[getsmart-l] Dunlap Observatory declared surplus - To be sold - For "Sprawl"??

[John O'Gorman]

If you don't know it, it is an environmental gem left in the heart of Richmond Hill and York Region. On a winter's dusk you can see the deer grazing in the field. Imagine this in the hands of a developer who loves to develop Moraine lands and environmental treasures. Look at Oak Ridges.


http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/070910-3374.asp
Dunlap legacy in the 21st century
As research relevance of the Dunlap Observatory draws to a close, new Dunlap Institute will continue the legacy
Sep 10/07
by Ruta Pocius (about) (email) 
As the academic and research relevance of the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill draws to a close, the legacy of the gift donated by Jessie Dunlap to U of T in the 1930s in memory of her husband, David, will continue to live on. The university is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with the Dunlap heirs to begin the process to establish the Dunlap Institute to support astronomy in the 21st century. The institute, to be located at U of T's St. George campus, will be realized through funds endowed from the sale of the Dunlap Observatory and the surrounding property in Richmond Hill. 

"We have worked closely with the grandchildren of Jessie and David Dunlap to determine an appropriate means by which to honour their vision and tremendous gift to the University more than 70 years ago," says Professor Pekka Sinervo, dean of arts and science. "The Dunlap Institute will be as relevant in this century and of the same standard of excellence that the Dunlap Observatory was at its peak in the past century." Sinervo points out that light pollution caused by immense urban growth in the GTA has rendered the observatory unsuitable for academic and research purposes for quite some time. Currently, the university spends $800,000 annually towards the upkeep of the facility.

In order to proceed with the sale of the property, the university will be recommending to its Governing Council that the lands be declared surplus to academic need. That process will get underway at next week's planning and budget committee meeting. "As Canada's largest research university our first priority is to deliver on our academic purpose and we must leverage our investments in a manner that facilitates education, research and discovery without an added burden to our students or taxpayers," says Sinervo. A final vote on the matter is expected to take place at Governing Council's Oct. 30 meeting and if approved a request for proposals will follow shortly thereafter. 

The Dunlap Institute will focus on research, teaching and advanced training and public outreach. Its multifaceted objectives include the creation of an international centre of research excellence in astronomy and astrophysics; participation in the development of scientific instrumentation for world class observatories; and leadership and promotion of interactions to create major national and international research collaborations. 

Current operations of the observatory, including public tours, will continue until further notice.
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