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NLIS 3
June 2, 2000
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


"Archaeological resources at Fort Townshend will not be destroyed," said Martha Drake, provincial archaeologist, with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. The findings at the Fort Townsend site have revealed portions of the Grand Battery Wall of the original fort which dates back to the late 1700s when this region played a significant role in the defence of British North America. The site will be the future location for The Rooms, a facility to house the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland Museum and the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Prior to commencing the archaeological dig, extensive research was conducted to identify the likely existence of the Grand Battery Wall and other features of the site," said Drake, whose office is responsible for ensuring that archaeological resources within the province are preserved and protected and that all legislative requirements are met when construction occurs near historic sites.

"The remains will not be destroyed," adds Drake. "To the contrary they will be protected during and after construction. There will be some interference in that some sections will have to be recorded and professionally dismantled, but most will be able to be reconstructed as part of the interpretation program if desired. This is very similar to the strategy at Pointe � Calli�re." Pointe � Calli�re is a 17th century site in the heart of old Montreal.

"We have always known that the Grand Battery Wall would be a key feature of the site," said Drake. "The condition of the wall and its location are being more clearly defined by our archaeologists now, and to date approximately 20 per cent of the excavation has been completed. There remains a great deal of work yet to be done before we can fully realize the extent and condition of the resources that exist at the site."

The findings of professional archaeologists retained to complete the excavation have been fully shared with architects, who have taken the archaeological information and used it in such a way as to plan the layout of the Rooms building and at the same time maximize the interpretive value of the Fort Townsend ruins. "The archaeological significance presented by Fort Townsend has been recognised since day one," notes Philip Pratt of PHB Group, who leads the team of architects and engineers developing The Rooms. "The design of The Rooms structure has taken into consideration what we knew to be underground, by developing the building to be raised on pillars over the archaeological site. As a result of the archaeological information, we have expanded the basement area and reconfigured it in such a way as to improve the interpretation potential of the Grand Battery Wall."

At this stage in the development the Provincial Archaeology Office continues to oversee the excavation and development of the site from a regulatory perspective and Penny Houlden, chief curator with the Newfoundland Museum is involved to determine the full interpretive value of the site. The museum is extremely excited about the archaeological opportunity and will ensure the full interpretation of Fort Townshend as a key part of The Rooms.

The development of The Rooms, which was first announced in December of 1999, has been viewed by many as a vital addition to the cultural landscape of the province. In recognition of the importance of the development, a process of open consultation began almost immediately with numerous groups including heritage committees, members of the community immediately adjacent to the development and many other stakeholders. "From the outset, there has been an open consultation process regarding the development of The Rooms project, and the design of the building has been fully discussed. This includes the presence of the fort and the basic approach to preserving and protecting the resource," said Pratt. "This consultation process is ongoing, and the department will continue to seek input on all aspects of the site development."

Archaeology will continue to uncover and record the resources at the site, and interpretive programming will look for the best possible options to present the story of Fort Townsend in a manner that respects the resources and achieves The Rooms project at the same time.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2000 06 02                             3:10 p.m.


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