Interim Archaeological Recommendations DcRu-63 - 275 Kerwood Street

Re: 275 Kerwood Street Interim Archaeological Recommendations Archaeological Site DcRu-63HCA Permits 2019-0196 & 2019-0197

Dear Mr. Law and Mr. Ross,

Archaeological monitoring was conducted for the single-family residential house foundation at 275 Kerwood Street under Heritage Conservation Act site inspection permit 2019-016 and site alteration permit 2019-0197 July 15, 2020. Archaeological observations during excavation confirmed the foundation location was negative for archaeological sediments and this portion of the property had been heavily disturbed and built up with imported fill from the previous residential development.

Now that foundation excavation is complete, we recommend steps to protect any remaining archaeological sediments in southwest portion of the property. The section of sediments between the southwest wall of the foundation and slope down to Esquimalt Harbour are within the mapped boundary of DcRu-63, and at increased risk of erosion now that excavation is complete. This is a common issue for archaeological sites located along coastal shorelines, both as a result of development that alters natural drainage, and natural factors such as storm surge and climate change. In order to preserve and protect the remaining archaeological site we look at what can be done to protect the archaeological site. For example, protective covering, stabilization, and physical barriers are common techniques used. My understanding is that a retaining wall is proposed at approximately 8m above sea level (Figure 1) to stabilize/retain the sediments at the top of the slope, above Esquimalt Harbour. This area would then be covered with imported soils for landscaping, effectively capping and protecting the site. This is an ideal management strategy for the site in this location, however it may only be effective if the work can be completed before rains and storm surge in the fall and winter months.

Please let me know if there is anything Millennia can do to facilitate this process moving along, as it is preferred this work be initiated during the drier summer months. Although we have not identified any ancestral remains on the subject property, a number of burial/ancestral remains have been observed on properties to the northwest on Stewart Road (DcRu-63 Siteform).

Sincerely,

C. Erin Willows, BA, RPCA Senior Archaeologist & Field Director, Millennia Research Limited