Town of Richmond Hill Council recently voted eight to one to reject Corsica Development Inc.’s application to build 833 residential dwellings on the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) site and to direct staff to defend its position at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Right before this, a without prejudice settlement offer — the details of which are required to remain confidential — was considered in a closed session. The deal was apparently not taken, but a unanimous motion to continue to discuss other options with the developer was also passed.
Council’s vote to deny the original application followed recommendations contained in the town’s final staff report. In it, staff identified a variety of outstanding issues that the plans do not adequately address, such as protection of significant environmental features and the cultural heritage landscape.
Karen Cilevitz, of the David Dunlap Observatory Defenders, is elated that council adopted all of the staff’s recommendations. Although she isn’t a fan of the OMB, she believes it is necessary to go before the provincial authority in this case.
“This is a monumental fight to save a piece of historic land and a piece of cultural, scientific, natural and built heritage that must be protected at all costs,” she said.
Local councillor Godwin Chan thinks that going before the OMB will be helpful in considering the complex and overlapping set of issues that needs to be addressed.
“I honestly feel this is the right thing to do and this is what represents the interests of the community, as I hear it,” he said.
Coun. Carmine Perrelli was the only council member not to support the motion to deny the application and fight it at the provincial board. He described it as a “gamble” he doesn’t think the town will win.
Michael Pozzebon, Metrus Development’s project manager, could not be reached for comment. A pre-hearing is scheduled for June 2.