The project identified archaeological sites located within the Project Study area. Avoidance of these archaeological sites was not possible, so management recommendations included construction monitoring under an Heritage Conservation Act alteration permit to mitigate the site alterations.
An initial Preliminary Field Reconnaissance (PFR) was completed for the project in spring of 2023 to record the initial baseline archaeological data. An Archaeological Impact Assessment followed in the fall of 2023 to determine the extent of archaeological sites within the project study area. In 2024, construction monitoring was completed, and artifact analysis and final reporting will close the Project in 2025. Ktunaxa Nation Council and Shuswap Band participated in the project, sending out ʔaknusti’s and guardians.
The Project successful followed the management recommendations and permitting requirements, resulting in the caping of road surfaces through five archaeological sites which minimized impacts from the project, as well as ensures protection from future use. Construction monitoring was completed at the outlet of Mayook Marsh for the installation of a new low level water control and rock overflow infrastructure installed. Archaeological evidence collected during the project identified indigenous populations have used the area around Mayook Creek for thousands of years.
