites and assess potential effects of future development as they have been assessed and assigned HRVs. Two previously recorded archaeological sites were revisited during the HRIA survey as they were observed in due course.
GdOo-9 Archaeological site GdOp-9 was initially identified in 1977 under Permit 77-093 (Reeves and McCullough 1978). This archaeological site is located on the western shore of Marie Lake and was identified as surface finds on exposed beach sands (Figure 16.5-5). GdOp-9 was revisited under Permit 92-010. At the time of this revisit, the site area had been impacted by off-road vehicle activity. No additional precontact remains were identified and the exact location of GdOp-9 was not relocated.
The existing site coordinates place GdOp-9 50 m off the western shore of Marie Lake. During the current study, the beach area described on the site form as the location of GdOp-9 was inspected and exposed sediments were inspected. Three pieces of lithic debitage and the base of a projectile point were observed within these surface exposures.
GdOp-9 has been assigned an HRV of 0 and no further work is recommended at this site.
GdOp-2 Archaeological site GdOp-2 was originally identified in 1980 (McCullough 1980). The site consists of a small cairn constructed of approximately 21 boulders in a single tier southwest of Bourque Lake (Figure 16.5-5). The site was uncovered by a bulldozer during construction of a cutline. The site is located on an east-west aligned cutline within flat featureless and poorly drained terrain. Vegetation consists of black spruce, tamarack and moss.
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During the current study, the coordinates provided by the existing site form were revisited. No evidence for a cairn was observed at this located. A metal frame and a faded sign were located approximately 50 m to the west of the site coordinates. Probing within the metal frame using a shovel showed the presence of boulders under the moss layer. Probing around the metal frame indicated that the natural sediments are thick organic peats. A scatter of boulders and or boulder fragments was found along the northern edge of the cutline to the east of the cairn, likely relocated during the original disturbance caused by the bulldozer.
Two subsurface tests were excavated on the periphery of the cairn. No boulders were found extending to within the organic peat layer corroborating the initial findings that the boulders were restricted to within the moss layer. The sediments within these tests were waterlogged organic peat. The cairn was surveyed using a metal detector and numerous signals were identified within the central part of the cairn. Care was taken to differentiate metal detector signals from the metal frame and from metal artifacts within the frame. The cairn contains some metal objects although the age and origin of these objects is unknown and may postdate the cairn. A short survey transect around the area surrounding the cairn identified numerous axe cut tamarack stumps indicating some historic activity around the cairn site. It is known that during the initial 1913 survey that the township lines were cut and mounds were dug. The site is located on a section line. The presence of metal objects with the cairn, nearby axe cut stumps and the site location on a section line, lead to a high likelihood the cairn is of historic origin.
The evidence at GdOp-2 suggests that the site is historic, however, no subsurface testing was carried out within the cairn and the nature of the cairn is unknown. The cairn contains some metal artifacts, but the exact nature of these metal artifacts is unknown.
This site has been assigned HRV4a. If future development is planned that will affect the site area, additional assessment and recording should be undertaken.
16.5.3.4 Heritage Standing Structures Two archaeological sites contained standing structures and were also recorded as heritage standing structures. These structures have not been assigned an HS number by CT. Both archaeological sites have designations of HRV4a.
Marie Creek Cabin The site was recorded as archaeological site GeOo-67 (Figure 16.5-4) and consists of a large standing cabin, located on the edge of the creek terrace. The site is bisected by a trail that is currently utilized. The trail is generally clear of brush with occasional sediment exposure. A spread of historic refuse extends to the west of the cabin and includes two stoves, a tent trailer, a truck canopy and a large refuse pile. The cabin location was reported by an Imperial representative. According to an interview the representative held with family members of the Duckett family, this cabin was the third cabin built by Mr. Duckett Sr. in the region and was originally constructed in 1918 (Kirstein 2013). Other sources, however, indicate that the Duckett family did not move to the Cold Lake region until the early 1920s (Cherry Grove History Committee 1981). The cabin was used for hunting and trapping and has been occupied recently.
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Seismic Barn Site The seismic barn site is named for its discovery by seismic crews. The barn structure is recorded as part of archaeological site GeOn-9 (Figure 16.5-4). The barn is 5 x 5.5 m has standing walls with six to seven courses of logs and has a wide doorway facing to the south. The structure is partially collapsed and there is no evidence of windows or a doorway. There are sawn logs scattered within the opening indicating that the opening has been enlarged possibly to remove a stove. This structure is part of a large historic site most likely a sawmill camp.
Seismic Cabin Site The seismic cabin site is named for its discovery by seismic crews. The cabin remains are recorded as part of archaeological site GeOn-9 (Figure 16.5-4). The cabin is a 4 x 5 m cabin made of sawn logs. No doorway was obvious within the cabin as much of the structure is collapsed and is low to the ground. The remains of a sheet-metal stove are located between the cabin and the barn. This structure is part of a large historic site most likely a sawmill camp.
16.5.3.5 Traditional Land Use Sites No TLU sites are directly identified as a result of this survey. Many of the archaeological sites identified within the HRLSA may also be regarded by Aboriginal communities as TLU sites. It is possible archaeological sites that include cabins or trails have significance to and are associated with Aboriginal communities, however, no direct evidence for ownership of these sites is observed. Further, investigation involving documentary research and Aboriginal consultation is necessary to confirm this association and significance. The results of the baseline HRIA are being shared with interested First Nations in order to facilitate this. No recommendations were made for designating historic resources an HRV of 4c or 5c.
16.5.3.6 Summary of Baseline Data The desktop study identified 51 previously recorded archaeological sites and 22 previously recorded historic structures with the HRLSA. GIS analysis identified 322 areas of terrain with archaeological potential, totalling 3,075 ha. Approximately 38% of the terrain with archaeological potential was subject to field assessment. A total of 1,535 subsurface tests were excavated at 139 locations in the HRLSA. As a result of this assessment, 57 previously unrecorded archaeological sites were recorded. These sites consist of one historic trail, one historic scatter with greater than 10 artifacts, nine historic cabins, three historic sawmills, five precontact campsites, six precontact lithic workshops, four precontact lithic scatters with greater than 10 artifacts, 14 precontact lithic scatters with fewer than 10 artifacts and 15 sites consisting of an isolated precontact artifact. Six of the precontact sites also include a historic component. Precontact lithic workshop GeOo-55 includes a historic cultural depression and a scatter of historic refuse. Precontact lithic scatter GeOo-52 includes historic truck parts. Precontact campsites GdOo-46 and GdOo-40 include a historic cultural depression and precontact campsite. Precontact campsite GeOo-60 includes a historic scatter. Two of the historic sites, GeOo-9 and GeOp-67, were also recorded as historic structures. Previously recorded sites GdOo-9 and GdOp-2 were also revisited. Three historic structures were recorded at two archaeological sites.
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The Baseline Case identifies 108 recorded archaeological sites within the HRLSA. The study area for this project is very large and much of the study area has not been fully assessed for historical resources. Although there have been 24 previous HRIA studies in addition to the present study within the HRLSA, there remains the potential for unrecorded historic resources to be located within these previous study areas. Seven of the newly recorded archaeological sites were located within the study areas of previous HRIAs. Archaeological sites GdOp-35, GdOp-37, GdOp-38, GdOp-39 and GdOp-40 are located within the study area for Permit 84-093 (Archaeological sites GdOp-37 is also located within the study area for Permit 01-205). Archaeological sites GeOp-24 is located within the study area for Permit 01-205 and archaeological sites GdOo-44 is located within the study area for Permit 92-010.
From the information available, it is clear that there is a high density of archaeological sites within the HRLSA and that the landscape was occupied intensively in the past. Although there is existing development within the HRLSA, the lack of agricultural land clearance posits that much of the HRLSA remains undisturbed. The HRLSA contains an inherently valuable record of precontact and historic land use.
Precontact Land Use The HRLSA is located within a diverse landscape where resources were available during the Precontact Period. The environment within the HRLSA was capable of supporting a stable precontact population. There are 87 sites within the HRLSA that include a precontact component. The precontact sites include 25 campsites, six lithic workshops, five lithic scatters with greater than 10 artifacts, 23 scatters with fewer than 10 artifacts and 29 isolated finds.
The focus of precontact land use within the HRLSA was at the major lakes, Bourque Lake, Marie Lake and May Lake. Fifty-nine or 67% of the precontact sites within the HRLSA are located within 400 m of a major lake. These sites are recorded as a combination of isolated artifacts, lithic scatters and campsites. A more intensive survey of May Lake is undertaken as part of the baseline survey. The results show that cultural remains are present at almost every terrain feature selected for subsurface testing. Only six subsurface test locations on May Lake are negative. It is likely that the entire lake shore of May Lake is a single diffuse archaeological site within which are located areas of more intense activity. The most intensively occupied areas are located where creeks enter or discharge from May Lake. This situation is most likely repeated at Bourque Lake and Marie Lake.
Subsurface testing around the major lakes was very productive for precontact cultural remains. Only six test locations at Bourque Lake and two locations at Marie Lake were negative for precontact cultural remains. Approximately 75% of the subsurface test locations at major lakes were positive for precontact cultural remains.
The focus of precontact activity on the major lakes is attributed to the abundant resources available at the lakes. The reliable and predictable grouping of large numbers of fish during their different annual spawning events would have allowed people to undertake advanced planning during the Precontact Period. People would have been able to return to the same locations at the same time of year repeatedly. A reliable and predictable resource would have allowed for a stable population to develop.
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Despite the activity at the major lakes, the inland areas of the HRLSA were not avoided during the Precontact Period. Twenty-eight of the precontact archaeological sites located within the HRLSA are located over 400 m from a major lake. These sites are generally located in close proximity to a creek, small lake or wetland area. Terrain within the HRLSA is a mosaic of small lakes and ponds interconnected by a network of minor creeks and glacial meltwater channels, which eventually drain into a major lake. The inland areas away from the major lakes would have provided good locations for hunting and trapping. Water fowl and beaver and muskrat would have been hunted at the small lakes, ponds and wetland areas. The large open black spruce muskeg and sandy Jack pine forested areas would have provided good environments for caribou hunting and the moose and deer would have been hunted in the mixed wood upland areas. The drainage and trail networks would have provided transportation between the major occupation sites at the major lakes and access to inland hunting areas.
Precontact archaeological sites located within inland areas are typically smaller. Fourteen of these sites are lithic scatters with fewer than 10 artifacts and 10 are isolated artifacts. Four of the sites located over 400 m from a major lake are precontact campsites, however, these sites are located on a major drainage within 1 km of a major lake. Three of the inland sites, GeOo-46, GeOo-54 and GeOo-62, are located on the summits of large well-defined upland areas. Although these sites are small lithic scatters, it was found that these upland areas have a thick layer of what is interpreted as aeolian sand overlying a gravel layer. The cultural material was occasionally deeply buried and these sites are potentially of greater antiquity.
The precontact occupation within the inland areas of the HRLSA was much less intensive than that at the major lakes. Consequently, a much greater effort was required to identify these archaeological sites. During the current study, only 16 precontact sites were identified over 400 m from a major lake. A total of 94 subsurface test locations were assessed over 400 m from a major lake. Seventeen percent of these test locations were positive for precontact cultural material.
Very little culturally or temporally diagnostic cultural material is available from archaeological studies within the HRLSA. Previous HRIA studies recovered two projectile points from two separate sites. The distal portion of a black siltstone side-notched projectile point was recovered from precontact archaeological site GeOp-12 and the base of a side-notched quartzite projectile point was recovered from precontact archaeological site GdOo-6. These projectile points are incomplete and no attempt was made to assign them to a cultural complex or time period. Side- notched projectile points are common to cultural complexes from the early Middle Precontact Period onwards and could potentially date from any time from 7,500 to 1,500 years ago.
A ceramic sherd, described as smooth, dense and undecorated was recovered from archaeological site GdOp-1. No attempt was made to assign this pottery to a cultural complex or provide a date estimate. Little was known regarding Aboriginal pottery in the boreal forest at the time the site was recorded. The smooth undecorated pottery is more typical of the Old Woman’s Phase, which further to the east and south dates from approximately 1,200 to 700 years ago (Young 2006). The Old Woman’s Phase is more strongly associated with plains adapted people
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further to the south. Pottery identified at the Black Fox Island site (GfPa-32) at Lac La Biche and at the Duckett site is consistent with Narrows Fabric impressed ware associated with the Late Woodland (Young 2006).
During the Baseline case field study, five projectile points were recovered from four archaeological sites. The base of an Early Precontact Period Agate Basin projectile point was recovered from GeOn-5. It is possible that a second Agate Basin projectile point base was recovered from GdOp-9, however, this example is very water worn and it is difficult to analyze any identifiable features. An incomplete Middle Precontact Period point dating from 500 to 2,800 years ago and a complete Late Precontact side-notched point dating to from 1,100 to 700 years ago were recovered from GeOo-33. A small stemmed projectile point was recovered from GeOo-56. This projectile point is assigned to the Late Precontact Period Taltheilei tradition dating from 2,500 to 800 years ago.
Historic Land Use The HRLSA includes a surprisingly large number of historic sites for the boreal forest. Within the HRLSA, there are 38 historic sites. These sites consist of; 18 cabin sites with a total of 33 individual cabins; four sites with shacks made of commercially produced boards; seven sawmills or sawmill camps; two scatters of historic refuse; three historic trails; one historic campsite; one trapping site; and two sites with a single historic cultural depression. These sites are predominantly early to mid-20th century sites. Two cabins are still occasionally occupied and the shack sites are constructed from more recent building material that post-dates the 1950s.
Historic activity also focused around the major lakes, with eight cabin sites on Bourque Lake, four on Marie Lake and two on May Lake. These sites are likely associated with commercial and/or subsistence fishing. The Mink Farm was located close to Marie Lake in order to be able to provide fish to feed the mink.
The sawmills found within the HRLSA are concentrated in two main areas; north of Marie Lake and to the southwest of Bourque Lake. These areas include large stands of Jack pine, which was the preferred wood for railway ties in the early 20th century. Early 20th century lumber activities took place during the winter months and when Marie Lake and Cold Lake froze, they would have provided a convenient transportation route for bringing lumber to Cold Lake from the area north of Marie Lake.
Transportation elsewhere and during the summer months was made through a network of trails. There are a number of trails and fragment sections of trails recorded on the 1913 township maps. Some of these trails are now recorded as historic resources including GeOo-66 and GdOp-26. These trails would have provided excellent access to all three main lakes and to areas beyond the HRLSA, such as Burnt Lake and Wolf Lake.
Direct evidence for trapping was only found at one site within the HRLSA, but trapping was likely to have occurred throughout the HRLSA and beyond the major lakes during the Historic Period. The four shack sites located within the area north of Marie Lake are likely trapline shacks.
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The most intact historic occupation is found at Bourque Lake. Archaeological site GeOp-13 located on the western side of Bourque Lake includes 10 cabins. This site is approaching a small settlement in size. An additional seven single cabin sites are located around Bourque Lake. It is obvious that there was a considerable activity at Bourque Lake in the early 20th century. There is little evidence available regarding who occupied these sites. It is known that when the Duckett family moved to the Cold Lake region, their first cabin was built on Bourque Lake. However, none of the recorded cabins can be directly attributed to the Duckett family. Other occupants are possibly other Euro-Canadian settlers, Métis or First Nations people. It is known that when identifying possible locations for reserved land for Métis communities in 1932, it was suggested by Joseph Francis Dion that Bourque Lake, then known as Green Jackfish Lake, was a potential location for reserved land for a Métis community (Wall 2008). Perhaps this hints at an existing Métis community at Bourque Lake in the 1930s.
The archaeological evidence within the HRLSA supports the historic written record that shows that the boreal forest to the north of Cold Lake was intensively utilized by Euro-Canadian settlers, Métis and First Nations peoples. A network of trails connected the major lakes and provided communication with the surrounding region. Much of this trail network is now overgrown and is difficult to identify on the ground.
The recreational trail from Marie Lake to May Lake was likely part of this network. There is evidence that this trail was improved using a bulldozer at some point in the last century. Occasionally a berm or deep cut is located along this trail. The trail around Bourque Lake was also improved with a bulldozer. During the 1977 survey for Permit 77-095, many of the sites identified around Marie and Bourque Lake were found in a bulldozer cut along the trail. This trail has become overgrown in the subsequent 36 years. During the construction at the Cold Lake weapons range, many of the early cart trails were improved to provide access for construction equipment and material to move up to the Cold Lake weapons range. However, these trails were located further to the west.
The size of trees growing in between the cart ruts on the west May Lake trail and the lack of any deep cuts on the trail suggests that this section of trail was never improved. This trail is one of the few intact sections of historic trail.
The land use pattern that was established during the Precontact Period appears to extend to the Historic Period. Land use has consistently focused on the major lakes. Thirty-six of the previously recorded archaeological sites are located within 400 m of a major lake. Thirty-five of the 57 sites recorded during this current assessment are located within 400 m of a major lake. The HRLSA is located in an area that was very strategically placed for economic development during the early part of the 20th century. The boreal forest provided access to productive lakes, traplines, timber, berries, and wild game, but is only 10 km north of land that was suitable for agricultural development. The major habitation centre that is now known as Cold Lake is only 15 km southeast of the HRLSA and would have provided access to modern services such as health care and schooling. Most supplies could be obtained within Cold Lake and it also provided a connection to the major transportation routes throughout Alberta.
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This pattern of land use altered in the later part of the 20th century. With the exception of the oil and gas development and a few trappers and hunting guides, there is little activity within the HRLSA. The historic cabin sites are generally abandoned, decayed and overgrown. The degree of degradation and other evidence suggests that the majority of these sites were abandoned by the middle of the 20th century. The 1950s was a period of great change within the Cold Lake region. The main factor is the establishment of the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range and CFB Cold Lake. This had a number of effects. The construction and maintenance of the airbase provided steady employment for a large number of people and there was less reliance upon the resources within the HRLSA. The development of the road and railway provided a better connection with other parts of Alberta and the economic pattern shifted. Also the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range restricted access to the area north of the HRLSA and the transportation routes through the HRLSA were no longer actively used to access this area. In addition, during the 1950s, the fish populations of Cold Lake and the other major lakes of the region collapsed and severe restrictions were placed on commercial fishing in the region. This resulted in the abandonment of much of the activities and sites within the HRLSA. However, many of the historic sites are well preserved and much of the landscape is undisturbed making a material record of early 20th century land use within the HRLSA.
16.5.4 Regulatory Approval No HRA approvals have been granted nor finalized requirements issued for the project as CT will only provide these once the updated project is approved by the Alberta Energy Regulator and a Historical Resources Application is made to CT. CT may require additional HRIA studies prior to construction for lands they consider to retain potential for historical resource sites.
Any mitigation measures applied to historical resources can only be completed with an HRA requirement, issued by CT.
16.6 Application Case By the time the Application Case is operational, all mitigative measures will have been applied and approval under the HRA will have been received for project components.
In-situ projects affect most historical resources mainly during the construction phase as any disturbance of sediments containing resources will disrupt the context of the materials and thus destroy the interpretive potential. The project may affect palaeontological resources in both the construction and operations phases as palaeontological resources may occur in surface sediments or in bedrock formations that are disturbed. Historical resources are non-renewable and, as such, effects to those resources are negative without mitigative measures applied. Once a site has been disturbed by development, the locality is forever removed from the record.
Project effects are examined using a maximum disturbance approach that assumes all development will occur at the same time over the entire footprint, representing a full development assessment including a maximum of 89 SA-SAGD well pads (11 initial, 41 productivity maintenance, and up to 37 potential) and all 58 potential borrow sources (Volume 2, Section 3.5). Five known historical resource sites are situated within the project footprint. These include four archaeological sites GeOo-46, GeOo-47, GeOo-54 and GeOo-65,
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all with an HRV0, and a heritage standing structure HS81366 (situated on HRV4c lands) (Figure 16.6-1). No specific palaeontological sites are known, but geological formations known to contain fossils occur within the HRLSA.
The direction of effect for known HRV0 historical resources within project footprint is neutral, since the removal of these sites will not significantly affect the archaeological record of the region. As a result of neutral rating, the magnitude, geographic extent, duration frequency and confidence in the ratings are not provided. Overall residual impact to HRV0 historical resources is neutral.
The magnitude of effect for known HRV4 sites would be high without mitigation since the removal of these would affect the archaeological record. With mitigation measures in place, the magnitude is reduced to low and the direction of the effect is positive if one considers that mitigative strategies result in the recovery of data that would previously have been unknown.
The frequency of effects to known archaeological sites within the development occurs once and the duration is long-term. With respect to recorded archaeological sites, confidence in the determination of these effects is high as all sites contain materials in the surface sediments and surface sediment removal and disruption is a known part of the construction process.
Baseline assessments do not necessarily identify all historical resources. Undiscovered historical resources may also be affected by the project. In particular, the lack of bedrock outcrops allowed for few opportunities to observe fossil deposits (palaeontological resources).
Undiscovered historical resources (archaeological, palaeontological, or historic) may be negatively affected by the Application Case as it is conceivable that not all of these resources will be discovered or recovered during the preproduction and operations phases in spite of the mitigative measures. If resources are not found, their loss may result in a low to moderate magnitude of effect, depending on their value to scientific interpretation. Because of the uncertainty of the value of these resources, confidence in these effects ratings is moderate with a final effect rating of low to moderate. Application case effects to undiscovered historic resources are local in extent, long-term in duration, and infrequent.
Like archaeological sites, heritage standing structures are negatively affected by development and valuable structures require mitigation of project effects. Since these structures are not individually assigned HRVs, the assessment of project effect is based on the HRV of the surrounding lands, which may have an archaeological, historical or cultural designation. Like archaeological sites, heritage standing structures occurring in lands designated as HRV4a or HRV4c that may be affected by a development project are likely to require avoidance and/or other mitigative strategies.
For heritage standing structures on lands that are not listed, the magnitude of effect is low, the extent local, direction is negative, long-term in duration, and infrequent. The predicted effects are stated in high to low confidence. Residual impacts are low.
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16.6.1 Mitigation Mitigation of project effects with respect to known historical resources can be achieved through avoidance, controlled data recovery excavation, and/or construction monitoring. For undiscovered historical resources, mitigation of effects is achieved through additional preconstruction HRIA studies, the training of personnel in the recognition of historical resources, and application of section 31 of the HRA (Government of Alberta 2000), which covers chance discoveries:
Notice of discovery of historic resource 31 A person who discovers an historic resource in the course of making an excavation for a purpose other than for the purpose of seeking historic resources shall forthwith notify the Minister of the discovery.
Under the Act, Imperial, or Amec Foster Wheeler on behalf of Imperial, would contact the Historic Resources Branch of CT to notify them regarding the discovered historic resource. This includes all archaeological, historical, traditional, and palaeontological materials.
To date, no requirements under the HRA have been issued by Alberta CT for the project. Based on the HRVs that have been assigned by the regulator, no mitigation of effects will be required for historical resources with HRV0 designations. Table 16.6-1 lists the recommended mitigation strategy for historical resource sites known to be located within the project footprint.
Table 16.6-1: Mitigation Summary
Resource Final Effect Effect Mitigation Strategy Indicator Rating GeOo-46 (HRV0) Removal during construction None Neutral GeOo-47 (HRV0) Removal during construction None Neutral GeOo-54 (HRV0) Removal during construction None Neutral GeOo-65 (HRV0) Removal during construction None Neutral HS81366 (on Consultation with First Nations regarding Removal during construction Low HRV4c lands) disposition of site containing historic structure
16.6.2 Summary In the Application Case, the final residual impact rating for historical resource receptors, with mitigation measures applied, is neutral for known archaeological resources, low for known heritage structures, moderate for undiscovered historical resources (both archaeological, palaeontological, and historic), and low for heritage standing structures without HRV (Table 16.6-2).
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Table 16.6-2: Application Case Effects Summary
Geographic Residual Resource Indicator Magnitude Direction Duration Frequency Confidence Extent Impact GeOo-46 (HRV0) n/r n/r Neutral n/r n/r n/r Neutral GeOo-47 (HRV0) n/r n/r Neutral n/r n/r n/r Neutral GeOo-54 (HRV0) n/r n/r Neutral n/r n/r n/r Neutral GeOo-65 (HRV0) n/r n/r Neutral n/r n/r n/r Neutral HS81366 (on HRV4c Low Local Positive Long-term Once High Low lands) Undiscovered historical Low/ Local Negative Long-term Infrequent Moderate Moderate resources Moderate Heritage Standing Low Local Negative Long-term Infrequent High Low structures (without HRV)
Note: n/r = Not rated, where direction is neutral, additional criteria are not assessed (Volume 2, Section 3.6).
16.7 Planned Development Case Several existing and planned projects surrounding the HRLSA will also affect historical resources in the region. During the Planned Development Case, the effects on historical resources will be no different from the Application Case as there will be no overlap of project footprints.
16.8 Monitoring It is expected that the regulator will issue additional assessment requirements when HRA approval is sought for specific project component footprints. This is likely to include additional historical resources assessment and may result in a requirement for mitigative excavations and/or avoidance of some historical resources and consultation with First Nations for lands designated HRV4c. During the life of the project, monitoring and additional assessment of historical resources may be required if a valuable resource site is avoided, but located in close proximity to development.
To date, no requirements under the HRA have been issued for the project.
16.9 Summary The historical resources baseline assessment showed that 108 archaeological sites and 24 heritage standing structures have been recorded in the HRLSA. In addition, 25 HRIA studies have been conducted within portions of the HRLSA, including the baseline HRIA for this project.
For the most part, the approach to historical resource assessment for the project was based on standard practices for HRIAs in Alberta. Instead of focusing on a given footprint, however, this assessment was landscape-based within the entire HRLSA. As a result, this assessment incorporates the data produced by previous work and was the first in the region to directly test models of historical resource potential with respect to the entire land base. This has resulted in a more realistic understanding of where historical resources are likely to be found and provides a more accurate baseline assessment.
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A total of 139 target areas were tested during the baseline HRIA. In these target areas, 1,535 shovel tests were excavated, of which 141 were positive for archaeological resources and, as a result, 57 new archaeological sites were defined and recorded. Two sites were revisited. There are 87 sites within the HRLSA that include a precontact component and 38 historic sites.
The project will affect historical resources primarily during construction as these resources are sensitive to sediment disturbance. For the Application Case, five historical resources sites will be affected by the construction of project components. For the known archaeological sites, the effects are neutral in direction, as the sites are of little interpretive value. For the heritage standing structure, the effect is low in magnitude, and with mitigation applied residual impact will be low.
Undiscovered historical resources (archaeological, palaeontological, or historic) may be affected during construction and operations in the Application Case. The magnitude of these effects may be moderate, depending on the value of these resources and the effectiveness of the mitigative measures. The confidence in this rating is low because of the unknown locations of these possible resources, resulting in a residual impact of moderate.
Mitigation strategies include any requirements to be issued by CT once an application for HRA approval is made for project components. This will likely include consultation with First Nations regarding resources located on HRV4c lands, and application of Section 31 of the HRA to record undiscovered resources. A training program to orient onsite personnel to historical resource identification will help to allow that undiscovered resources are found during construction and operations.
The Planned Development Case will not affect historical resources differently from the Application Case.
With respect to the knowledge of historical resources in the region, the project will make a positive contribution once data have been recovered from valuable sites and any paleontological or other undiscovered historical resources have been found and recorded. Confidence in the mitigative measures resulting in the discovery of all unrecorded resources is poor, resulting in a moderate residual impact. Confidence in the effectiveness of the mitigative measures with respect to project effects on recorded historical resources is good resulting in a low residual impact.
16.10 References Alberta Culture and Tourism (CT). 2013. Listing of Historic Resources – September 2013 Edition. Land Use Planning Section. Edmonton, AB. Available online at: http://www.culture.alberta.ca/heritage/resourcemanagement/landuseplanning/default.as.
Alberta Culture and Tourism (CT). 2015. Listing of Historic Resources – March 2015 Edition. Land Use Planning Section. Edmonton, AB. Available online at: http://www.culture.alberta.ca/heritage/resourcemanagement/landuseplanning/default.as.
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Burford, A. 2014. Imperial Oil Resources Limited, Cold Lake Study Area, Baseline Study. Historical Resources Impact Assessment. Final Report. Permit 13-207. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
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Department of the Interior. 1913f. Plan of Township 66, Range 4, West of the Fourth Meridian. Surveyor Generals Office, Ottawa, ON.
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Dyke, A.S. 2004. An Outline of North American Deglaciation with Emphasis on Central and Northern Canada. In: Quaternary Glaciations – Extent and Chronology Part II: North America, edited by J. Ehlers and P.L. Gibbard. Developments in Quaternary Science 2, series editor J. Rose, Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 373-424.
Fedirchuk, G.J. 1980. Historical Resources Impact Assessment Parts of N½ S7, S18, SW¼ S17, Tp63, R1, W4M and SE¼ S13 and Part of N¼ S13, Tp63, R2, W4M, Cold Lake, Alberta. Final Report Permit 80-100. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
Fedirchuk, G.J. 1982. Evaluative Investigations GhPh-11, Ka Kittoo Wak Site. Fedirchuk McCullough & Associates Ltd. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
Fedirchuk, G.J. 1984. Historical Resources Impact Assessment Esso Resources Canada Limited Cold Lake Commercial Development Area. Permit 84-093. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
Fedirchuk, G.J. 2010. Historical Resources Mitigation, French Bay Resort Company Ltd. French Bay Resort, Cold Lake, Alberta. Final Report Permit 88-056. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
Fedirchuk, G.J. and E.J. McCullough. 1994. The Duckett Site. 10,000 Years of Prehistory on the Shores of Ethel Lake, Alberta. ESSO Resources Canada Limited. Permit 86-034. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
Fenton, M. and J.W. Ives. 1984. Preliminary Observations on the Geological Origins of Beaver River Sandstone. In: Archaeology in Alberta 1983, edited by J. Brink, Pp 166-189. Archaeological Survey of Alberta Occasional Paper No. 19, Edmonton, AB.
Fisher, T.G., N. Waterson, T.V. Lowell, and I. Hajdas. 2009. Deglaciation Ages and Meltwater Routing in the Fort McMurray Region, Northeastern Alberta and Northwestern Saskatchewan, Canada. Quaternary Science Reviews 28 (17-18).
Fuller, W.A. and L.A. Bayrock. 1965. Late Pleistocene Mammals from Central Alberta, Canada. In: Vertebrate Paleontology in Alberta. Edited by R.E. Folinsbee and D.M. Ross. University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB. pp. 53–62.
Gorham, L. 1997. Historical Resources Impact Assessment Imperial Oil Resources Limited Cold Lake Expansion Project. Permit 96-061. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
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Gruhn, R. 1981. Archaeological Research at Calling Lake, Northern Alberta. Canada National Museum of Man, Mercury Series, No. 99. Ottawa, ON.
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Gryba, E.M. 1985. Evidence of the Fluted Point Tradition in Alberta. Archaeological Survey of Alberta, Occasional Paper No. 26. Edmonton, AB, pp 22-38.
Gullason, L. 1990. The Fort George-Buckingham House Site Plantation (1792-1800): Native- European Contact in the Fur Trade Era. Master’s Thesis, Department of Anthropology, University of Alberta. Cultural Research Permit 88-044. Report on file. Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
Haley, S.D., B.M. Newton and G.J. Fedirchuk. 1982. Historical Resources Investigations. Merland Explorations Limited Canard Sales Line. Permit 82-032. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
Halsey, L.A., D.H. Vitt and I.E. Bauer. 1998. Peatland Initiation During the Holocene in Continental Western Canada. Climatic Change 40:315-342.
Hamilton, W.N., M.S. Price and C.W. Langenberg (editors). 1999. Geological Map of Alberta. Alberta Geological Survey, Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, Map No. 236, scale 1:1,000,000. Accessed online April 2014 at: http://www.ags.gov.ab.ca/publications/MAP/ PDF/MAP_236.pdf.
Harrington, C.R. (editor). 2003. Annotated Bibliography of Quaternary Vertebrates of Northern North America — with Radiocarbon Dates. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, ON.
Heitzmann, R.J. 1984. Historical Resources Impact Assessment Novacorp Pipelines Ltd. Leming Lake Sales Lateral and Meter Station. Permit 84-054. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
Heitzmann, R.J., G.J. Fedirchuk and E.J. McCullough. 1983. Historical Resources Impact Mitigation, Charlie Labatt Site GdOn-14. Appendix 1, Historical Resources Impact Assessment ESSO Resources Canada Limited Cold Lake Water Pipeline, Water Intake and Water Filtration Plant site. Permit 83-028. Fedirchuk McCullough & Associates Ltd. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
Heitzmann, R.J., J. Priegert and S.S. Smith. 1980. Historical Resources Inventory and Assessment: Proposed Northern Alberta Highway Construction Projects 1979. Permit 79-067. Final Report. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
Hickman, M. and C.E. Schweger. 1996. The Late Quaternary Palaeoenvironmental History of a Presently Deep Freshwater Lake in East-central Alberta, Canada and Palaeoclimate Implications. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 123.1: 161-178.
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Kjorlien, Y.P. 2011a. Historical Resources Impact Assessment Imperial Oil Resources, Historic Resources Site Associated with the L09 PDA in LSD 09-29-65-04-W4M. Permit 10-162. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
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Légal, E.J. 1914. Short Sketches of the History of the Catholic Churches and Missions in Central Alberta. West Canada Publishing Co. Winnipeg, MB.
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McCullough, E.J. 1980. Historical Resources Inventory and Assessment Esso Resources Canada Limited Cold Lake Project Commercial Development Area and Medley River Gravel Prospect No. 40. Permit 80-068. Consultant report on file with Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton, AB.
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Pettapiece, W.W. 1986. Physiographic Subdivisions of Alberta. 1:1,500,000 map. Agriculture Canada. Ottawa, ON.
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