Townhouses For Sale in Observatory, Richmond Hill

Homes on the Dunlap lands

The David Dunlap Observatory was a University of Toronto research facility, and its telescope, with a 74-inch mirror, is still the largest reflecting telescope in Canada. In 2008 the university sold the property to a developer, a sale that was hotly contested, partly over concerns about light pollution.

The eastern portion of the land is being built out with about 530 homes. The town, now the City of Richmond Hill, owns a bit more than half of the original property, with plans for an astronomy-themed park. The observatory buildings and the landscape around them are designated as historic property, and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada has run educational programs there since 2009.

For townhouse buyers, that history means the area offers both established homes on older streets and newer homes on the former observatory lands.

Living near a protected sky

Richmond Hill is unusual in having light pollution rules, a legacy of the observatory. For homeowners, that can affect outdoor lighting choices. Check the City of Richmond Hill's current by-laws before installing bright exterior fixtures.

The planned park on the observatory lands would add tennis courts, a self-illuminating pathway and an amphitheatre, but a 2018 report described it as 15 to 20 years away. Treat it as a long-term possibility rather than a reason to buy now.

The site is reached by a winding, tree-lined road near Yonge Street, and visitors can enter mainly through city programs, mostly on weekends.

Yonge Street, Hillcrest Mall and the south-end transit

Hillcrest Mall, on Yonge Street just north of 16th Avenue, is the main shopping anchor. It has been renovated and expanded with more than 100 stores.

Viva Blue runs along Yonge Street to Finch station. Langstaff GO and Richmond Hill GO, both on the Richmond Hill line, are a short drive south and north respectively. The Yonge North Subway Extension will end to the south near Highway 7, which will make the Viva connection more useful when it opens in about a decade.

Highway 407 and Highway 404 are a short drive for car commuters.

For downsizers who are driving less, that combination of a mall, Viva on Yonge and a future subway station to the south is a practical reason to choose Observatory over newer subdivisions further north.

New-build versus established-street checks

Because Observatory mixes older and newer homes, the checks depend on what you're buying.

• Newer units on the observatory lands. Ask about remaining Tarion warranty coverage, open deficiency items and any common elements fees. Check whether nearby phases are still being built.
• Older condominium complexes. Review the status certificate, reserve fund study and any planned special assessments.
• Older freehold rows. Ask about the age of the roof, furnace, windows and any past basement water.
• Heritage proximity. Properties close to the designated observatory site may have rules on views, lighting or changes. Check with the city.

For downsizers, Observatory's location near Yonge and Hillcrest Mall is a strong draw. For families, the future parkland and established schools matter more. Schools are run by the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board. Confirm catchment with each board.

Supply here is modest. Watch the live listings and compare with North Richvale to the south.