Development of a wastewater treatment plant on the Halifax waterfront proposed for the spring of 2003 necessitated the realignment of a 200 metre section of Upper Water Street. Recognizing the historic significance and archaeological potential of this section of shoreline, the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) retained Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Group Limited to undertake archaeological monitoring of construction related excavation.

CRM Group archaeologists monitored mechanical excavation of the temporary roadbed and various utility trenches which had to be relocated in conjunction with the road realignment. Monitoring identified a wide range of features reflecting approximately 250 years of shoreline modifications and commercial development. Features of particular significance include wooden crib work and fill deposits associated with shoreline stabilization and wharf development and the remains of Samuel Cunard’s (Cunard Steamship Lines) first warehouse.