Report to: Development Services Committee Date Report Authored:
SUBJECT: Nomination
of the David Dunlap Observatory,
PREPARED BY: George Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner, ext. 2296
RECOMMENDATION:
1)
That as recommended by
2)
That this resolution be sent to the Council of the Town
of
And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Not applicable.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this report is to communicate to Council Heritage Markham’s recommendation concerning the nomination of the David Dunlap Observatory as a National Historic Site.
BACKGROUND:
The David Dunlap Observatory is a significant cultural heritage
property located in the Town of Richmond Hill
The David Dunlap Observatory at
The property includes the observatory structure (opened in 1935), an administration building (a stone building opened in 1935, containing classrooms and offices), and the director’s residence (a brick farmhouse dating from c.1864, known as Elms Lea). In addition to the main buildings and accessory structures, the property includes landscaped open space and natural areas. The Observatory and Director’s Residence are illustrated on Figure 1.
After the facility closed, in 2007
the
The Council of the Town of Richmond Hill has designated the David Dunlap Observatory under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
In September, 2007, the Council of
the Town of
The designation by-law is expected
to be passed by Richmond Hill Council this fall, after the summer recess, based
on the recommendations of the Conservation Review Board. In addition, the Town of
The Region of York has endorsed Richmond Hill’s efforts to recognize
the significance of the David Dunlap Observatory
In June, 2008, the Region of York
endorsed
Planning staff at
OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:
The implications of National Historic Site designation
According to information provided on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board (HSMBC) website, “The Parks Canada Agency is responsible for the commemoration of national historic sites, people and events as determined by the Minister, upon the advice of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.”
The recognition of a property as a National Historic Site is mainly honorific. Once designated, the site qualifies for:
- A bilingual bronze plaque;
- Potential for agreements and financial assistance (in exceptional circumstances);
- Potential for federal acquisition of a property for conservation and preservation purposes (in exceptional circumstances).
National Historic Site designation does not offer legal protection
Quoting directly from the HSMBC website:
“Because national historic sites of
Written consent is required from the property owner
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada will not consider a nomination for National Historic Site status “without the written consent of the owner(s), whether public or private.” As noted in the Background section of this staff report, the MP is pursuing that consent from Metrus Development, but has not received a response.
Town of
In consideration of
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE: (external link)
Not applicable.
HUMAN
RESOURCES CONSIDERATIONS
Not applicable
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
This staff report aligns with the Corporate strategic priority of Growth Management by supporting the recognition of a significant cultural heritage property within the context of growth and development in York Region.
BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:
Not Applicable.
RECOMMENDED BY:
___________________________ ________________________
Biju Karumanchery, MCIP, RPP Jim Baird, MCIP, RPP
Senior Development Manager Commissioner
of
Development
Services
ATTACHMENTS:
Figure 1: Illustration of Observatory from
Appendix ‘A’:
Appendix ‘B’: Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada information