The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Toronto Centre is beginning its fourth season as stewards of the famed Observatory. The DDO is home to the largest optical telescope in Canada and has now become the largest volunteer-managed observatory in the world.

Come join us. We're always happy to welcome visitors who support our work at the Observatory!

Members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Toronto Centre, are proud that our work at the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) has attracted support and praise from astronomers and observatories around the world.  We're also thrilled to have welcomed more than 10,000 visitors since taking over operations at the DDO in the spring of 2009. 

However, our visitors continue to ask for clarification about stories that the David Dunlap Observatory is in danger of being torn down.  They also ask if donations made to other organizations help to maintain the Observatory or support our education and outreach programs. 

Here are the facts:  

1.    The Observatory has never been at risk of being torn down.  The owners of the property have always made it clear that they consider the Observatory and the Administration building to be historic structures that will be preserved.  They have consistently demonstrated their support for the Observatory and its ongoing operation. 

2.    Education at the Observatory is alive and well; school groups, Guides and Scouts visit on a regular basis to learn about astronomy and space science.  We're looking forward to a significant and exciting expansion of these programs.  

3.    We provide opportunities for High School students to obtain their required community service hours (necessary for graduation) by volunteering at the Observatory and assisting with the public and education programs. 

4.    Our public outreach programs run most Saturdays at the Observatory from spring through to late fall each year.  We offer exciting talks by visiting astronomers and space experts and the opportunity to tour the Observatory and look through the largest optical telescope in the country. Because so many of our public events are sold out we are planning to expand the number of program nights this season.  

5.  The 77 year old Observatory and Great Telescope are carefully and thoroughly maintained by a team of Toronto Centre volunteers trained by the former DDO Operations Manager, who was employed for over four decades at the facility. We're fortunate to have the benefit of his knowledge and support. 

6. Today’s David Dunlap Observatory is a vibrant part of the Richmond Hill community because of the thousands of volunteer hours contributed by members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Toronto Centre.  Please be aware that our programs and fundraising efforts always take place at the Observatory – not some offsite location.  The revenue from our programs and fundraising efforts goes back into education program delivery and maintenance of this wonderful, historic facility. 

Other fundraising campaigns using the Dunlap Observatory name have no connection with our ongoing stewardship of this facility and do not benefit Observatory operations in any way.    

The bottom line:  The David Dunlap Observatory is alive and well. We will continue to build on the Observatory’s legacy through educational and outreach efforts that inspire our young people and our community.