At least some limited work on the Southampton sewer construction project is going to continue while archaeological tests are carried out along the sewer corridor.
Work on the project stopped late last week when archaeological material was found as soon as shovels started scraping the ground in an area on Scubby’s Point just north of the Southampton Harbour.
Saugeen First Nations Chief Randall Kahgee says the First Nations archaeological team monitoring the work saw the material which suggested a potential site was being disturbed.
He says the find did not come as a surprise since the site area, and much of the nearby land, now in Southampton, was originally occupied by First Nations.
As well, there are a number of already registered burial sites in the vicinity of the project.
Kahgee says the first indications are that this is not a burial site but the material found does suggest it is a site of cultural and ceremonial significance for First Nations.
He says Saugeen Shores officials and First Nations representatives met in an emergency session on Thursday and reached an understanding on how the sewer project work would proceed.
That understanding states that the site will be protected and the town will look at how it can alter its project work plan to provide that protection.
For now, no work will take place in the area where site was discovered.
At the same time an analysis will be undertaken – supported by both the town and First Nations – to establish the nature and extent of the site.
Kahgee says there are some sections in the sewer corridor where the town is still able to proceed with some work.
Earlier analysis by First Nations suggest work could go forward in those areas.
He says there will be a technical meeting first thing Monday morning with the town representatives, construction team members and First Nations in attendance to make sure everyone is aware of the agreement and the protocols involved.
Meanwhile, the Sacred fire beside the site will continue to burn until a closing ceremony takes place at 8 AM Tuesday.
It’s expected both First Nations and town officials will be invited to attend that ceremony.