The University of Toronto has found a buyer for its David Dunlap Observatory site. The deal should close by the end of the month, a university spokesman said. The site is still open to the public, but the university is preparing for its transfer to the owner, whose name has not been disclosed. A couple of organizations are fighting to protect the site, and an Ontario conservation review board is expected to hold a pre-hearing on the matter in August. Last December, a Dunlap heir said the sale goes against donor terms. York Region News

Postscript July 29, 2008:

Sale of Dunlap Observatory closes: Yesterday the University of Toronto announced that it has sold the David Dunlap Observatory site to Metrus Development, a major residential property developer. The sale will generate $70 million, which will be invested in the university's new Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics. Metrus has  no immediate plans to build on the property, and maintains the observatory and its telescope will remain intact. uToronto News | Globe and Mail