Protect the David Dunlap Observatory Lands

The David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) Lands have been a valuable part of Richmond Hill since 1935. The Observatory has laid the ground for significant advancements in astronomical research, and it has also served as a teaching and educational centre for our community.

Recently, the Heritage Canada Foundation released its top ten endangered places in Canada and the David Dunlap Observatory and Park was on the list. Its legacy is being threatened with development and we need to take action to protect and preserve this historic site.

Since 2007, when the lands were officially up for sale by the University of Toronto, I have advocated hard to ensure that as much of the natural habitat of this site is preserved and protected. Over the past few years, I have spoken to representatives from the University of Toronto, Metrus Development, relevant stakeholders and researched the available options to protect these lands.

At this time, I believe the designation of the lands as a National Historic Site is the best option we have and on January, 20th, 2009, I wrote a letter to the Vice-President of Metrus Development urging him to consider this proposal. We must obtain permission from the site owner, before the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada can even evaluate the property. To date, I am not aware of any decision made by Metrus Development.

Given that this year is the International Year of Astronomy and the importance of this site to Canada and to our future generations I urge you to show your support for the designation of the lands as a National Historic Site by signing on to this petition.

What does national historic significance mean?

A national historic site is a designation by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, which is a statutory advisory body to the Minister of the Environment and through the Minister, to the Government of Canada that a place, people or event possesses national historic significance.

Considerations for designation of national historic significance are made on a case-by-case basis.

For more information on national historic site please visit the following website:

http://www.pc.gc.ca/clmhc-hsmbc/index_E.asp

To show your support, please provide the following information:

Full Name
Email Address


***For further questions on this, please contact my Ottawa Office at 613-992-3802