Richmond Hill - October 8, 2009
BY ADAM MC LEAN, yorkregion.com
Markham to support Richmond Hill in Observatory battle
The Town of Richmond Hill has picked up an ally in the fight for David Dunlap Observatory preservation.
Tuesday morning, members of Markham's development services committee unanimously passed a motion to support Richmond Hill's efforts of provincial and federal government engagement in the DDO lands preservation.
This neighbourly gesture was in response to a motion tabled by Richmond Hill Councillor Godwin Chan and passed by council two weeks ago.
Markham's motion was brought forward by Ward 1 Councillor Valerie Burke and supported by Ward 2 Councillor Erin Shapero.
Both of their wards are located in the Thornhill area of Markham, south of Highway 7 and west of Highway 404/Don Mills Road.
Ms Burke's ward rests between Yonge Street and Bayview Avenue; slightly more than two kilometres directly south of the Observatory lands.
Having attended numerous Richmond Hill council meetings when observatory discussion was on the agenda, Ms Burke says the Richmond Hill land's fate also affects her Thornhill constituents.
"The issue of storm water is important. The land is like a giant sponge. The wetland area on the property is essential to stem issues of flooding to the area south," Ms Burke said.
"Not to mention our (Markham's) connection to the area's heritage," she added.
Though on Richmond Hill land, at one time the David Dunlap Observatory was located in what was known as the village of Richmond Hill, part of Markham Township until 1971.
And it was the issue of heritage that prompted Richmond Hill resident and DDO Defenders president Karen Cilevitz to address committee members at the Markham Civic Centre.
Her 15 minute video presentation illustrated the land's importance to Markham's heritage as well as Richmond Hill's.
Following the committee's decision to add support, Ms Cilevitz said she was impressed with the efforts of Markham councillors and staff members, particularly comments made by Mayor Frank Scarpitti.
Mr. Scarpitti outlined that it is not enough to only seek designation of the historical buildings, but also all of the observatory's surrounding lands.
This recommendation was later added to the motion.
"It would be a shame if the historical buildings are protected, but then you have modern developments running along side of them. That kind of protection would be a joke," he said.
"If we want to protect the structures in the context that they were built then the entire site's protection is a priority," Mr. Scarpitti said.
After watching Ms Cilevitz's video presentation, Ms Shapero admitted until recently she had no idea that Markham's boundaries reached into present day Richmond Hill at one time.
"This historical significance speaks to us as Markhamites. As we supported the observatory's building long ago, we should stand once again and support Richmond Hill in the observatory's future," Ms Shapero said.
Ms Cilevitz was taken aback from the support she was seeing from her neighbouring municipality.
"That is what we are lacking in Richmond Hill," said Ms Cilevitz who has repeatedly accused Richmond Hill council and staff of not doing enough to protect the observatory lands.
"It is upsetting to us that (in Richmond Hill) we have to fight so hard and the attitude from Richmond Hill council is that they are restricted to the recommendations from the conservation review board, (which recommended 70 per cent of the land worthy of heritage designation), yet Markham looks to go further," Ms Cilevitz added.
The town of Markham will send letters of their support and recommendation to the town of Richmond Hill, as well as Oak Ridges-Markham, Thornhill and Richmond Hill MPs and MPPs.
Deeming particular land an area of national historic significance must include the permission of the landowner.
Ms Burke admitted that very issue has been faced before in Markham. "We just usually go ahead and do it anyway and then let the owner appeal if they wish," she added.
Observatory land owner Metrus say they are busy with other matters and at this point haven't given the prospect of the entire DDO lands being labeled as a national historic site a tremendous amount of thought.
Still, they have yet to rule out such a turn.
"We would be willing to consider it once the planning process is completed. As of right now - we wouldn't rule it out," project manager Michael Pozzebon said.
Richmond Hill Mayor Barrow said he previously knew nothing of Markham's plan of support, but admits he welcomes any assistance.
"With Markham jumping on board it can only help. Maybe the more people we have behind us, sending letters, the more attention will be paid to this issue," Mr. Barrow said.
He also added that replies were received earlier this week from the correspondence sent to the Prime Minister's and Premier's offices.
According to Mr. Barrow, both responses thanked the town for keeping the elected officials up to date and the letters were being forwarded to their appropriate ministers.
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