The University of Toronto has announced that the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill, Ontario north of Toronto (Google Map Link) will be sold as its formerly world-class 1.88m optical telescope has been blinded by the city’s glare and the observatory astronomers have switched to using telescopes in a international project in Hawaii.
From the FAQ:
The David Dunlap Observatory was presented to the University of Toronto in 1935 by Jessie Donalda Dunlap as a memorial to her husband David Alexander Dunlap. Planned in consultation with Dr. C.A. Chant, first Director of the Observatory, the project had three objectives: astronomical research, the training of advanced students at the University, and the fostering of public interest in astronomy.
The site chosen was a farm 25km north of the University campus. The original pre-Confederation farm house became the Director's residence.
When built, the 1.88 m. telescope was the second largest telescope in the world. Later two other reflector telescopes (.5m and .6m) were built on top of the Administration building.
In recent years as the observatory become less useful, Dunlap’s heirs contended that the bequest was contingent on the observatory remaining open and they should get the site back for resale if the Observatory closed. An agreement has now been reached to resolve this dispute. From the University of Toronto announcement:
The university is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with the Dunlap heirs to begin the process to establish the Dunlap Institute to support astronomy in the 21st century. The institute, to be located at U of T's St. George campus, will be realized through funds endowed from the sale of the Dunlap Observatory and the surrounding property in Richmond Hill.