STAFF AT THE Town of Richmond Hill are busily reviewing the recommendations made by the Conservation Review Board in order to draft a report that will help determine the fate of the David Dunlap Observatory.

The board heard from community activists who wanted to see the historical astronomy research centre protected in its entirety, the Town, who sought partial protection and the owner, Corsica, who sought protection of the three main structures on the site earlier this year. Recently, the board made a decision that largely reflects the Town’s wishes.

“The staff report will go through the recommendations from the CRB, and it will speak to a designating bylaw,” said Ann Bassios, commissioner of planning and development with the Town of Richmond Hill. Bassios would not reveal the details of what the bylaw could look like, but said that they’re hoping to present the report to council as soon as their summer recess is over.

But even though the site will likely be partially designated as a heritage zone, community groups in the area and otherwise are concerned that it’s not enough. The observatory park recently topped a list of 10 endangered places in Canada by the Heritage Canada Foundation.

“This national recognition acknowledges the Dunlap Observatory site’s importance on the Canadian landscape. It validates our position it must be protected from development, not only as a statement of this country’s values, but because of its contribution to the world’s evolution of science and astronomy in the 20th century,” said Marianne Yake, president of the Richmond Hill Naturalists.

Metrus, the residential development company that now owns the property, has been working with the Toronto Centre branch of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, to start outreach and educational programs this summer. Paul Mortfield, a member of the RASC, said the programs have been highly successful. “Last week we had a meteor shower and about 300 people showed up. There were families out on the lawn with blankets, watching the meteors shoot by.”

Ian Shelton, an astronomer with the University of Toronto, has also been pushing to save the observatory so it can be used for educational purposes.

Some have criticized the RASC for cooperating with Metrus, and Mortfield said they do not have an opinion on the heritage designation of the site. But, the group wants to see the observatory itself remain.

“We’re trying to turn it into a centre where space knowledge is central, to encourage and inspire the next generation of scientists in Canada,” he said. “There is so much amazing research taking place and the observatory will be a focal point for all of that to happen.”