Latest News

Mandatory wearing of masks in public indoor spaces is mandatory (with some exceptions) as of today in Toronto, elsewhere in the GTA likely in the coming days.  Read more, full link to article here.

The *preregistration signup link* has been emailed directly to all current APA Ontario members.

If you would like to register and can't find your email invitation, just drop a line to members@apaontario.ca

Virtual AGM by Zoom will take place on Saturday June 27th at 10am, followed by the paper presentation Patterson Village: The Archaeology of a 19th Century Company Town by Dr. Bill Finlayson. 

The latest APA Newsletter has been emailed directly to members, and will also be available here.

Members can now contribute to discussions about personal protective equipment, locations to access washrooms and food while on the road, and more -- to help keep everyone current who is participating in archaeological assessments during the pandemic.

Please contribute the information that you have, and subscribe to specific discussion topics to stay current!

"Eyes on the Ground" H&S Forum -- Go!

We are very pleased to report that as of this morning, and pursuant to several of our discussions with the Ontario Homebuilders Association, we now have a legal letter in hand which identifies archaeology as a preparatory study for essential construction activity.  This letter was shared with us in recognition of our profession being an important part of the development industry and needing definition under Emergency Regulations.  

Head to the Covid-19 tab for members to read more.

Various examples of health and safety protocols are now being added to the Covid-19 library of resources. 

Log in to head to the Covid-19 tab.

Yesterday's Ontario Government release widens permitted construction activity to include the beginning of below grade condos and apartments and continuance of above-grade projects. Again, there is no specific mention of pre-approval support or preparation studies such as archaeology.  This is more than likely a significant oversight on the part of those drafting these documents.  In fact, we located today on a government website a definition of site preparation activity and servicing which clearly does not include work such as ours.  We are seeking clarification from government and the housing industry.  We will post new information tomorrow.

Members can read more at apaontario.ca/coronavirus.

Link to the original Government news release.

Members now have access to a compilation of Covid-19-related resources on a dedicated tab, including this week's Provincial Framework for Reopening.  The resources in this tab will continue to be added to, for easy reference.  Log in to visit the Covid-19 tab in the Member Resources section.

APA's Covid-19 Archaeology Implementation Task Force:

   First, we want to assure members that we are constantly working on issues even if this is not immediately visible to you – as in the Duty to Consult and Obligation to Engage, Investigation committee proceedings on behalf of members, planning workshops and First Nation sessions, etc.  But we do appreciate your suggestions.  On this particular issue with Covid-19, we believe that legal advice is a second-best choice when what is needed is pro-active “essential” designation of our field work. This petition is in process as we speak with a special APA Task Force in place and connecting.

   Since there are ample financial measures now from the Federal Government to ensure at least short-term business survival, and APA has directed you to these, as well as to informational seminars, there is no current reason for archaeological work to take place other than for the essential services noted by the province.  We urge you to stay home unless you are part of an essential project.

  Some of you may not know that substantial fines are already being levied by inspectors in the construction industry as well as to environmental and other firms who have been operating without clear definition and even with essential definition but without adequate Health and Safety protocols in place. 

   APA is pursuing a more definitive status for our profession and projecting what protocols need to be in place for a return to work in the period after the peak of the epidemic.  We will advise as soon as we have concrete information to share.

    We definitely appreciate helpful suggestions.  Please touch base via members@apaontario.ca

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The following was made available for APA's members through Jessica Foster at the O'Keefe Accounting Group (JFoster@okeefecpa.ca).

As you may be aware, the Federal Government has recently made several important announcements regarding COVID-19 programs.

Members, please check your email inbox which includes an attached summary of changes and further resources for Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).

APA circulated an email to its members today with some information and guidance for businesses and individuals during the pandemic. 

If you didn't receive your copy, send an email to members@apaontario.ca

Highlights:

- temporary reduction of APA membership fees

- postponement of payments for the group insurance plan

- resources from an accountant to help navigate government relief programs and other financial advice