Ontario’s Past Portal (PastPort) is the ministry’s archaeology and heritage portal. PastPort is a secure online system for licensed archaeologists to draft, submit and track Project Information Forms, archaeological reports and special requests. It is also where new archaeological licence applicants apply for a licence.
PastPort contains highly specialized and technical information and is available only in English under Regulation 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, which excludes the application of the Act under certain conditions. For assistance in French, please contact the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport at Archaeology@ontario.ca.
With PastPort, you can complete and submit an application for a new land-based archaeological licence online. Read the requirements for archaeological licences:
Before your application can be processed, you must arrange to have the following completed forms submitted to the ministry by your mentor, if you have one, and referee(s):
Contact us for copies of the forms. See the instructions below for how to enrol in PastPort.
The marine licensing program is different from the land-based system. For more information or to apply for a marine archaeological licence contact us.
Licensed archaeologists must draft and submit the following items through PastPort:
Creating a One-key account is the first step to enroll in PastPort.
A ONe-key account gives you secure access to Ontario Government ONe-key enabled programs and services.
If you have an existing Ontario archaeological licence and want to enrol in PastPort please contact the ministry. The ministry will send you enrollment information. You can then use this Quick Reference Guide on How to Enrol in PastPort to get started.
Does PastPort work with all internet browsers?
Can licensees who live outside Ontario register and use PastPort?
What should I do if PastPort is not working?
If you have trouble either logging into or using PastPort, as a first step, log out and log back into the system. This will often resolve the issue.
If the problem persists, contact the PastPort webmaster at 416-314-7143 during business hours. Outside of business hours, send an email to Archaeology@ontario.ca.
The ministry is committed to ensuring that any such service disruptions are resolved quickly and that impacts to you are minimal. You will be emailed in advance of any planned service disruptions.
What should I do if my ONe-key ID or password is lost or stolen?
How do I update my personal contact information?
You may update your personal contact information at any time by logging into PastPort and following the ‘My Profile’ link in the top menu bar.
It is your responsibility to maintain and update your personal contact information so that the ministry is able to reach you regarding your archaeological licence.
It is important to make sure that your email address in PastPort is accurate as the ministry communicates with licensees primarily by email.
Include the following information:
How is the government protecting my private, personal and sensitive information?
The Ontario government is committed to protecting your privacy whether you are browsing for information or conducting business with the government through electronic channels. The handling of all personal information by Government of Ontario organizations is governed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Collection of personal information
Any personal information that you provide to us through either ONe-key or PastPort will only be used for the specific purpose for which it was collected. A notice of collection in each instance where personal information is collected will let you know what that purpose is. You will not be placed on any mailing lists, nor will your information be released to any third party, except as may be authorized by law. The authority for obtaining this information from you complies with section 38(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Review the government’s privacy statement online.
ONe-key: secure access to PastPort
ONe-key is the government of Ontario's encrypted log-in system. A ONe-key account gives you secure access to Ontario Government ONe-key enabled programs and services, including PastPort.
The secure ONe-key web portal provides a common password-protected access point to PastPort. Your ONe-key ID and password are unique electronic credentials that, provided you do not share them with anyone else, allow only you to access your PastPort account.
PastPort: secure access to your licensing information and documents
PastPort has been built to protect your private information and archaeological licensing information. Outside of authorized ministry staff, only you have access to:
In addition, none of your archaeological documents in “draft” status are visible to other users or ministry staff. This means that you can prepare and save draft documents but the ministry will only see them once you have submitted the final version.
Once a report has been entered into the Ontario Public Register of Archaeological Reports, a version of it will be available to the public that has had all personal information and site location information removed. Similarly edited versions of any pre-2005 reports that are in the ministry’s library may be made available to the public upon request and with the licensee’s permission.
Licensed archaeologists have access to complete versions of reports.