In the past several years, there has been much discussion about the future of the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) lands along Bayview Avenue, north of 16th Avenue.

The Town of Richmond Hill and the community have worked hard to preserve and protect the cultural and natural heritage of the significant site that is unique in Richmond Hill and beyond the town’s borders.

As part of the five-party mediated settlement at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), the town will receive 99 acres of land from the owner of this private property in the future.

Although the appeal of the zoning and subdivision plan is scheduled for a hearing at the OMB this coming June, it is important to plan for the eventual transfer of land into public ownership and to also develop a master plan with visions to guide the future enhancement and manage-ment of this new public park on the DDO lands.

I strongly believe that public consultation is a critical part of the planning process for the DDO Park and am committed to engaging the community to seek their input and views on the future “destination park” for residents in Richmond Hill, York Region and beyond.

As such, I would to like thank our town council for adopting my motion to initiate the master plan process that includes public consultation and the commitment of funding to retain resources for such a process.

In the coming months, I will continue to notify the community about the progress of the master plan and the timelines for public consultation on this exciting new project.