It is entirely appropriate to respect a very old Indigenous burial site, but should it involve a security guard monitoring it around the clock?
The security bill for an excavation in which ancient human remains were found just over a year ago is at least $310,000 so far, with the cost to taxpayers growing by the day.
In January 2024, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Water dug up a sidewalk on the south side of Withrow Avenue in Riverdale. Apparently, the hole was not covered well enough to prevent a pedestrian from falling into it.
John Brown, who lives on Withrow, suffered only bruises from his fall, but the 74-year-old made an unusual observation before climbing out: a “stick†that turned out to be a human bone.
Further investigation revealed more bones that are believed to be part of an ancient Indigenous burial site. That’s when things got complicated.
The investigation began last spring and is ongoing, with the excavation covered by a tent with a fence erected around it. But for local residents, it boils down to two issues: A sidewalk closure that has gone on for almost 13 months and the continuous presence of a security guard to keep an eye on it.
I’ve gotten notes from two local residents who question the cost and reasons for the sidewalk closure, especially since nothing has seemingly happened since the tent was pitched.
“How is it fair for our broke city of ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ to shoulder this ever-growing and unbelievable expense, when there is zero activity here?†said Pauline Stanley.
“How many years will the situation remain unaddressed?†she asked, noting that a security guard in a vehicle “has been parked there night and day ever since, watching the hole 24/7.â€
She also pointed out that the security vehicle is constantly running, which contravenes ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½â€™s 60-second idling bylaw.
“This has been irking me for a long time,†said Nancy Miller, who said she “finally got inspired while listening to the city budget meeting on speaker phone after receiving an Olivia Chow robocall,†noting that the mayor has proposed a 6.9 per cent property tax increase for 2025.
I went there and spoke to a friendly security guard who was playing with his phone while the vehicle idled to keep him warm. He said he has no idea what’s inside the tent stretched across the sidewalk and that keeping an eye on it doesn’t require much effort.
He said the main part of his job is to shoot photos every hour and send them off to the city.
Officials say this time is vital to make sure the investigation is done properly.
Officials say this time is vital to make sure the investigation is done properly.
STATUS: I sent a series of questions to the city and got a ponderous reply about how the city’s response is bound by an order from the province.
“The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery issued a provincial order instructing the City to engage a consultant archeologist to undertake an archeological investigation to determine the origin of the burial site at Withrow Avenue,†said city spokesperson Laura McQuillan.
“Since the order was received, the city has secured the site and procured a licensed consultant archeologist to provide a report that details the probable cultural origin and religious affiliation, boundaries of the burial site, any artifacts considered part of the burial site and any information relevant to the preparation of a site disposition agreement.
“The city is continuing to work with First Nations to ensure the site is treated with the utmost respect and that they have the opportunity to be involved in the Burial Site Investigation process.
“As the provincial order remains in effect until the investigation is complete, the city has maintained physical security around the clock at the site to ensure that the site is not tampered with and that the remains are not disturbed.â€
She went on to say that “security coverage at this location has been in place around the clock since January 2024 to ensure the site is protected until the investigation concludes. As of December 2024, approximately $310,000 has been invoiced for these security services at this location. The city regularly inspects the site to ensure the continued efficacy and appropriateness of the protection measures. “
McQuillan added that “we are experiencing colder weather and the security personnel are taking steps as needed to ensure their comfort and well-being while monitoring this site. Additionally, the security vehicle is considered a “Mobile Workshop†under (the Municipal Code) as the guard is required to monitor the site and share regular observations with the city and is therefore exempt from the Idling Control bylaw.â€
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