Workers discovered 965 artifacts while performing construction prep work along Fischer-Hallman Road

Quite the discovery in Kitchener, as they prepare to begin a four-year road construction project.

Officials say 965 Indigenous artifacts were found along the west side of Fischer-Hallman Road, between Bleams Road and Strasburg Creek, prompting a mandatory Stage 4 archaeological assessment and a road closure.

The assessment and salvaging work will cost $1.6-million dollars and is part of the reason we will see the major road closure, starting in May.

Now, the road has been scheduled for construction already.

Other work set for this year includes the installation of twin box culverts at Strasburg Creek, as well as preparations to construct a roundabout at Fischer-Hallman and Bleams in 2021.

It is one of three roundabouts being put in over the next four years along the stretch. The other two will go at Rosenberg Way and Wallaceton Way.

But according to a report, the second, third and fourth phases of work could be adjusted, depending on completed utility relocations, and whether the roundabouts at Rosenberg and Wallaceton are needed earlier.

As for this year, the road closure is scheduled between May and November.

(CLICK HERE to see the report in full, starting on Page 67.)