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Observatory Richmond Hill

History of Observatory

Alexander Marsh settled on these lands in 1815. Turned it into a farm. It remained as land until 1932 when Jessie Donalda Dunlap purchased the property for $28,000 and generously gifted it to the University of Toronto as a memorial, for her husband, David Dunlap. David Dunlap had amassed wealth in mining and gold industries. Was deeply passionate about astronomy. The University of Toronto was seeking a location for their astronomy endeavors as their previous facility in downtown Toronto was no longer suitable due to pollution. The picturesque rural area of Richmond Hill proved to be a choice.

By 1935 construction on the Observatory was completed, boasting the largest telescope worldwide and the largest one, in Canada. The Observatory operated until 2007 when the land surrounding it was sold to developers. Recognizing its heritage value, York Region and Richmond Hill agreed that half of the property would be owned by the City of Richmond Hill while the eastern portion would be developed into a subdivision.
In 2018 following a period of uncertainty the David Dunlap Observatory has again welcomed the public. Plans are underway to transform it into an attraction, within the emerging neighbourhood that surrounds it.

Lifestyle

South Hill shopping centre, located off Yonge Street is an open air plaza that features a No Frills supermarket as its attraction. In addition, to the grocery store you’ll find retailers including banks, medical offices, restaurants, beauty salons, a fitness studio and even a family entertainment centre.

Elvis Stojko Arena

The Elvis Stojko arena, situated on 350 Avenue provides opportunities, for skating, figure skating and participation in organized hockey leagues.

If you’re looking for an area in the neighbourhood David Dunlap Observatory Park on Berwick Avenue is a great option. With its expanse of greenery this park offers walking trails and is an ideal spot, for picnics and stargazing.

Transit

In this neighbourhood there are a total of 60 transit stops, including the Richmond Hill GO rail station. When it comes to commuting in Observatory the majority of residents rely on their vehicles. Commute, to cities.

Destination of Residents Commute

  • Commute within the city – 28%
  • Commute to another city – 72%

Various Modes of Commuting

  • Vehicle – 71%
  • Transit – 21%
  • Walk/bike – 5%

Duration of Residents Commutes

  • 15 to 29 minutes – 28%
  • 30 to 44 minutes – 24%
  • 45 to 59 minutes – 9%
  • 60 minutes and over – 24%
  • Less than 15 minutes – 13%

Observatory Richmond Hill Elementary & Secondary High Schools

The Observatory neighbourhood boasts elementary and secondary educational institutions, both with regular and specialized programs. There are a total of 6 schools, 4 Catholic schools and 2 private schools catering to the community. The specialized programs available, at these schools encompass Montessori education, French immersion, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

  • Public Schools: 6
  • Catholic Schools: 4
  • Private Schools: 2

Public

  • Adrienne Clarkson PS
  • Bayview SS
  • ÉS Norval-Morrisseau
  • Langstaff SS
  • Académie de la Moraine
  • Sixteenth Avenue PS

Catholic

  • St Joseph Catholic ES
  • Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy
  • ÉÉC Le-Petit-Prince
  • ÉSC Renaissance

Private

  • Richmond Hill Montessori Elementary School
  • Quantum Academy

Private

  • TMS School – Bayview

Observatory Richmond Hill Parks & Facilities

It’s really enjoyable to explore the parks and recreational facilities in this area. You’ll find playgrounds, for children sports parks and even places for skating. In total there are eight parks, with a combined number of seventeen facilities. On average each park has two facilities.

  • Number of Parks: 8
  • Number of Recreation Facilities: 17

Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks

  • Playgrounds – 6
  • Arena – 1
  • Rink – 1
  • Basketball Courts – 4
  • Sports Field – 1
  • Splash Pad – 1
  • Trails – 3

Observatory Homes

The Observatory neighbourhood is a community, with a variety of houses that cater to preferences and budgets. The majority of the houses were built in the 1980s and 90s including detached, semi detached and townhomes. Recently there has been an increase in condominium buildings along Yonge Street offering housing options.

One exciting development in the area is Observatory Hill, situated near the David Dunlap Observatory. It is a planned community that will feature luxury homes such as townhouses, semi detached houses and single family detached residences.

The proposed amenities at Observatory Hill are impressive. Include an Amphitheatre, Conservatory, Skating Trail, Tennis Courts, playgrounds and even a glowing Star Path. You can enjoy picnics on the Great Lawn. Observe wildlife like white tailed deer, in the Wetlands and Wildlife Sanctuary.

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