Long-Term Goals for the Preservation of the David Dunlap Observatory Lands

Our vision for the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) lands is a comprehensive, sustainable preservation effort that emphasizes the historical, ecological, and community value of this unique property. Below are the long-term goals we aim to achieve, ideally before large infrastructure projects from the city’s master plan are implemented:

Gain Individual Supporters & Members

The Town of Richmond Hill has previously taken a strong stand, successfully protecting the historic buildings on the David Dunlap Observatory lands from being demolished for housing. Today, we must take the next step—defending the surrounding forest and ecosystem from continued human-driven degradation in 2024–2025.

We are calling on community members, students, artists, activists, scholars, and professors—from Richmond Hill, Ottawa, Toronto/GTA, and beyond. Whether you’re based in Ontario or anywhere across Canada, if you’re passionate and eager to contribute to our mission, we welcome your involvement.

Contact the DDO Defenders

To strengthen our collective impact, we aim to connect and collaborate with the DDO Defenders—a long-standing group of advocates dedicated to protecting the David Dunlap Observatory buildings. We will begin by drafting and sending a formal letter or email introducing ATAAS to the DDO Defenders at ddod@gmail.com. This message will outline our mission, our recent findings, and our shared interests in protecting the David Dunlap Observatory lands. The goal is to collaborate on outreach, ecological guidance, and long-term stewardship as partners.

Contact the City of Richmond Hill to Support the Current Master Plan

We acknowledge and respect the extensive work that has gone into the City of Richmond Hill’s current Master Plan for the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) lands, including the rehabilitation efforts and contributions by both the City and the consulting firm involved. These initiatives represent important steps toward recognizing the ecological and cultural value of this unique site.

However, given the evolving environmental challenges and community needs, we believe it is time to reassess some elements of the existing plan. We respectfully urge the City to reconsider the scale of infrastructure development currently proposed and instead prioritize low-impact, community-driven initiatives that protect and enhance the natural environment over the long term.

To help mitigate the ecological impacts of construction expected to continue through 2036+ and ensure that the land continues to regenerate throughout this period, ATAAS will take the following steps:

We will submit a formal application for a community garden on the DDO park property through naturalenvironment@richmondhill.ca. This includes identifying a suitable garden coordinator based in Richmond Hill, advocating for a safe and ecologically appropriate garden location, and supporting the proposal with findings from our ongoing soil and plant analysis. We also plan to host a joint community event with the City’s Natural Environment team in August or September 2025, encouraging local residents and schools to participate. Teachers will be invited to involve students, fostering youth engagement in land stewardship.

ATAAS members will also personally participate in the City’s tree planting programs, especially those linked to the DDO lands. This hands-on involvement will allow us to better understand the City’s reforestation strategies, assess the suitability of selected species, and offer science-based input. Our goal is to ensure that planting efforts contribute meaningfully to long-term ecological restoration.

In addition, we will develop and independently fund a geocaching-based educational initiative across the DDO site. This project will place GPS-tagged markers throughout the park, each linking to content about local plant species, restoration practices, Indigenous history, and environmental facts. Designed to be accessible and engaging (particularly for youth) this program blends environmental science with interactive learning, making nature exploration more meaningful for all visitors.

Through these actions, we aim not only to contribute to the DDO’s ecological health, but also to empower community members, especially students and educators—to connect with the land, learn from it, and help shape its future.

Involve More Community Members, Students and Universities in Preservation Efforts

Establish partnerships with the City of Richmond Hill's Natural Environment Program, local high schools, universities, and other environmental programs to create an educational and volunteer-driven preservation initiative. We envision a collaborative effort where students contribute to land rehabilitation, ecological monitoring, and educational projects on-site, transforming the DDO lands into a hands-on learning environment.

Collaborating with the City on Rehabilitation Planning and Public Awareness About the Historic DDO Radio Shack

The David Dunlap Observatory Radio Shack is a significant yet overlooked structure with deep ties to Canada’s scientific heritage. Once a hub for astronomical research and data transmission, it now sits in disrepair—its asbestos siding, decaying roof, and neglected interior marking a quiet erosion of public memory and site value.

ATAAS is committed to raising awareness about the Radio Shack’s historical importance and advocating for its rehabilitation as an educational and ecological asset. Using LiDAR scans and 3D modeling, our team has already produced a detailed assessment of the structure’s current state, along with design concepts for its restoration. These designs reimagine the Shack as a visitor centre, environmental research post, or youth-led observatory outreach space, blending historical preservation with public engagement and sustainability.

Coordinating Long-Term Volunteer Eco-Rehabilitation Programs

Support Ongoing Tree Planting and Invasive Species Removal

Engage community members to restore native vegetation, combat invasive species, and support biodiversity.

Garbage Removal and Trail Maintenance

Organize deep cleanup efforts to remove litter, maintain trails, and ensure safe access for visitors.

Community Gardens, Educational, and Eco-Friendly Recreational Spaces

Create spaces for community gardens and establish educational signage about local flora and fauna.

Flip the Monumental Radio Shack into Visitors & Park Ranger Center

Propose the rehabilitation of the old radio antenna and shack as part of a visitor center or mini-museum, preserving these structures as accessible public heritage sites.

Advocate and Plan for Artistic and Scientific Events to Bring Back a Cultural Sense of Place like 1930's fostered

Our goal is to reestablish the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) lands as a hub for cultural and scientific engagement, reminiscent of its rich heritage in the 1930s. We envision the DDO as a thriving space for community-driven events, blending art, science, and education in ways that honor its legacy.

Examples of ways to bring back a sense of place:

Richmond Hill Arts & Science Exposition 2025: A community-centred exposition celebrating the intersection of art and science, featuring exhibits, workshops, and interactive displays.

Astronomy & Science Community Events: Public stargazing nights, lectures, and astronomy workshops to foster interest in the DDO’s astronomical legacy.

Theatre Events: Live performances on themes related to science and history, reconnecting the community to the Observatory’s story.

Art Nights: Showcasing local artists, inspired by the Observatory and its natural surroundings, highlighting works that explore the relationship between art and science.

GIS Day Events: Geospatial Information Systems workshops and exhibitions, sharing insights on land mapping and environmental conservation.

Annual Celebration of the DDO’s Opening Day: Commemorating the DDO’s 1935 opening with historical presentations, science talks, and recognition of key scientific discoveries made on-site.

For more information about returning the DDO's Sense of Place, please contact our Public Relations & Creative Arts Officer at:

PR.Arts@ATASA.ca

Conclude Our Work on the DDO Lands and Launch a New Initiative for Earth Conservation

Once our advocacy work for the David Dunlap Observatory lands is complete, we will transition to a new, province-wide initiative focused on Earth conservation. Building on the experience and community we’ve developed, this future project will address broader environmental issues across Ontario and Canada. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, public engagement, and creative outreach, we will continue to champion the protection of natural spaces and ecosystems.