David Dunlap Observatory Lands sold.

You may have noticed that there is a very large parcel of undeveloped land to the East of The Richmond Condo. This is the David Dunlap Observatory lands, upon which exists many deer, coyotes and foxes. Unit owners facing east and south will have a clear view of the main observatory domes, as well the historical buildings.


U of T recently sold the David Dunlap Observatory lands, including the buildings and telescope structures contained within it, to Metrus. This is about 170 acres of pristine land in the absolute heart of the town, and includes land on which sits the Elvis Stojko Arena and the Observatory Park (16th Ave/Berwick Crescent).

Originally donated in trust to U of T, for astronomical research by the Dunlap family, this facility's large optical telescope found the first evidence of black holes.

The main telescope is still one of the largest optical telescope lenses still in existence.

The town of Richmond Hill is in the midst of preparing various by-laws and regulations to govern the development of the lands, which the Heritage Canada Foundation had identified as 'Canada’s Top Endangered Cultural Place'. You can participate at town hall meetings (click here for more information). That site offers town reports, cultural studies, maps, meeting schedules, contact info, etc.

You can also connect with non-government organizations such as The Richmond Hill Naturalists and the Save the DDO organization.

Alternate public schools

Although the school boundaries are pretty strict, there are other alternative non-private schools - if you meet certain criteria. Such schools include:

• There are 2 elementary schools with gifted programs, Crosby Heights PS and Silver Stream PS. Because these schools serve all of Richmond Hill, nearly all gifted students are bused.
• Several French Immersion schools are in the area.
• Several Catholic schools are in the area.
• Bayview SS has an IB (International Baccalaureate) program. There is also a Catholic IB school, Sir Robert Catholic HS.
• Richmond Hill is full of private schools, pre-kindergarten through high school.
  

Secondary School is Alexander Mackenzie HS

According to current York Region District School Board secondary school boundaries, the high school for residents of The Richmond Condo is Alexander Mackenzie HS.

Elementary School is Walter Scott PS

According to current York Region District School Board elementary school boundaries, the public school for residents of The Richmond Condo is Walter Scott PS. Because of the distance to the school, younger children will likely be bused to school.

Richmond Hill studying town hall relocation to Yonge/Maj.Mack

The town of Richmond Hill is considering moving it's municipal offices to land it owns at the corner of Yonge St/ Major Mackenzie. Richmond Hill would like your feedback at meetings being held on Sept 16 and Oct 8. Find out more information at:

http://www.richmondhill.ca/subpage.asp?pageid=town_hall_feasibility_study.

Picture of condo near completion

I just took this picture today, from the empty field to the building's west face.

Condominium Owner's Information Evening

Condominium Owner's Information Evening scheduled for Sept 30, at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts - which is just north of The Richmond Condo.

This is getting exciting. The condo is surely nearing completion when the building's property management firm schedules an owner's information meeting to discuss, among other things:

• occupancy dates
• pre-delivery inspection process
• general condominium living protocols
• hydro, cable, phone, and other service providers will also present

If you have not received your invitation, you may want to contact the condo's agent at 905-292-2900 or email info@therichmondcondo.com. The letter requests RSVP by Sept 18.