Medical examiner says found bones are up to 100 years old

Edmonton’s medical examiner is working to find out more about a set of “ancient” human bones discovered at an Edmonton work site.

The skeletal remains were discovered June 28 at a construction site in northeast Edmonton’s Schonsee neighbourhood. Homicide detectives were called but determined there was nothing suspicious.

The office of the chief medical examiner (OCME) in Edmonton estimates the bones had been there for between 75 and 100 years, which it classifies as “ancient.” A spokeswoman for Alberta Justice and Solicitor General said the medical examiner’s office would not identify the types of bones found because of the ongoing investigation.

In an email, justice spokeswoman Katherine Thompson said the medical examiner’s office will determine to the best of its ability the age, sex and, potentially, the racial heritage of the remains. Investigators can even determine whether the person had chronic diseases.

The racial heritage of a set of remains can impact whether Indigenous groups are consulted on what to do with them, Thompson said.

“OCME also attempts to determine cause and manner of death, which is sometimes possible,” she said. “Human remains that consist of more than just bones are investigated in a similar manner.”

The medical examiner does not track how often ancient bones are turned up at work sites, but it’s not uncommon. Remains have been discovered during a number of construction projects in the Rossdale area dating back to Edmonton’s early days.