Utoo Radio with Other News Sources, March 26, 2024 - Unexpected discoveries of Indigenous relics at Bayview Cemetery in Port Rowan, Ontario, have raised concerns about future burials, rising costs, and possibly closing the cemetery.

Norfolk's cemetery supervisor, David Drobitch, informed the council that archaeologists and First Nations monitors restoring habitat around the Long Point Causeway found evidence of a former Indigenous community "laying in plain view."

The government and Bereavement Authority of Ontario advised Norfolk to start a Heritage Act stage one archeological assessment with Indigenous nations after the county's findings.

To an inexperienced eye, Drobitch stated the freshly scooped ground looked like loose gravel.

"Certainly, the question remains: what other options are available?". "This has brought us to stage one of the assessment, ensuring that we are taking the appropriate measures."

The cemetery accepts burials, but a monitor must supervise digging and hunt for First Nations items.

Norwich's operations manager warned the cemetery may close if an Indigenous settlement is detected. To assure provincial legislative conformity, this verdict may need more detailed and expensive archeological monitoring.

"The cemetery may close if it becomes an artifact hub," warned Cridland.

"If the cost of selling a plot for under $1,000 ends up being $5,000 apiece, the council may need to consider ceasing operations for the cemetery."

Stage one evaluation and Indigenous consultation will be conducted by Hamilton-based Archaeological Research Associates Ltd., a major Ontario archaeological and historical consulting firm. This project is estimated to cost taxpayers $40,000.

Drobitch estimates Bayview Cemetery was founded in 1875.

Bayview Cemetery handled 14 cremated remains and one full-body burial last year.

Drobitch claims many family plots have burying rights but have not been sold.

He told the media the cemetery is full.This Long Point Bay view is stunning. This site rocks. Everyone likes this site.

Norfolk, the cemetery owner, pays everything. The volunteer board of directors was apprehensive about Bayview's future, Drobitch claimed.

Drobitch predicts future possibilities based on First Nations input.

"We're striving to show respect to all parties involved," he acknowledged. First Nations, Bayview families, and future residents who want to be buried there must be considered."

"There is hope for recognition of the significance of this location to various communities and a call for collective progress," he said.