Ontario's Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism has proposed updates to the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (ERO 026-0216), the first major revision since 2011. Most changes target efficiency, but two updates specifically reshape how cemeteries and burial sites are handled during development. What's changing **A new mandatory research step.** Archaeologists must now formally research and document cemetery boundaries during the earliest phase of assessment (Stage...

This has been a hot topic for the last couple of months since the ERO posted the new guidelines. As we are now in prime archaeology time, I wondered if these guidelines are going to make it easier or faster for Developers to get their permits? The quick answer - not likely. Here are some of the changes that have been observed in the 2026 Standards and Guidelines and how they may impact development. The bottom line - there are no shortcuts in archaeology. Stage 1: Background Study Project...

Engaging with Indigenous communities before starting any development project is crucial for several reasons: Respecting Indigenous Rights...