The District of Sechelt says 54 test pits have now been dug after the discovery Feb. 7 of possible archeological artifacts during work to install a storm sewer line on Trail Avenue.
Work was halted immediately after the discovery.
The test pits are all in the construction zone between Surf Circle and Pebbles Crescent.
According to the district, the soil from the test pits has been removed and In Situ Archaeological Consulting is screening the soil and soil removed earlier during the installation of the storm sewer line.
If no new artifacts are found, the province may be in a position to issue a permit to resume the construction work, possibly as early as March 9.
“Taking the time to do further investigations and testing in this area for any significant archaeological finds is extremely important to all of us. It shows our respect for the land and its history,” said Mayor Darnelda Siegers in an update released by the district on Feb. 28.
Sanath Bandara, manager of engineering services, added, “We are aware that the condition of the road is inconvenient for drivers and pedestrians and our contractor will take steps to keep the road safe and drivable for pedestrians and vehicles. Meanwhile we will work as quickly as possible to get this project back on track for summer completion.”
Most of downtown Sechelt has been designated as an archeologically sensitive site by the province, and the district said any artifacts are repatriated back to the Sechelt Nation at the tems swiya Museum.
