OBSERVATORY HILL - OBSERVATOIRE DAVID DUNLAP

The David Dunlap Observatory opened in 1935 in the northern suburbs of Toronto. His story began when Clarence Augustus Chant (1865-1956), a Canadian astronomer and physicist, father of Canadian astronomy, gave a lecture at the University of Toronto under the watchful and passionate eye of a certain David Dunlap, a wealthy mine owner in the country. The latter then decided to finance an observatory project for the university. Unfortunately, this project could not succeed because he died a few years later.... But it was to count without his widow, Jessie Dunlap, who decided to continue her husband's dream by building a world-class observatory! At the time of its inauguration, it thus has the second largest telescope in the world, with a diameter of 188 cm, ideal for making major discoveries... Discoveries that will reach their peak in 1971 when astronomer Tom Bolton discovered with this telescope the first black hole, named Cygnus X-1, since located in the constellation of the Swan! Over time, the role of the observatory has evolved somewhat, from the research centre of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics to public education and teaching programs. In honour of its initiator, the University of Toronto also created the Dunlap Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics in the Faculty of Arts and Science at Campus Saint-George. This rich past contrasts sharply with the last few years, which have been much less glorious... The problems and constraints related to its maintenance and management are aggravating relations between various associations and local authorities wishing to launch new rehabilitation projects. At the time of writing, it is difficult to see clearly what will happen to the observatory and its pretty wooded park! Renamed Observatory Hill, the site should mix astronomy (with the historic dome), modern subdivisions, public spaces, activity centres, parks, museums, nature trails, labyrinths, orchards, outdoor rinks, tennis courts and much more! Lovers of the original site are disappointed. The others see in this project above all their interests and the development of an area of the city that has been neglected for too long. It is possible that the day you visit the site, bulldozers and other public works vehicles will be doing their job.