Halifax Public Gardens : archaeological resource impact assessment

Abstract

In January 2006, Davis Archaeological Consultants (DAC) Limited conducted an archaeological resource impact assessment in the Halifax Public Gardens, under contract to Halifax Regional Municipality. The assessment was limited to archaeological monitoring of mechanical excavation adjacent to the male washroom near South Park Street and a reconnaissance of the area immediately west of the female's washroom near Spring Garden Road as well as an area southeast of Horticultural Hall near the Spring Garden Road entrance gate. In July 2006, the construction was expanded to include the installation of catch basins on the west side of Horticultural Hall. The second phase of construction was conducted by Permacrete and was monitored by DAC's senior technicians from 10 July to 19 July 2006 and by DAC's president on 20 July and 26 July 2006. The assessment was conducted under an extension of Heritage Research Permit A2006NS10, issued by the Nova Scotia Museum in January 2006. No significant archaeological resources were encountered during monitoring activities, although several artifacts were collected from disturbed contexts. Consequently, construction was allowed to proceed as scheduled.