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A Legacy of SkyLight: My Journey with the David Dunlap Observatory

by   Godwin CHAN

I have a deep and heartfelt connection with our beloved David Dunlap Observatory (DDO). The developments surrounding this cherished land have been closely intertwined with my career on Richmond Hill Council, beginning on September 10, 2007—the day the University of Toronto declared the 189 acres of pristine land in Richmond Hill as surplus and offered the site for sale.

That moment marked the beginning of a powerful community movement. I will never forget standing on the cracked steps of the Administration Building on a cold January day in 2008, protesting the University’s decision. I stood in solidarity with our community — marching alongside passionate residents at the University of Toronto campus, and later addressing the rally in front of the Ontario Legislature at Queen’s Park in February 2008. Those moments of protest and unity sparked a journey that would define much of my public life.

The process began with Community Protest, sparked by the University of Toronto’s decision to declare the 189-acre site surplus. This was followed by Lobbying of the Federal and Ontario Governments, alongside the late Mayor Dave Barrow, as we worked to bring attention to the cultural and scientific significance of the DDO. Proposed residential development on the site went before the Ontario Municipal Board, which concluded with a five-party Settlement Agreement. From there, the DDO Park Master Plan was developed to guide thoughtful improvements to the publicly-owned lands. I was honored to serve as the Chair of the DDO Park Steering Committee during last term of Council in 2018-2022. Alongside this, the City navigated the process of subdivision development for the privately-owned lands, ensuring responsible growth aligned with the site’s historical and cultural context.

A personal milestone in this journey came in September 2009, when I proudly moved Bylaw 100-09 to designate the DDO lands as a Cultural Heritage Site under the Ontario Heritage Act. Then in March 2017, as soon as land ownership was transferred to the public, I successfully moved a motion—approved by Council—directing staff to apply for National Historic Site designation, recognizing the DDO’s significance not just locally, but across Canada.

This journey has truly been the high point of my public service. It was a moment of immense pride and joy to stand on the raised platform midway up the historic dome and welcome the public in June 2018 to the re-opening of the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Park—a space that symbolizes our community’s resilience, unity, and vision.

Looking ahead, I remain deeply committed to working alongside our residents to bring further enhancements to the DDO Park. Together, we can ensure that this treasured landmark remains a beacon of inspiration, education, and community pride in the heart of Richmond Hill—the place we proudly call home.

 





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