RICHMOND HILL’S David Dunlap Observatory is set to reopen this summer, after being closed since last August.
The site’s owner, a residential developer called Metrus Development Inc., announced that the Toronto Centre division of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will organize public viewing nights, special events and educational programming. The amateur astronomy group will be using the observatory’s 74-inch telescope — the largest in Canada.
“We’re delighted with the agreement, which will see the observatory reopen to the community during 2009, the international year of astronomy,” said Dr. Ralph Chou, president of the RASC, Toronto Centre. “It has been a pleasure to work with Metrus to achieve this milestone agreement.”
The land was donated to the university in the 1930s by the Dunlap family. It became an astronomy research centre until recently, when the land was put up for sale to fund a new research facility downtown. Metrus bought the observatory and its expansive surrounding parklands from the University of Toronto last year. As a result, research and outreach programming ceased.
“One of our main concerns was that the observatory dome would not be utilized; becoming a museum that no one could see,” said Michael Pozzebon, the project manager for Metrus.
But some who don’t want to see the property developed think allowing the amateur group to run summer programming could put the historic property’s facilities in jeopardy.
Ian Shelton, a University of Toronto astronomer, ran the outreach programs up until last summer. He said an extensive education is needed to operate the telescope, and that it shouldn’t be left to amateurs.
“They can do a huge amount of damage,” he said. “They have no personal experience, and no huge body of wisdom that they’re tapping into. You need an entourage of technical staff for support, and I don’t see any of that in place to support the RASC Toronto Centre.”
Last winter, Shelton, other scientists who have used the facility for research, and local activists banded together to try to get heritage designation for the property. They made their case to the Conservation Review Board, stating that the facility is not only historic, but needs to be preserved because it benefits the community through education.
“It’s so much better than going to a museum and seeing it simulated,” Shelton said. “It’s the real thing, and that’s exactly what it’s all about.”
The Conservation Review Board hasn’t yet given its decision on the matter, although their decision would be a mere recommendation to council on whether or not the area should be protected.
“To us, that’s a good thing,” said Karen Cilevitz, the chairperson of the David Dunlap Observatory Defenders, on the length of time it is taking the board to make a decision.
The longer the jury stays out the better it is for the Defenders, we think.”
Mayor David Barrow has expressed his desire to see a portion of the land protected.