FedDev Ontario supports the City of Richmond Hill towards the construction of interim trails at the city’s hidden gem and treasured national historic site, the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Park to fuel community revitalization and create conditions for local economies to rebound

May 23rd, 2023– Richmond Hill, Ontario

Community infrastructure is at the heart of local communities, bringing together residents and visitors alike while supporting local businesses, jobs and economies.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Majid Jowhari, Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill and Markham announced an investment of $209,560 to enhance the Richmond Hill region under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF). With this investment, recipients will enhance and build community infrastructure to support local economic growth and quality of life for residents and visitors of Richmond Hill. With this investment, recipients, through their innovative projects will enhance community infrastructure, and adapt public spaces to support the local economy and through ensuring a robust economic recovery, they will help create new economic opportunities and growth for all Canadians across our communities. 

The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) supports projects that build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets, bring people back to public spaces safely and reinvigorate our local economies. FedDev Ontario is delivering almost $139 million through the CCRF to support communities in southern Ontario. This support is part of the Government of Canada’s continued efforts to help communities recover from the impacts of COVID-19 while ensuring a robust economic recovery to create economic opportunities and growth for all Canadians.

This key investment in the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (RHDDO) Park will shine a spotlight on the rich scientific heritage and unique natural environment of Richmond Hill. The Observatory in Richmond Hill harnesses the stunning local terrain and environmental attributes, creating a flourishing and inclusive community space for community members to enjoy. The David Dunlap Observatory Interim Trail Project, powered by the CCRF fund, provides free, convenient, and equitable access to a site of national historical importance.

The Interim Trails offer the residents of Richmond Hill an opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural significance and natural beauty of the RHDDO Park. This is particularly crucial as we collectively recover from challenging pandemic times and move forward towards building healthier & stronger communities in Richmond Hill and across Canada.

The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory capitalizes on its unique natural landscape and environmental features to support various educational programming, promote multi- modal connectivity, and create a vibrant and inclusive community place. The 2.25km of trail funded in part by the Government of Canada, provides residents with an opportunity to explore and enjoy the cultural significance and natural beauty of the RHDDO Park. The interim trails provide additional open space within the City for residents to utilize for recreational activities.

In summary, this historic investment made by the Government of Canada will enhance community infrastructure and the quality of life for residents and visitors in Richmond Hill.

Quotes

“It is critical that we as a government invest in the necessary infrastructure to support the mental and physical health of all in our communities. This investment promotes social interaction, boosts local economies and creates jobs. Programs like the Canada Community Revitalization Fund will bring people together while improving their quality of life.”

-        The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“The David Dunlap Observatory is More Than Just a Historical Site - It's a Community Treasure. On behalf of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, I’m proud to announce our government’s $209,560 investment in RHDDO’s Interim Trail Project. This significant project, powered by the CCRF fund means free, convenient, and equitable access to a site of national historical importance allowing Richmond Hill Residents to embrace science, heritage, culture and wellness. This is a major step towards boosting Richmond Hill’s local economy, enhancing inclusion and creating endless growth opportunities for our community whilst paving the path towards prosperity.”

-        Majid Jowhari, Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill and Markham

“I am proud that our city is home to the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory, a cherished national historic site where history was made! We are grateful to have support from the federal government as we continue work to realize the vision of this destination park where people will come to appreciate the rich astronomical history and enjoy the natural heritage of the vast green spaces.” 

-        David West, Mayor of Richmond Hill

Quick Facts

• RHDDO’S 2.25 km trail system allows residents to get closer to and enjoy more of the natural beauty of this park during all seasons.
• The trail system is one of the projects identified as early priorities in the multi-phased RHDDO Park Master Plan.
• The City is making progress on 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.
• Ongoing woodlot restoration work preserves and enhances the natural areas on the parkland and restores 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.

About Canada Community Revitalization Fund

With a national investment of $500 million over two years, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports projects that build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets, bring people back to public spaces safely, create jobs and stimulate local economies. This includes $139 million for projects in southern Ontario, delivered by FedDev Ontario.

About FedDev Ontario 

For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.