Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Park Poised to become City's Next Destination Park

RICHMOND HILL – The City of Richmond Hill is making strides in the development of the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (RHDDO) Park, with the completion of significant restoration work on the historic Observatory dome and administration building.

Over the past year, adhering to strict requirements for heritage restoration, intricate work was carefully carried out on the 86-year-old buildings to restore the exterior heritage features to their original state. This work included restoration of wood windows and doors, repairs and conservation of metal surfaces, replacement of metal roofing and flashing, and masonry and concrete repairs and restoration. Additional efforts were made to preserve the structures for the future, such as the installation of new foundation waterproofing and drainage systems, upgrades to existing municipal services, and upgrades to electrical systems. The restoration work is a key part of the RHDDO Park Master Plan, and was completed on time and within budget.

The City is also making progress on other projects identified in the first phase of the plan, setting the foundation for the advancement and development of this destination park that will attract visitors from all over the GTA. Woodlot restoration work already underway will preserve and enhance the natural areas on the parkland and restore the woodlands to a healthy forest. 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. Later this year, the City will embark on building a 2.25 km trail system so residents can enjoy more of the natural beauty of this park during all seasons.

For more information about the history of the RHDDO and the City’s Master Plan for the area, visit RichmondHill.ca/RHDDO.

QUOTES

“The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Park will be a destination park where visitors come to see Canada’s historic observatory, celebrate the stars and enjoy acres of natural parkland. Already a popular and cherished landmark in our community, I am amazed by the work that was done to these buildings to restore these historic treasures.”  – Acting Mayor Joe DiPaola

“I am excited to see the progress taking place at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory site where the buildings have been restored to their former glory. The revitalized buildings add to the natural beauty of the park that can be enjoyed by all residents in future.”  – Ward 6 Councillor Godwin Chan, Chair of DDO Park Project Steering Committee

“I am proud that the unique Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory is enroute to becoming a vibrant and inclusive place where our community can gather, learn about astronomy and appreciate natural green spaces.”  – Ward 5 Councillor Karen Cilevitz, Vice-chair of DDO Park Project Steering Committee

QUICK FACTS

• The RHDDO property is a 76.5-hectare site located in central Richmond Hill between Bayview Avenue to the east, the CN rail line to the west, 16th Avenue to the south and Hillsview Drive to the north.
  • The City of Richmond Hill owns the 40 hectares of parkland, the Observatory Dome facility with the original 1.88-metre telescope and the Administration Building.
  • This site is an important part of Canadian history and Richmond Hill’s rich heritage. A number of significant studies have taken place at the Observatory, including the first direct evidence that Cygnus X-1 was a black hole.
  • In 2019, the RHDDO was designated a Canadian historic site by the Federal government.
  • Its unique historical features make the RHDDO a popular commercial filming location. For example, scenes from the popular Netflix series, The Umbrella Academy (Season 1 and 2), were filmed on the site.

MEDIA CONTACT

Libbi Hood, Communications Advisor, libbi.hood@richmondhill.ca