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Construction is underway on the new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the CN rail tracks to provide a safe pedestrian connection between David Dunlap Observatory Park and 63 Observatory Lane. The project includes the construction of the new bridge, parking lot with 14 spaces, entry plaza, trails, pedestrian lighting, site furnishings, and tree planting.
As a measure of safety, a portion of the David Dunlap Observatory Park trails will be closed and residents are asked to refrain from entering the construction area. The Observatory and Administration building and remaining portions of the park will remain open. Thank you in advance for your patience during the construction phase of this project.
Construction Notice
Trail Closure Map
 
Email Mike Mccallum, Project Manager Infrastructure Delivery for more information or call him at 905-771-2469.
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As part of the implementation of the RHDDO Park Master Plan and expansion of the interim RHDDO trails completed in 2021, a multi-use path and granite chip nature trail was constructed in 2023 the woodlands located in the north-west area of the park.
View the RHDDO Trail Map
The completed trails:
- help protect and enhance the natural area by providing a designated path for visitors
- allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and landscape features in areas of the park that were previously inaccessible
- encourage stewardship
- increase accessibility to the woodland for future restoration work
For more information, email Mike Mccallum, Project Manager Infrastructure Delivery or call him at 905-771-2469.
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Ecological 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 natural areas to a healthy ecosystem. Work includes:
- Hazardous tree and debris removal
- Herbicide treatment
- Hydrological Improvements to the landscape
- Meadow creation
- Tree planting
- Monitoring
While this work will change the appearance of the natural areas, it is a temporary and necessary step to create space for new native trees and plants that will enhance the RHDDO Park.
| Phase 1 - Woodlot Restoration (2017-2021) |
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Phase 1 of the woodlot restoration involved hazard tree removals, treatment and removal of invasive trees and plants, as well as tree planting. City staff, together with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) will continue to monitor the plantings and conduct required maintenance within the Phase 1 area.
Phase 1 Ecological Restoration Map
2026 Activities:
- Invasive plants dominating selected areas will be treated with herbicide this year in an effort to reduce populations and promote the growth of newly planted trees and shrubs.
- Tree monitoring is ongoing.
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| Phase 2 - Woodlot Restoration (2020-2024) |
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Phase 2 of the woodlot restoration included hazardous tree and debris removal, herbicide treatment, hydrological enhancements and native tree and shrub planting. City staff, together with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) will continue to monitor the plantings and conduct required maintenance within the Phase 2 area.
Phase 2 Ecological Restoration Map
2026 Activities:
- Invasive plants dominating selected areas will be treated with herbicide this year in an effort to reduce populations and promote the growth of newly planted trees and shrubs.
- Tree monitoring is ongoing.
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Phase 3 - Meadow Creation & Woodlot Restoration (2023-2027)
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Meadow creation activities included site preparation (i.e. mowing, tilling, and oat seeding), wildlife habitat feature installations, invasive plant management followed by seeding with native grasses and pollinator wildflower species. Ongoing management will include maintenance mowing and invasive plant management. The goal of this project is to create 1.2 hectares of new meadow habitat that supports the Monarch butterfly, as well as a variety of other pollinators, insects and other wildlife.
Woodland restoration activities will include hazard tree removals, invasive plant management, tree planting and installation of fencing and tree shelters to protect newly planted trees from damage by browsing deer and wildlife.
Phase 3 Ecological Restoration Map
2026 Activities:
- Tree and shrub planting
- Planting watering
- Invasive plants dominating selected areas will be treated with herbicide this year in an effort to reduce populations and promote the growth of newly planted trees and shrubs.
- Tree monitoring is ongoing.
The meadow project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change.
The woodlot restoration project was carried out with funds from the Government of Canada to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
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Phase 4 - Woodlot Restoration (2026-2030)
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Commencing September 28 2026, the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) working on behalf of the City will begin Phase 4 of the ecological restoration project. Woodland restoration activities will include hazard tree removals, invasive plant management, tree planting and installation of fencing and tree shelters to protect newly planted trees from damage by browsing deer and wildlife. Restoration activities will be staggered between Phase 4A and 4B within the five years.
Phase 4 Ecological Restoration Map
2026 Activities
- Hazard tree and invasive plant removals (Phase 4A only)
- Herbicide treatment for invasive plants (Phase 4A only)
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To date, more than 16,000 trees and shrubs have been planted and fencing has been installed to protect newly planted trees from browsing deer and allow tree growth.
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The RHDDO Dome Interior Restoration project includes the replacement of deteriorated Agasote dome panels, repainting of existing dome panels and the steel platform/beams and repairing cracks in the terrazzo floor.
The Agasote panel repairs and repainting were completed in January 2025 with a total of 39 panels out of approximately 240 panels replaced and all panels repainted.
The terrazzo floor crack repairs will be completed in spring 2025.
 
 
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