A4

Benjamin Shingler
Telegraph-Journal

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FREDERICTON - An investigation into bone fragments found at a Fredericton construction site has concluded they are likely from an adult male. But it remains a mystery how the bone fragments, which in total make up about 2.5 per cent of a complete skeleton, ended up there.

Enlarge Photo

David Smith/For the Telegraph-Journal

Chris Blair, senior acheologist with Jacques Whitford, points to the areas, Friday, where century-old bone fragments were found on the construction site of the Fredericton conference centre.

The bones were discovered in October during routine work to prepare the Queen Street site for construction of a new $75.5-million conference centre, office complex and parking garage in the city's downtown core.

Chris Blair, an archeological consultant with Jacques Whitford says they likely date back at least a century. The bones were discovered alongside hundreds of other artifacts - including bottles, glass, and dinnerware pieces - from the late 19th or early 20th century.

Blair said foul play was unlikely, but acknowledged the presence of the bone fragments at the site is difficult to explain.

There was no indication of the presence of a cemetery or other human remains at the location.

"This appears to be an isolated incident with no real explanation as to how, 100 years ago, the bone fragments came to rest on the site," Blair said.

The area where the bones were found has had buildings on it for more than 250 years. The original city block - the first in Fredericton - was laid out in 1785.

"There were a number of places set up here - businesses, hotels, residences," he said.

"There were always a combination of businesses and residences on this location."

Its long history includes the fabled Queen Hotel, which was demolished in the 1960s. The site where the bones were found was likely near the back door of the hotel.

There is also some evidence of French occupation on the land dating back to the 1600s, but no indication of a First Nations settlement prior to that period.

A few years ago, the 150-year-old skeleton of a child was discovered during work on water and sewage lines near the convention construction site. It's believed the child had been buried on a family property.

Blair said the site has been thoroughly excavated and construction has resumed. The bone fragments will be turned over to the City of Fredericton for interment under the direction of the regional coroner. The artifacts will be turned over to the province, and may eventually be lent out to the city or put on display.