our vision and
STRATEGIC pLAN

At the heart of our organization, are dedicated volunteers who work day and night to promote scientific literacy in the community, and create a culture that emphasizes co-operation with local businesses, education supplementary to student curriculum,  as well as a medium for people to appreciate and understand the role astronomy plays in our society.

Vision:

The Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory Society envisions a future where every visitor to the site leaves inspired and with a lifelong passion for science. This will be achieved through engaging storytelling that illuminates the pivotal Canadian contributions to space sciences, and explores our strong connection to the cosmos. The stories will celebrate the rich history and culture of our local community, including the perspectives and knowledge of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

Approved by the Board of Directors 2024 June 26th

Mission Statement:

The Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory Society will inspire visitors of all ages by expanding their understanding of their place in the universe and making Canada’s historic Plaskett Telescope and the Centre of the Universe sites of learning, creativity, and community for all.

Approved by the Board of Directors 2018 November 26, reaffirmed 2024 June 26th

guiding principles:

These are the principles by which we intend to operate as we fulfil our mission.

Inspiration and Wonder: Inspire visitors to dream and explore the vastness of the universe: foster a fascination with astronomy and space sciences, encouraging hands-on learning and a scientific mindset.

Unique Experiences: Offer immersive and memorable experiences to all visitors, sparking a lifelong interest in space sciences and nuturing the next generation of space scienceleaders.

Leadership: Become a leading organization for education about science and culture around the night sky, current astronomical phenomena, and general science awareness. Become recognized as the media point of contact for these subjects.

Community Education and Partnership: Make the Observatory a central hub for regional astronomy education incorporating strong local and national support that emphasizes the Observatory’s role.

Encouraging Participation: Nurture and support science promotion by encouraging and training volunteers in all aspects of science outreach.

Inclusion and Accessibility: Provide a supportive and diverse learning environment that makes scientific understanding available to all, and facilitates making available the shared cultural knowledge and experience of all local communities.

Strategic Plan:

The interruption of the COVID Pandemic delayed the creation of the Society’s Strategic Plan. A new planning process finally got underway in January 2024, and was approved on June 26th.

The plan identifies goals in nine areas:

  • Provide a unique, immersive, memorable visitor experience

  • Expand educational programs for kindergarten to grade 12 students

  • Further community leadership and awareness of astronomy

  • Increase the staffing and volunteer base

  • Develop reliable, growing revenues

  • Develop large sponsorships and donors

  • Develop and implement a marketing strategy

  • Invest in the site

  • Continue to develop organizational governance.

Together, these goals lay a solid foundation for lasting community impact in alignment with our vision of being a beacon of scientific exploration and community connection.

The complete plan can be downloaded from this link.