Another issue concerning the venerable York Region site of the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) is gaining traction. First there was the issue of the preservation of the DDO lands. This time, the Richmond Hill Naturalists (RHN) are getting involved.
In this case, the question is one of heritage, and it’s centred around the observatory’s administrative building — what supporters describe as being one of the most recognizable, historically beautiful places in Richmond Hill. The problem, they say, is that certain parties want to establish a sales office inside, right in the heart of the 1930s structure that can be seen from the street.
That use, said Marianne Yake of the Richmond Hill Naturalists, is inappropriate for a site with possible heritage status.
“The building, we believe, is fairly iconic,” Yake said, who petitioned for heritage designation of the building as far back as September. “Especially in York Region. We have very few buildings of this stature. I could maybe equate it with the Sharon Temple [in East Gwillimbury] in terms of having something of this magnitude.”
Corsica Development, Inc. confirmed their intent to use the building as a sales office for future developments planned for the area.
“Corsica also clarified that it is their intent to use both the building and the surrounding site as-is, with no exterior or interior building alterations or changes to the grounds,” reports provided by the Town of Richmond Hill read.
Critically, the absence of exterior or interior alterations makes the site exempt from the requirement of site plan approval, something the Ontario Municipal Board is currently considering. If it’s determined that Corsica can alter the site in such a way without official approval, heritage designation for the building may be the only way forward for the Richmond Hill Naturalists.
“There’s no decision yet,” Yake said, “but that decision will probably be coming soon.”