Pasquia Palaeontological Site, Jordon River
Carrot River Palaeontological Site
Links and documents
Listed on the Canadian Register:
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
The Pasquia Palaeontological Site, Jordan River is a Provincial Heritage Property consisting of 100 hectares of land adjoining the south bank of the Carrot River near the Town of Carrot River. The site features exceptional deposits of Cretaceous-age marine fossils that were discovered in sediments eroding from the riverbank.
The heritage value of the Pasquia Palaeontological site resides in the scientific information it reveals regarding the species and paleo-environment of a little known period of Saskatchewan’s geologic history. Fossils collected from the site represent the best record in Canada of vertebrate marine life from the period 92 to 95 million years ago. The quality and quantity of the marine fossils of this age are unmatched in North America. Among the sharks, cartilaginous and bony fish, and marine reptiles was a giant crocodilian (Terminonaris), the most complete and best-preserved of four such specimens known in North America. The site is also important for fossils of a group of toothed, non-flying aquatic birds, the oldest and most abundant collection of its kind, and for fossils of other species new to science.
Province of Saskatchewan, Notice of Intention to Designate as Provincial Heritage Property under The Heritage Property Act, March 9, 1995.
Province of Saskatchewan, Order to Designate as Provincial Heritage Property under The Heritage Property Act, July 13, 1995.
The heritage value of the Pasquia Palaeontological Site, Jordan River resides in the following character-defining elements:
-the stratigraphic sequence of sediments on and adjacent to the south bank of the Carrot River, particularly the Cretaceous age shales, and their contained fossils.
Government of Saskatchewan
Heritage Property Act, s. 39(1)
Provincial Heritage Property
Theme - Category and Type
- Expressing Intellectual and Cultural Life
Function - Category and Type
- Nature Element
Architect / Designer
Location of Supporting Documentation
Heritage Conservation Branch,
Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport,
3211 Albert Street,
Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 5W6
Cross-Reference to Collection