Steve Somerville photo
The University of Toronto’s governing council voted Tuesday to declare the David Dunlap Observatory, surrounded by 180 acres of fields and woodlands in the heart of Richmond Hill, as surplus, paving the way for the land’s eventual sale. Some groups say they hope to block development of the property.
Richmond Hill
January 04, 2008 01:43 PM
David Fleischer, Staff Writer
The battle to save the David Dunlap Observatory lands from development has reached a new peak, with Richmond Hill's MP bringing the issue onto the national stage.
MP Bryon Wilfert said he is trying to convince the federal government to intervene before it is too late.
"My aim is to ensure that the observatory itself is protected," said Mr. Wilfert, who made a declaration to that effect in the House of Commons last month.
A member of the Liberal opposition, Mr. Wilfert has had one-on-one meetings with Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Environment Minister John Baird in his attempts to affect the decision.
While he would love to see the federal government buy the lands and preserve the site as a national urban park, Mr. Wilfert is hoping that, at a minimum, ongoing funding for the observatory—estimated at between $300,000 and $800,000—can be found to maintain use of the site for research.
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada has a proposal to do just that, creating an Observatory Park that keeps the telescope and other facilities in use.
They have raised more than $35,000 toward developing the plan — they still need another $14,000 — and hired Lord Cultural Resources to develop a concept plan and business case.
The non-profit group is evaluating how education, research and outreach uses can be employed to keep the observatory a viable site, according to astronomical society president Denis Grey.
"It's not clear to us just what combination is going to work," Mr. Grey said.
Having a plan is essential, however, and the society is racing against the clock to have one in place soon, he said.
Though rumours of the observatory closing had been around for years, when it finally occurred, it was still a surprise, Mr Grey said.
Mr. Wilfert said he had talked with U of T's dean of arts and sciences, Pekka Sinvervo, over the past two years and knew an observatory closure was inevitable.
Nonetheless, he was taken aback by the suddenness of the announcement and, in particular, the university's aggressive timetable.
Though a final decision about selling the lands was made on Oct. 31, the university is accepting bids until Feb. 15 and hopes to have a sale closed by July.
"I think the university needs to slow down," Mr. Wilfert said.
"I think the university is looking at it strictly from a business standpoint, but they also have a social responsibility, having been a longtime constituent in Richmond Hill."
The observatory, which includes Canada's largest telescope and 190 acres of surrounding meadow and forest land, still has scientific uses and tourist potential, Mr. Wilfert said.
A fast-tracked process will not allow all options to be explored and pressuring the university to slow down is really all anyone can do at this point, he said.
"Time is of the essence ... We can't really deliver a credible study before the close of the sale," said Mr. Grey, who hopes the university listens and alter its schedule.
"There's nothing more inspiring than that place," he said. "There's nothing like it in Canada."
The national historic board has expressed interest in designating the site, but it can only do so with permission from the university, which has not been forthcoming, Mr. Wilfert said.
U of T spokesperson Ruta Pocius told The Liberal last month the university has no intention of delaying its process.
Mr. Wilfert said he will be following up with federal government officials and hopes a compromise can be reached.
Because he is returning from a trip to Japan, Mr. Wilfert said he will be unable to attend a rally planned for Jan. 16 at Queen's Park, but added he will have representatives present.
For more information on the astronomical society plan, visit observatorypark.ca