Region awarded after Fischer-Hallman project uncovers Indigenous artifacts
The Region of Waterloo has been awarded the 2024 Municipal Engineers Association Award thanks to the project management achievements around the Fischer-Hallman Road improvements project.
“This award acknowledges those who have given outstanding service to society and community for work-related accomplishments in an engineering project of above average merit,” Councillor Region of Waterloo Colleen James.
The award was given to regional staff member Justin Armstrong, who helped lead the development of the archaeological field assessment. His team helped uncover 128,600 hand-crafted artifacts ranging from arrowheads and blades to jewelry and ceramics. They also discovered 69 features in the area including a longhouse, a sweat lodge and hearths.
“Justin managed a diverse project team, which included four Indigenous communities, engineering and archaeology consultants, and the general contractor,” said James. “His service-centered, collaborative approach guided the team towards successful project completion while building and strengthening relationships with each of these organizations.”
The field assessment lasted over three years from 2020 through to 2023, working to combine the regional infrastructure improvements with uncovering and preserving key pieces of history in the area.
“Being part of a project that combined the findings of significant pieces of history and regional infrastructure improvements was an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Armstrong. “The collaboration between the Region, Indigenous communities, and all project partners was vital in uncovering and preserving this important cultural heritage, and I’m proud to have been part of a team that worked so diligently to bring this history to light while continuing my journey of learning and growth.”
The discoveries are said to have helped reconstruct a better image of what life would have looked like in what is now Waterloo Region for a local woodland village between AD 1400 and 1600.
