RHDDO Ongoing Projects

The proposed design of the all season bridge will provide pedestrians and cyclists with safe access across the CN rail tracks to the RHDDO Park, from Observatory Lane on the west side of the rail tracks and the public transportation routes on Yonge Street.

Residents were invited to comment on the proposed design from February 21 to March 17, 2023. 

View the RHDDO Pedestrian Bridge Design Concept

Email Mike Mccallum, Project Manager Infrastructure Delivery for more information or call him at 905-771-2469. 

The proposed design of the pickleball facility locate north of Elvis Stojko Arena will feature 16 pickleball courts, a clubhouse, seating area, multi-use path, access driveway and a parking lot that includes electric vehicle charging stations.

Residents were invited to comment on the proposed design from February 21 to March 17, 2023. 

View the RHDDO Pickleball Facility Design Concept

Residents were invited to comment on the proposed design from February 21 to March 17, 2023. 

Email Mike Mccallum, Project Manager Infrastructure Delivery for more information or call him at 905-771-2469. 

Trail construction will commence in spring 2023 and is expected to be completed in fall 2023, weather-permitting.

The project entails the construction of 400m of asphalt multi-use trail and 880m of granite chip/wood chip nature trails to provide additional connectivity to surrounding neighbourhoods and greater use of the park for residents in the early stage of the implementation of the Master Plan.

As a measure of safety, a portion of the park will be closed during construction and residents are asked to refrain from entering the construction site. The remainder of the park will remain open during construction. Thank you in advance for your patience during the construction phase of this project.

RHDDO Park - 2023 Trail Construction

Email Mike Mccallum, Project Manager Infrastructure Delivery for more information or call him at 905-771-2469. 

Woodlot restoration and removal of dead/hazardous trees will be taking place in the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (RHDDO) Park over the next few years.

Why is this work being undertaken?

Preserving and enhancing natural areas is one of eight key principles in the RHDDO Park Master Plan. There are currently many trees on the property which are in poor and/or hazardous condition due to infestations and storm damage. As a result, the forest is in poor health and vulnerable to undesirable plants which grow aggressively and have the ability to destroy the park's unique environment.

Richmond Hill is implementing a long-term plan to restore the woodlands to a healthy forest. Work includes:

• Hazardous tree and debris removal
• Herbicide treatment
• Hydrological Improvements to the landscape
• Tree planting
• Monitoring

While this work will change the appearance of the forest, it is a temporary and necessary step to create space for new native trees that will enhance the RHDDO Park.

To date, more than 8,000 trees and shrubs have been planted and fencing has been installed to protect newly planted trees from browsing deer and allow tree growth.

The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory facility restoration and revitalization project was completed in spring 2021. The exteriors of both the Administration building and the Observatory dome were restored to preserve their heritage features.

The work was completed through the following phases: 

• Phase 1 – restoration of the Administration building exterior, including windows and doors, masonry and stone, copper features, metal domes and repainting of exterior metal surfaces 
• Phase 2 – restoration of the Observatory building exterior, including metal surfaces, windows, doors, catwalks and repainting of exterior metal surfaces 
• Phase 3 – site and servicing work to the Administration building, including improved drainage, foundation waterproofing, and improvements to both water and electrical services to the building