The proposed reconstruction of the South Main St. Bridge in Port Robinson has hit a new roadblock.
Archaeologists have deemed the site to be of important historical significance and the Ontario government has asked the city to do an official excavation.
“During the Stage 3 assessment a significant archaeological artifact was found,” reads a City Hall report on the matter.
As ThoroldToday reported, the South Main St. Bridge is in need of replacement and the City hopes to turn the site into an Eco-Park.
While the city has spend the last several years working on a new design for the bridge, it was intending to start construction on the project in early 2025 — but now that timeline might need to change.
“The Registrar of Burial Sites at the Ministry of Public and Business Services Delivery has ordered that a Burial Site Investigation (BSI) be completed due to a significant archaeological find,” writes City Hall.
The report does not detail what was found at the site, but it does make mention that “First Nations Groups are required to monitor the archaeological fieldworks.”
The excavation will cost the city an additional $233,664.90 (excluding HST), which will come out of the Capital Asset Transportation reserve.
The city is also setting aside an additional $20,000 (excluding HST) “to allow three (3) different sets of First Nations Groups to attend and monitor the archaeological fieldworks.”
While city council still has to sign off on the project, their hands seem to be tied. If the city decides not to fund the cost of the excavation, “The City will be charged by the MPBSD for failing to comply with the Ministry’s BSI Order.”
The matter will be discussed at tomorrow night’s city council meeting.
