Welcome to Observatory Hill, a luxurious master-planned community
in South Richmond Hill’s last remaining parcel of picturesque land.
It’s a place that’s to be built on the astronomical past of the David
Dunlap Observatory, rich with scientific research and advancement
that led the world.
Observatory Hill will be one of the most unique communities in Canada.
Tucked in alongside David Dunlap Observatory Park, a huge, cultivated
green space with stories of astronomy and discovery. Many of those
stories became history, and soon those who live there will get to write
life stories of their own.
Not only will Observatory Hill offer a fantastic community with well-
designed, high quality homes; the town of Richmond Hill has proposed
a spatial plan just northwest of Bayview and 16th Avenue that will make
this neighbourhood one of the finest, and most unique in Canada.
David Dunlap Observatory
Central Fountain Plaza
Administration Building
Planetarium
Picnic Area
Woodland Trails
Playground
East Entrance & South Lookout Plaza
Wildlife Wetland & Southwest Wetland Refuge
Great Lawn
Star Path
Conservatory
Elmslea Visitors Centre & Community Orchard
Tennis Courts & Ring Road
Elvis Stojko Arena
16th Avenue South Entrance
Skating Trail
Wildlife Wetland & Southwest Wetland Refuge
Rail Overpass
Community
WHERE OUTER SPACE IS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
The DDO Park and the areas surrounding the Observatory are the best locations in the GTA for stargazing or observing natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights, eclipses and other sporadic celestial events. You will live just steps from an environmentally conscious place with great opportunities to learn about science or to simply enjoy breathtaking views of the sky.
In the DDO Park, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada runs a great selection of programs and events for everyone young and old to enjoy. Public programs are planned to run from May to October so your family can indulge in the exploration of our vast, exciting Universe.
Built on the dreams of Professor Clarence Chant, David Dunlap, and his wife Jessie, the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) stood for forward motion, Canadian contributions to science and trailblazing research. At the time of its inception, the DDO boasted the world’s second largest telescope and it would go on to become a ground-breaking location for astronomical exploration and education. The DDO provided evidence that Cygnus X-1 was indeed a black hole, starred in an Oscar nominated documentary and inspired Stanley Kubrick’s stellar odyssey, the DDO has always been a centre for success in Canada. It’s a history that will rightfully be remembered for years, and now you have the opportunity to be a part of its story.
The father of Canadian astronomy, Professor Chant was the driving force behind the creation and progression of the DDO.
David Dunlap was a Canadian mining executive who - after hearing Clarence Chant speak at a University of Toronto lecture - became interested in astronomy and decided to fund an observatory project for the university.
The widow of David Dunlap, who upon his passing followed through with his dream of erecting a world-class observatory in the DDO.
A view of the administration building, which was built to accompany the DDO and house researchers and professors like Clarence Chant.
Professor Chant using the world’s second largest telescope.
SCROLL TO TOP