June 15, 2022 Richmond Hill, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
When the David Dunlap Observatory opened in 1935, in what was then rural Richmond Hill, its cutting-edge, 74-inch reflecting telescope was the second largest in the world. At the time, it attracted excitement and attention from astronomers and visitors across the globe, positioning Canada at the forefront of space discovery and helping establish the field of academic astronomy in Canada. Connected to the University of Toronto, it was a place of learning, research and discovery for generations of Canadians.
Today, Mr. Majid Jowhari, Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill, commemorated the national historic significance of the David Dunlap Observatory at a special ceremony to unveil a commemorative plaque. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.
The University of Toronto was the first university to offer graduate degrees in astronomy in Canada, awarding its first doctorate in 1950. It was, in part, the construction of the David Dunlap Observatory that made this possible. The state-of-the-art facilities attracted students, astronomers and recognized academics whose research and breakthroughs led to hundreds of publications. The observatory was the centre of a major astronomical breakthrough in 1971, when Thomas Bolton's research confirmed the existence of black holes. The observatory was also the research home of Helen Sawyer Hogg, a renowned expert on star clusters and Canada's best-known astronomer through the middle of the 20th century.
Today, the site is called the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory. Owned by the City of Richmond Hill, the city conserves 40 hectares as park land. By investing in this historic site, the city is helping ensure continued public access to the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory so that future generations will continue to be inspired by the stars.
The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, designates significant persons, places, and events that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians and youth connect with their past. The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,200 designations have been made nationwide.
National historic designations illustrate the defining moments in the story of Canada. Together, they tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past, enriching our understanding of ourselves, each other, and our country. Heritage places provide a wide range of cultural, social, economic, and environmental benefits to their communities.
