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I honestly cannot believe I am writing this but the observatory is saved and the land stays green. It feels like such a fever dream thinking back to when this all started but we actually managed to stop the sale. Keep your eyes on the park because now that we …

May 6, 2008

Save David Dunlap Observatory and Park

Save David Dunlap Observatory and Park

🏆 Won — 3,009 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Stan L.
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Mike L.
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Cynthia B.
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Nancy R.
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Davis &.
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Tom S.
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Debbie H.
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+2,999 more
RP
Started by Rod Potter 18 years, 8 months ago
Please sign this petition today and support the continued operation of the Observatory and the preservation of this 190-acre green space. TO The President and Governing Council of the University of Toronto: WHEREAS the University of Toronto is selling the David Dunlap Observatory, located in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The Observatory has deep historical, cultural and environmental significance to the residents of Richmond Hill, DDO astronomers, the Royal Astronomical Society and tens of thousands of visitors. WHEREAS the Observatory land has been regenerating for over 70 years and its forests and meadows are now home to deer, fox, coyote and dozens of bird species. WHEREAS the first Black Hole was discovered by Professor Tom Bolton using the 74-inch telescope. The facility is still in demand by numerous astronomers from Canada and Europe. In 2006, DDO astronomers contributed 19 peer-reviewed articles. WHEREAS the DDO land is the largest remaining green space in the Town of Richmond Hill, a community which has grown from 90,000 to 163,000 people in just 10 years. We need this Park! WHEREAS the University of Toronto did not consult with area residents before putting the land up for sale. In January 2007, DDO Director, Peter Martin told the Toronto Star \"There have been no official talks about selling.\" A mere 9 months later, the DDO is on the auction block -- UofT will accept bids from developers until February 15, 2008. WE THE UNDERSIGNED petition the University of Toronto to CANCEL THE SALE of the DDO; OR, for the Town of Richmond Hill to protect the entire property through a Heritage Landscape Designation; OR, for the lands to be purchased and protected by a public partnership using local, Provincial and Federal money.

Updates

Reached 2,500 supporters

April 2, 2008

December 21, 2007

I was looking at the old maps of the observatory grounds today and it just makes me so angry that someone would consider turning that forest into pavement. People keep messaging me with their memories of stargazing there and it really brings home why we have to keep fighting even when the university stays quiet.

December 17, 2007

I just blinked and saw the counter hit one thousand because how did that even happen so fast when I was just worried about keeping the telescopes running. It feels like such a massive shift from when this was just me staring at a computer screen late at night wondering if anyone else cared about the trees and those old dusty lenses. Now that we have this momentum maybe the university will finally have to stop hiding behind their closed doors and actually acknowledge that we are paying attention.

Reached 1,000 supporters

December 16, 2007

Reached 100 supporters

November 28, 2007

6 Comments

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Kevin Donnelly
18 years ago Featured

Too much concrete in Richmond Hill already. We need the green space for the animals that live there and for the families.

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Linda Ortiz
18 years ago Featured

My kids grew up going to see the stars here. It would be a total disgrace to lose this park to developers.

S
Sarah Adeyemi
18 years ago Featured

This land is so important for the community. We dont need another condo development destroying all that nature. Leave it alone.

M
Mike Cox
18 years ago Featured

Ridiculous to sell off such a piece of history. The U of T should be ashamed of themselves for not talking to us first.

J
Jessica Salazar
18 years ago Featured

So sad to hear they want to ruin this. The observatory is a landmark and needs to be protected for future generations.

D
David Tan
18 years ago Featured

KEEP IT OPEN. The science that happened here is incredible. Stop the sale now!

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