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 What is the DDO?
The David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) opened in 1935, a gift to the University of Toronto by Jessie Donalda Dunlap as a memorial to her husband David Alexander Dunlap. Since its inception, the Observatory has been a research centre of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and has also carried out public education and teaching programs.
Please email any questions or comments regarding the David Dunlap Observatory to ddo@richmondhill.ca.
The Latest DDO News
UPDATED: January 27, 2010
Motion to support the protection, acquisition and preservation the DDO as a National Landmark
Read the motion as approved by Council [PDF]
DDO Lands Conservation, Planning and Design Principles & Visions report (Staff Report SRPD.10.009) Approved
The conservation, planning, and design principles and visions for the property was presented at the Town’s Committee of the Whole Meeting on January 18, 2010. The DDO Lands Conservation Management and Planning Study [PDF] was received by Council and the Planning and Design Principles contained therein were endorsed at its meeting on January 25, 2010.
The intent of the David Dunlap Observatory Lands Planning and Conservation Management Study is twofold: first, to establish a Conservation Management Plan that assists in managing and protecting the property’s heritage attributes; and second, to develop a land use vision and strategic direction for the future of the site that will celebrate its uniqueness and special value.
Since the commencement of the Study, a number of consultations were held. On December 4, three conceptual planning scenarios [PDF] were prepared and posted on the Town’s Website for public input. These scenarios all evolved out of the draft principles, and they illustrate three alternative approaches to design and land use of the site. These scenarios were for demonstration purposes only and they should be considered as tools to further explore, formulate, and refine appropriate design and planning directions that help guide the future evolution of the lands.
Evolving out of these three scenarios is a set of important conservation, planning, and design principles and visions for the property, recommended to be translated into planning policies for the Town’s new Official Plan, and these polices will be used to direct and guide any development application submitted by the owner in the future.
 David Dunlap Observatory Lands Planning and Conservation Management Study Staff Report - SRPD.10.009 (including all Appendices A-D) [PDF]
Appendix A (full colour version) - DDO Lands Planning Report [PDF]
Appendix B (full colour version) - DDO Panhandle Cultural Assessment Report [PDF]
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Official Plan Task Force Presentation
On November 26, Planning Alliance, the planning consultant for the DDO Planning and Conservation Management Study made a presentation to the Official Plan Task Force (OPTF) regarding the study process and project findings to date. The presentation describes the planning framework, identifies existing site conditions, as well as establishes a set of conservation management principles for the cultural heritage components of the site. The presentation is provided here for your information.
Please note again that Planning Options for this property will be released on December 4 here on the Website, and the Town is seeking your comments on the options.
DDO Lands Official Plan Task Force Presentation - Nov. 26, 2009 [PDF]
Council Passes Designation By-law for DDO Lands
Richmond Hill Council approved a Designating By-law for the David Dunlap Observatory Lands at its Tuesday, September 29 Council Meeting.
David Dunlap Observatory Lands Designation By-law 100-09 [PDF]
Designating By-law Staff Report (SRPD.09.104) & Proposed By-law [PDF]
Staff Presentation - Committee of the Whole Meeting Sept. 8, 2009 [PDF]
Conservation Review Board Final Report
The Town received the Conservation Review Board's report on June 4, 2009 and is currently thoroughly analysing the report. The Town values the professionalism and expertise of the Conservation Review Board and its advice to Council in helping the Town protect this valued cultural heritage resource. The next step will be for staff to bring back a report and recommended by-law to Council as soon as they have carefully reviewed it. It is important to note that the Town recognizes the significance of this property and has assertively pursued the designation of this property under the Ontario Heritage Act and in the interim, the Cultural Heritage protection afforded by Council's original designation by-law remains in place. No development of this site will take place without a rigorous planning process and the involvement of the community. More information on the David Dunlap Observatory and its history can be found below.
Conservation Review Board Final Report [PDF]
Dunlap Observatory Conservation Management Study Approved
Recognizing the cultural and heritage significance of the David Dunlap Observatory property, Council approved the preparation of the David Dunlap Observatory Property Planning and Conservation Management Study. Council also approved a draft terms of reference for a Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP) that will produce a planning framework that will facilitate the appropriate development of the 189 acre property located at 16th Avenue and Bayview Avenue and assist in managing and protecting the property’s heritage attributes, while celebrating the special value of this site. Please click here for further details.
Request for Approval David Dunlap Observatory Lands Planning and Conservation Management Study D18-DDO Staff Report (SRPD.09.042) - May 4, 2009 [PDF]
Town News Releases Regarding The DDO
Council Passes Special Resolution To Help Protect DDO Property - Council Highlights - January 25, 2010
Council To Consider By-law To Protect Observatory Lands - September 9, 2009
Richmond Hill Continues Work To Protect Significant Property - July 6, 2009
Council Takes a Big Step Forward Managing the Future of the David Dunlap Observatory Property - February 12, 2008
Council Moves to Protect Additional Dunlap Observatory Features - January 29, 2008
Town Commits to Future of Observatory Lands - September 14, 2007
Click to access all Town news releases, media alerts and Council Highlights.
Town Meetings, Staff Reports & Presentations Regarding DDO
David Dunlap Observatory Lands Planning and Conservation Management Study Staff Report - SRPD.10.009 (including all Appendices A-D) [PDF]
Appendix A (full colour version) - DDO Lands Planning Report [PDF]
Appendix B (full colour version) - DDO Panhandle Cultural Assessment Report [PDF]
DDO Lands Planning and Conservation Management Study Interpretation Guidelines - Dec. 4, 2009 [PDF]
DDO Lands Planning and Conservation Management Study Concept Plans - Dec. 4, 2009 [PDF]
DDO Lands Official Plan Task Force Presentation - Nov. 26, 2009 [PDF]
DDO Lands Public Open House #2 Presentation - Nov. 7, 2009 [PDF]
DDO Lands Public Open House #1 Presentation - Oct. 20, 2009 [PDF]
David Dunlap Observatory Lands Designation By-law 100-09 - September 29, 2009 [PDF]
Designating By-law Staff Report (SRPD.09.104) & Proposed By-law - September 29, 2009 [PDF]
Staff Presentation - Committee of the Whole Meeting - September 8, 2009 [PDF]
Designating By-law Staff Report - SRPD.09.092 - September 8, 2009 [PDF]
Staff Presentation (from Committee of the Whole held on September 8, 2009) [PDF]
Request for Approval David Dunlap Observatory Lands Planning and Conservation Management Study D18-DDO Staff Report (SRPD.09.042) - May 4, 2009 [PDF]
David Dunlap Observatory Property - Built Heritage: Interior Features and Integrative Summary of Cultural Value Staff Report (SRPD.08.097) - June 17, 2008 [PDF]
David Dunlap Observatory Properties Cultural Landscape Designation Staff Report (SRPD.08.028) - February 1, 2008 [PDF]
David Dunlap Observatory Properties Cultural Landscape Designation Staff Report (SRPD.08.007) - January 28, 2008 [PDF]
David Dunlap Observatory Study Presentation - January 28, 2008 [PDF]
David Dunlap Observatory Lands Staff Report (SRFIN.07.071)- November 26, 2007 [PDF]
David Dunlap Observatory Lands Presentation - November 26, 2007 [PDF]
All meeting agendas and minutes can be viewed here.
DDO Maps
Property Map [PDF]
Significant Woodlands Map [PDF]
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Click photos to enlarge 
Current DDO Lands
DDO Concept Sketch 1933
DDO 1935
DDO 1950s
DDO 1980s
DDO 1990s
DDO 2000s
DDO Telescope Timelapse
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History of the DDO
The land where the David Dunlap Observatory is located was donated in the 1930’s as a gift to the University of Toronto by Jessie Dunlap as a memorial to her husband David Dunlap.
Together with Mrs. Dunlap, the University of Toronto set three objectives for the project: astronomical research, the training of advanced students at the University of Toronto, and the fostering of public interest in astronomy.
The Observatory has been a centre for astronomical research in Canada since its opening in 1935. The Black Hole was discovered by an astronomer working at the David Dunlap Observatory in 1972.
In September 2007, the University of Toronto announced its intention to sell the David Dunlap Observatory lands.
On September 14, 2007, Council issued a statement that expressed their commitment to ensure that future uses of the property will benefit the community as a whole
At their meeting of September 24, 2007, Council passed a resolution to recommend the David Dunlap Observatory at 123 Hillsview Drive, specifically the observatory, administration building and the Alexander Marsh Residence (Elms Lea), for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act and to this end a notice of intent to designate was published in The Liberal (October 2007).
In November 2007, Andre Scheinman, Cultural Heritage Consultant was hired to complete an assessment on the cultural heritage value of the landscape portion of the property.
On January 24, 2008, the Region of York endorsed the Town of Richmond Hill’s efforts to secure the culturally-significant David Dunlap Observatory, along with its land and buildings. York Region agreed with the Town’s assessment that the buildings have great cultural significance to the community, and the Region’s Significant Woodlands Study in 2005 identified 39 hectares of the property as significant woodlands and a natural heritage resource.
At its January 28, 2008 meeting, Council passed a motion requesting the University delay the closing and awarding of the Request for Proposal to allow for time for the Town and its residents to determine future uses of the property. The motion, made by the Mayor at the January 21 Committee of the Whole meeting, was forwarded to representatives of the Provincial and Federal governments.
On July 22, 2008, the Town of Richmond Hill amended the notice of intent to designate the DDO property by expanding the heritage attributes to include cultural heritage landscape, built heritage and building interiors.
At the September 24, 2007 Council meeting, three buildings on the property (the Observatory, the Administration building, and the Alexander Marsh Residence) were considered as built heritage. On January 28, 2008 two more buildings (the radio shack, and the caretaker's residence) were added to the list as part of the cultural heritage landscape of the property.
In response to the Town’s Notice of Intent to Designate the DDO property, a number of objections were filed with the Town by: the University of Toronto (UofT), who later withdrew the objection upon the sale of the property; Corsica, the new owner (who bought the property from UofT in June 2008); the Richmond Hill Naturalists; and the Observatory Hill Homeowners’ Association (OHHA). As a result, a Conservation Review Board (CRB) Hearing was held to hear evidence for all interested parties and make recommendations to Council with regards to the designation of the DDO property.
The CRB Hearing began on January 15, 2009 and concluded on January 23, 2009. A 61-page Conservation Review Board Final Report [PDF] based on the evidence presented at the hearing was made available to the public on June 4, 2009.
May 11, 2009 - Council approves the preparation of the David Dunlap Observatory Property Planning and Conservation Management Study.
Richmond Hill Council approved a Designating By-law for the David Dunlap Observatory Lands at its Tuesday, September 29, 2009 Council Meeting.
Town staff hosted two public open houses for the DDO Planning and Conservation Management Study to collect input on developing concepts for the future use of the property.
On November 26, 2009, Planning Alliance, the planning consultant for the DDO Planning and Conservation Management Study made a presentation to the Official Plan Task Force (OPTF) regarding the study process and project findings to date. The presentation describes the planning framework, identifies existing site conditions, as well as establishes a set of conservation management principles for the cultural heritage components of the site.
On December 4, 2009 the Town released a draft Planning and Conservation Management Study along with Concept Plans for public consultation over the next month.
The DDO Lands Conservation Management and Planning Study [PDF] was received by Council and the Planning and Design Principles contained therein were endorsed at its meeting on January 25, 2010.
DDO FAQs
What is a Cultural Heritage Landscape?
Cultural Heritage Landscape involves a grouping(s) of individual heritage features such as structures, spatial configurations, archaeological sites and natural elements, which together form a significant type of heritage form, distinctive from that of its constituent elements or parts. Examples may include, but are not limited to, heritage conservation districts designated under the Ontario Heritage Act; and villages, parks, gardens, battlefields, main streets and neighbourhoods, cemeteries, trailways and industrial complexes of cultural heritage value.
What is a Heritage Attribute?
Heritage Attributes are character defining elements such as the materials, forms, location, spatial configurations, uses, and cultural associations or meanings that contribute to the of the historic place. These attributes essentially embody and express the heritage significance specific to that place. An attribute ranges in scale and form. It can be a small feature (such as a sign or a window), a building, as well as a landscape such as a cemetery. It is important to note that heritage significance can be of aesthetic, historic, scientific, cultural, social, or spiritual importance.
What exactly is Designation?
Designation is a tangible expression by a community of their appreciation of the value of special properties or events. Designation is a legal process under the Ontario Heritage Act that gives a property special status and involves the approval of a by-law enacted by council that protects the heritage attributes of a property of cultural heritage value or interest. This special status does not prevent or 'freeze' future development opportunities, however does provide a tool to help the Town to carefully and sensitively manage the development or changes to the property while protecting our heritage resources.
How many buildings are there on the DDO site?
Presently, five buildings on the DDO property have been identified as having heritage value. At the September 24, 2007 Council meeting, three of buildings on the property were considered as having heritage significance (specifically they are the Observatory, the Administration building, and the Alexander Marsh Residence). On January 28, 2008 two more buildings (the radio shack, and the caretaker's residence) were added to the list of heritage attributes of that property.
What features of the DDO property is the Town hoping to designate?
The Town's designation now includes the five buildings (stated above) and various features as spelled out in the study, including but not limited to planting strips, the field, topography, as well as some interior features of the buildings.
What purpose does the Conservation Review Board serve?
The Conservation Review Board (CRB), was established in 1975 with the passage of the Ontario Heritage Act. It comprises an expert panel in the filed of cultural heritage conservation which conducts hearings on heritage matters. The Board reviews evidence from municipalities as well as information provided by individuals and organizations who have object to designations, and make recommendations to the municipalities.
Who will make the final decision on the designation?
With consideration of the Conservation Review Board's recommendations, Richmond Hill Council will make the final decision regarding the designation.
What is the timing for this?
The Conservation Review Board Hearing took place from January 15 to 23, 2009. Due to the complexity of the issue at hand, it would be at least 60 days for the Board to complete the recommendation report. Once the Review Board's recommendations have been received, Richmond Hill Council would make a final decision regarding the designation and move to pass a by-law identifying the extent and the descriptions of the heritage features to be protected.
Will the DDO Property be Developed?
Any changes to the property that may affect the heritage attributes of the property will require the approval of Council. The property owner would be required to make applications to the Town under both the Heritage Act and the Planning Act. Each application would involve an extensive public participation process prior to any decision.
Where can I find more information about the Town’s position on the DDO?
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