As of Monday, September 23, an excavation is underway at 420 Main Street in St. Adolphe. The excavation is being closely monitored by the province's Historic Research Branch, headed by Suyoko Tsukamoto, an impact assessment archaeologist. It follows on the heels of reports that at least one unmarked children’s grave lies beneath the site, and possibly dozens more.
“Heritage assessments and monitoring work are undertaken to identify if a proposed activity or development might present a risk to heritage resources or human remains,” a provincial spokesperson tells The Citizen. “The type, scope, and methodology of these studies are regulated by the province, and their results serve to identify the best course of action to mitigate any damage or risk.”
This excavation work, which appears to be superficial in nature, will inform the next steps to be taken.
“The collaboration between the municipality and developer, as well as citizen engagement, is supporting a process that allows for a better understanding of previous land use at this site so that its future use can be appropriately determined.”
The future use of this site had already been determined prior to the province getting involved. Purchased by developer John Fuchs, 420 Main Street was intended to become a housing development, including both single-storey easy-access bungalows and two-storey side-by-sides.
Digging for the new development was scheduled to begin in late August. As surveyors mapped out the boundary between 420 Main Street and the lot belonging to the neighbouring parish, a lone grave marker belonging to Marie Thérèse Leclerc was discovered to lie on the wrong side of the fence.
It was at this time that local historians spoke out, indicating the potential for more unmarked graves. The markers are said to have been carried away during the 1950 flood and since commemorated by a cairn located behind the church.
Stalled in the interim by the municipality’s refusal to issue a building permit for the site, Fuchs says he’s now waiting on results from the province’s investigation before he commences his work.
“The province gave me [information] on how to proceed,” Fuchs says. “What to do to follow their guidelines to determine what’s there and what’s not and how to deal with that.”
Fuchs is feeling confident the excavation work will be completed by Friday, September 27. He is hesitant to speak to his plans to develop the lot before he gets clear direction from the province.
As the overseer to the cemetery located behind the St. Adolphe parish, the church’s board of directors is glad for the province’s involvement in the process.
“We’re happy to see the province has stepped in and is showing support with the archaeology team starting this week,” says David Boisjoli, parish board member. “We hope it brings clarity and closure to families and everyone involved.”
