More than 18 months have passed since the unexpected discovery of ancient human remains halted construction activities at a site on Withrow Avenue in east Toronto. The incident, which occurred on January 5, 2024, happened while crews were replacing an old lead pipe buried since the 1880s. The remains were uncovered just east of Broadview Avenue, between Gerrard Street East and Danforth Avenue.
Upon discovering the bones, Toronto police were summoned, leading to the immediate protection of the excavation site and a truck containing the disturbed soil. The provincial coroners and the Ontario registrar for burials mandated the City of Toronto to preserve the remains, which were later confirmed to be of Indigenous origin by an anthropologist.
Since the discovery, the sidewalk in the area has remained covered with a tent and fenced off under 24-hour security, with costs accruing to approximately $350,000 to $400,000 to date. North Riverdale resident Peter Sanders expressed surprise at the ongoing situation. He noted that while he understands the costs, many in the community are eager for an update and hope to see their street returned to normal.
Heritage Toronto has labeled the area where the remains were found as “one of Toronto’s most complex archaeological sites,” with artifacts believed to date back as far as 5,000 years, including a potential 700-year-old communal burial chamber. Archaeologist and vice-president of ASI Heritage, Lisa Merritt, highlighted the site's historical significance, stating that evidence points to a rich history of settlement, ceremony, and land stewardship by Indigenous peoples over 600 generations.
The City of Toronto, in collaboration with representatives from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, held a news conference to provide updates on efforts surrounding the burial site investigation. Chief Claire Sault remarked on the unrest the situation has caused within her nation, emphasizing their treaty rights to the area. She stated, “We are stewards of these lands, stewards of these waters, and guardians of the legacy of our ancestors.”
During the conference, city staff revealed that 10 out of 11 involved First Nations stakeholders had agreed on a way forward regarding the burial site investigation, although the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI) has not reached an agreement, citing broader concerns unrelated to the specifics of the burial site.
Chief Sault accused the HDI of obstructing the process and described the situation as “deeply distressing.” She condemned their actions as “unacceptable,” claiming they do not contribute to reconciliation or adequately protect the rights of legitimate stakeholders. Contact with HDI for a response after the news conference was not fruitful by publication time.
In terms of next steps, the city plans to prepare a report for the Ontario government by the fall while consultants are looking to expand the dig site. There remains no definitive timeline for resolution. Merritt stressed the importance of thorough documentation and consultation as they proceed with the excavation, which will be conducted carefully and in a methodical manner to uncover the extent of ancestral remains.
The excavation process involves digging in one-meter-square units, following a grid pattern, as they aim to determine the full extent of the burial site. When pressed further during a Q&A session, Merritt indicated that the burial feature was likely affected by urban development, making the findings particularly rare. However, the specific limits of the excavation will ultimately be decided by the provincial registrar.
Following the news conference, Chief Sault addressed local residents who may be impacted by the prolonged excavation, reiterating her nation’s commitment to work collaboratively with the City to reach a resolution. She underscored the significance of their treaty rights, affirming their dedication to engaging positively with their neighbors and partners in the area.
