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Green Light for David Dunlap Observatory Park Master Plan
Back to SearchContact: Patrick Lee, Director, Policy Planning, patrick.lee@richmondhill.ca, 905-771-2420
Plan Focuses on Astronomy Education, Environmental Preservation and Cultural Heritage
RICHMOND HILL – Council approved the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) Park Master Plan which determines an overall vision and strategic approach to preserving and enhancing the 40-hectare site. This will result in one of Richmond Hill’s destination parks with modern amenities for the public to enjoy.
Through the public consultation process, people expressed the desire for natural heritage protection, public recreational opportunities and celebration of the astronomical heritage of the site.
“Our vision is for the park to form part of Richmond Hill’s identity as a treasured place in the GTA that embodies discovery, education, sustainability and inclusion,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “When construction of the DDO Park is complete, people will come to visit Canada’s historic observatory, celebrate the stars and enjoy acres of natural parkland.”
Key features of the Master Plan include the minimization of impact to the natural areas as well as the concentration of higher intensity uses including tennis courts, a skating trail and a central fountain plaza. Opportunities for education and outreach programming at the site, focused on science and astronomy, will be provided.
The estimated capital cost to implement the DDO Master Plan is approximately $54 million over a 15 to 20-year timeframe. Construction is set to begin in a few years.
Visit RichmondHill.ca/DDO to view the full report.
Backgrounder
History of the DDO
- The David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) property is 76.5 hectares (189 acres) bordered by Hillsview Drive to the north, Bayview Avenue to the east, 16th Avenue to the south and the Canadian National Railway Bala Line to the west.
The property was the site of a 19th century farmstead owned by Alexander Marsh, comprised of a brick farmhouse, a lane from Yonge Street, agricultural fields with hedgerows and an orchard. - When the observatory in downtown Toronto could no longer function due to light pollution, the University of Toronto identified the Marsh farmstead as being suitable for a new astronomical facility. As a result, Jessie Donalda Dunlap purchased the property and donated it to the University as a memorial to her husband, David Alexander Dunlap, who was an avid astronomer.
- The University constructed the Observatory on the site. It included a dome, housing a 74-inch (1.88m) reflector telescope, and an Administration Building, with three smaller telescope domes. When construction was complete in 1935, the main telescope was the second largest in the world and the largest in Canada.
- From 1935 to the early 1970s, the Observatory was at the forefront of Canadian astronomical research. Achievements at the site included advances in radio astronomy and the first direct evidence that the star Cygnus X-1 was a black hole.
- In June 2008, the University sold the property to Corsica Developments Inc.
- The sale and subsequent development proposal by Corsica caused concern in the community. In response, Richmond Hill undertook a number of important studies to protect the features on the property which are of cultural and natural heritage significance. Additionally, Richmond Hill passed a heritage designation by-law to ensure that the significant cultural heritage features on the property are protected.
- In 2012, Richmond Hill, York Region, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the David Dunlap Observatory Defenders reached an agreement with Corsica through Ontario Municipal Board mediation. Corsica agreed to transfer approximately half of the property (40 hectares, 99 acres) to Richmond Hill for public park use and cultural heritage protection in exchange for approval to develop the east portion of the property as a subdivision.
- In early 2016, negotiations with Corsica Development successfully culminated in an arrangement through which Town ownership of the Observatory Dome and Administration Building could be realized. Council approved the acquisition of these buildings, securing Richmond Hill’s ability to move forward with the DDO Park vision and ensuring public access to the key cultural heritage elements within the park.
DDO Park
- The DDO Park includes the 40 hectares (approximately 100 acres) of land that was protected from development.
- The Principles and Options Report identifies eight key principles to guide the development of the DDO Park Master Plan:
- Provide the appropriate mix and location of activities
- Feature the Observatory
- Preserve and enhance natural areas
- Use Elms Lea in a complimentary role
- Create a vibrant and inclusive place
- Plan for connectivity
- Support educational programming
- Reflect history in a clear identity
- The DDO Park Master Plan sets out a vision for the future enhancement, management and programming of the DDO Park.
- The Master Plan was developed through a process that involved extensive public consultation and was approved by Council on September 26, 2016.
- Key features of the Master Plan include:
- Minimization of impact to the natural areas on site by strategic placement of low-impact trails, and preservation of some areas specifically for wildlife refuge;
- Concentration of higher intensity uses including tennis courts, a skating trail, 'Star Path', and a central fountain plaza (drop-off/meeting place) along a spine of activity running north from Elvis Stojko arena to the Observatory buildings;
- Future education and outreach programming at the site focused on science and astronomy and the history of the site itself.
- Enhancements to the Observatory area to ensure that it is suitable for ongoing educational and outreach programming including an amphitheatre, planetarium, and garden based on the original landscape design for the site;
- Utilization of the Elms Lea area in a complimentary role as a visitors/information centre with the possible addition of a conservatory element to enhance year round use;
- A variety of outdoor spaces for flexible use including picnic, play and lawn areas in the east portion of the park;
- Enhanced connections to surrounding neighbourhoods including a rail overpass at Observatory Lane, an "event-mode" driveway option that will enable efficient access through the park and gateway features at park entrances.
Visit RichmondHill.ca/DDO to view the full report.