York Region has a long cultural history which began approximately 11,000 years ago. Archaeological sites, which are the physical remains of this lengthy settlement history, represent fragile and non-renewable cultural heritage resources that need to be protected. The York Region Archaeological Management Plan comprehensively models archaeological potential to assist in their protection.
In February 2014, Regional Council endorsed the Archaeological Management Plan and adopted an amendment (ROPA 6) to the Regional Official Plan which established specific policies to ensure the responsible management of archaeological resources, as required by Provincial policy and legislation.