Residents and Town staff alike are outraged after the recent removal of more than 100 trees on David Dunlap Observatory lands.
 

“It was one of the most sickening feelings I have ever had in the pit of stomach,” said Karen Cilevitz of the David Dunlap Observatory Defenders who witnessed the event. “The appearance of the field has been intrinsically and irrevocably changed.”
 

She added that the area — within the identified cultural heritage landscape of the property — is now a “bare, denuded field.”
 

The observatory and its parklands are owned by Metrus Development, who acquired the property from the University of Toronto last year.
 

Brenda Hogg, deputy mayor of Richmond Hill, said the news was a surprise given ongoing talks with the developers and residents on the site.
 

“It just seemed like such a breach of respect and regard for council and for town staff,” Hogg said. “It’s a huge disappointment.” She added the town had confirmed that there was no authority to remove the trees.
 

“There needs to be some clarrification of what happened,” said Michael Pozzebon, project manager for Metrus Development.