December 13, 2007
Richmond Hill

The Dunlap Observatory opened in 1935 on the land donated in trust to the University of Toronto by the widow of astronomy supporter David Dunlap. Under the terms of the trust, the Dunlap heirs would regain ownership if the university closes the facility.

The University of Toronto has recently announced that this site will be declared surplus and the property will be put up for sale.

“The issue of what will happen to the lands once it is sold is something that I am looking at in terms of what lands can or are protected, and what type of zoning will be appropriate for the site” stated Wilfert.

Wilfert has asked the University for information concerning the property; and has met with representatives of the Canadian Historic Sites and Monuments Board to discuss the process to evaluate any possible historic designation of the site. Wilfert has urged the university to grant permission for the process to begin since they still own the property and I have provided the Dean of Arts & Science with the application information.

“I have discussed this issue with the University of Toronto for the past two years, and am concerned about the pace at which the University of Toronto is dealing with this extremely important issue – the need to keep the Observatory Building site operating” said Wilfert.

Wilfert has also had a meeting with the Minister of Finance and written the Minister of the Environment urging the government to create a large federal urban park and secondly to request that the federal government provide some ongoing funding for the observatory to continue operating.

“I certainly believe that this is an important historic site, since proof that black holes exist were confirmed by University of Toronto astronomer Dr. Thomas Bolton in 1972. I also think it could be promoted as an important tourist attraction in our community” stated Wilfert.

More Information
Kelly Law
Legislative Assistant to
Honourable Bryon Wilfert, P.C., M.P.
(613) 992-3802

On December, 10 2007, Reza Moridi delivered a speech on the DDO (mp3) and also read a petition signed by Richmond Hill residents. The Richmond Hill Naturalists join thousands of area residents in expressing our thanks to Mr. Moridi for his efforts to find a creative, sustainable solution. The text of the petition is provided below:

Mr. Reza Moridi: It’s my pleasure to deliver a petition from the residents of Richmond Hill, “Save the David Dunlap Observatory Lands,” a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill is of historical and heritage significance; and

“Whereas the land was donated in trust by the Dunlap family to the University of Toronto in 1935, and the pre-Confederation farmhouse is still standing;

“Whereas the observatory, featuring the largest optical telescope in Canada, has been the site of scientific discoveries; it has been a place of learning not only for students of the University of Toronto, but for the general public as well;

“Whereas the observatory has been recently declared by the University of Toronto as ‘surplus’ to its academic needs, and subject to sale for development;

“Whereas the observatory sits in an incredibly unique and beautiful 180 acres of green space, the largest such space in the town of Richmond Hill, with trees, birds, animals, plants, insects and butterflies in the middle of a rapidly urbanized area;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to support the protection of this property of such historical, scientific and natural significance.”