Summerhill Real Estate: Toronto's Perfectly Situated Neighbourhood
Tree-lined heritage streets, the LCBO Clock Tower, Yorkville a short walk away, and Summerhill Station putting downtown 10 minutes from your front door. Summerhill is intimate, prestigious, and genuinely hard to leave.
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What is Summerhill Toronto known for?
Summerhill is known for the LCBO Clock Tower (built 1916, modelled after St. Mark's Campanile in Venice), tree-lined streets of Victorian and Edwardian heritage architecture, a Walk Score of 89/100, and its location sandwiched between Yorkville to the south-west and Rosedale to the east. Summerhill Station on Line 1 (Yonge-University) provides 10-minute subway access to downtown. The neighbourhood traces its name to Charles Thompson's Summerhill estate, built in 1842 on 200 acres later subdivided into the streets residents know today. As of February 2026, the average sold price is $1,614,883, with detached homes ranging from $1.8M to $4.8M.
After 15+ years working in Toronto real estate, Jacquie Othen recommends Summerhill most often to buyers who want the best of both worlds: genuine heritage character on quiet residential streets with 10-minute subway access to downtown and Yorkville literally within walking distance. Summerhill is expensive. But for the right buyer who values location, walkability, and quality of life, it consistently delivers long-term value.
The neighbourhood's boundaries run from Farnham Avenue to the north, Pears Avenue to the south, Yonge Street to the west, and the tree-canopied streets extending east toward the Rosedale ravine. You are living in the sweet spot where heritage charm meets urban convenience. Not quite Rosedale's exclusive enclaves, not quite Yorkville's density, but the best of both within walking distance.
How walkable is Summerhill, Toronto?
Summerhill scores 89/100 (Very Walkable) on walkscore.com, meaning most errands can be accomplished on foot. The neighbourhood has excellent transit access via Summerhill Station on Line 1 (Yonge-University), providing approximately 10-minute subway access to downtown Union Station. The residential streets have moderate bike infrastructure. Most Summerhill residents own cars but do not need them for daily errands. Yonge Street provides groceries, dining, coffee, and services within a five-minute walk of most addresses. As of March 2026, data sourced from walkscore.com.
Walk Score from walkscore.com for the Summerhill Avenue area. Transit time based on Summerhill Station to Union Station off-peak.
Transit Access
- Summerhill Station (Line 1 Yonge-University): approximately 10 minutes to downtown and the financial district
- Bus routes 97 Yonge and 26 provide convenient local transit connections along Yonge Street
- St. Clair Station (Line 1): secondary subway access for residents on the northern edge
- Walking distance to Yorkville, Rosedale, and the Annex via Yonge Street and adjacent streets
Key Streets & Landmarks
- Yonge Street & Summerhill Avenue: LCBO Clock Tower landmark and main commercial corridor
- Summerhill Avenue, Price Street, and the connecting crescents form the residential core
- Tree-canopied residential streets extending east toward the Rosedale ravine define neighbourhood character
- Harvest Wagon has independent grocery, pharmacies, and specialty shops all within a five-minute walk
What does real estate cost in Summerhill, Toronto?
As of February 2026, the average sold price in Summerhill is $1,614,883, according to Zolo.ca. This figure reflects the full range from condominiums ($798,000–$2,295,000) to detached heritage homes ($1,799,000–$4,800,000). Most detached family homes are priced between $3.5 million and $4.5 million, or higher. Luxury properties with parking and spacious layouts exceed $4 million to $6 million. The GTA average days on market in early 2026 is approximately 54 days, with properties selling at around 97% of the asking price. Summerhill is a stable, low-turnover market; inventory is consistently limited because residents tend to stay. Data as of March 2026.
Price Ranges by Property Type
- Condominiums: $798,000–$2,295,000 (popular with downsizers, some buildings offer valet service)
- Townhouses: approximately $1,179,000 (limited inventory, mid-range family housing)
- Detached / semi-detached: $1,799,000–$4,800,000 (Victorian and Edwardian heritage architecture)
- Typical entry point: $2 million or above for a detached home; most family homes $3.5M–$4.5M+
- Luxury with parking: $4 million–$6 million or above for spacious heritage properties
Is Summerhill a good neighbourhood to buy in Toronto?
Summerhill is one of Toronto's most prestigious and stable residential markets. Heritage protections, low turnover, and limited new supply mean inventory is consistently tight. For buyers who can afford the entry point and value heritage character, walkability, and proximity to Yorkville and Rosedale, Summerhill offers exceptional long-term value and quality of life. This is a quality-of-life purchase that happens to hold value exceptionally well. Confirm current conditions with Othen Group before making a purchase decision.
Price data from Zolo.ca, February 2026. Days on market and sale-to-list ratio from TRREB GTA data, February 2026. Market conditions are subject to change.
What is the average rent in Summerhill, Toronto?
As of August 2025, the median rent in Summerhill is approximately $2,452 per month for all bedroom counts and property types, according to Zumper, roughly 23% higher than the national average. One-bedroom condos in the Summerhill area typically rent for $2,200 to $2,600 per month. Two-bedroom units typically rent for $3,000 to $3,600 per month. The rental premium reflects the neighbourhood's Walk Score of 89/100, subway access at Summerhill Station, and proximity to Yorkville and Rosedale. The broader Toronto rental market softened in early 2026, giving renters more negotiating room. Data as of March 2026.
What drives Summerhill rental prices?
- Walk Score 89/100: most errands are walkable without a car
- Summerhill Station on Line 1: 10-minute subway to downtown for renters who commute
- Proximity to Yorkville's world-class dining, shopping, and services
- Heritage prestige: tree-lined streets and Victorian character unavailable in newer neighbourhoods
- Limited supply: Summerhill has very few purpose-built rental buildings; most units are condo rentals
2026 rental market conditions
Toronto's rental market entered a renter's window in early 2026, driven by a record number of condo completions in late 2025. Active listings are above historical averages across the city, and landlords are offering incentives such as one month free rent or complimentary parking. Studio and one-bedroom segments saw the steepest year-over-year rent declines. Renters have more negotiating power in 2026 than at any point since 2020. Ontario's allowable rent increase for 2025/2026 is capped at 2.5% for existing tenants.
What should buyers and sellers know before entering the Summerhill market?
After 15+ years working this neighbourhood — the streets, the buildings, the heritage pricing nuances, and how to tell a well-priced listing from one that will sit.
How do I sell my home in Summerhill quickly?
Selling effectively in Summerhill in 2026 requires accurate pricing based on TRREB comparable sales data, a professional presentation that showcases heritage character, and an agent with direct experience in the neighbourhood. The GTA average days on market is approximately 54 days, and properties are selling at around 97% of the list price. Othen Group offers free professional staging in partnership with Kelly Allan Design. Staging heritage homes to highlight original details, high ceilings, and period finishes is one of the most effective ways to command premium pricing in Summerhill's market.
Step 1: Accurate pricing
Summerhill's micro-market requires granular comparable analysis. Street-by-street price differences are significant. Summerhill Gardens commands different premiums than Summerhill Avenue or Price Street. Jacquie Othen pulls TRREB data at the street level, not neighbourhood-level averages, to price correctly from day one.
Step 2: Heritage staging by Kelly Allan Design
Othen Group's free staging partnership with Kelly Allan Design is specifically calibrated for Summerhill's Victorian and Edwardian homes. Original fireplaces, crown mouldings, and period details are highlighted, not hidden. Buyers paying $3.5 million or above need to feel the heritage. Staging makes the difference between an offer and a pass.
Step 3: Targeted marketing
Summerhill buyers are not searching the same way as condo buyers at Yonge & Eglinton. They are typically downsizers from larger Rosedale or Forest Hill homes, relocating professionals, or long-term neighbourhood admirers. Othen Group's marketing reaches these specific buyer pools through the channels they actually use.
Step 4: Negotiation and closing
In a market where properties sell at approximately 97% of the asking price, the gap between a good and a great outcome is real. Jacquie Othen's experience negotiating Summerhill transactions (knowing which buyers are serious, which conditions are standard, and where value can be recovered) is the final piece that protects your price.
What is daily life like in Summerhill, Toronto?
Daily life in Summerhill means walking out your front door to independent restaurants, local cafes, and the vibrant Yonge Street corridor while living on quiet, tree-lined heritage streets. The LCBO Clock Tower at Yonge and Summerhill Avenue is the neighbourhood's community meeting point. Harvest Wagon, an independent grocer on Yonge Street, handles daily grocery needs. Yorkville's world-class shopping and restaurants are a short walk south-west. This is a neighbourhood where car ownership is optional for daily life; everything most residents need is within a five-minute walk.
Where locals eat & drink
- Terroni: Italian, neighbourhood favourite for authentic cuisine on Price Street
- Sorrel: French fine dining, 4.5/5 stars, $100+ per person
- Nadège Patisserie: exquisite macarons and pastries, a genuine destination bakery
- Seahorse: highly rated neighbourhood restaurant, 4.9/5 stars
- Sash: modern seasonal tasting menu, 4.6/5 stars, $100+
- Quanto Basta: Italian, 4.5/5 stars, $$$
- Rebel House: neighbourhood pub, 4.4/5 stars, reliable and unpretentious
Coffee, groceries, and daily essentials
- Lil E Coffee Cafe: 4.9/5 stars, beloved local coffee shop
- Dua's Coffee: 4.8/5 stars, 1244A Yonge Street
- Boxcar Social: 4.4/5 stars, specialty coffee and whisky, 1208 Yonge Street
- Harvest Wagon: independent grocer for daily essentials, produce, and specialty items
- LCBO Clock Tower: one of Canada's largest liquor stores, a landmark in its own right
- Local pharmacies, banks, florists, and specialty shops are all within the Yonge Street corridor
What parks and green spaces are in Summerhill?
Summerhill has exceptional parks for a dense urban neighbourhood. Rosehill Reservoir at 75 Rosehill Avenue serves as the neighbourhood's mini Central Park, a daily gathering spot for walkers, runners, cyclists, and dog owners, with a children's playground and a recent revitalization. David Balfour Park provides access to a ravine trail for hiking and cycling. Ramden Park is the neighbourhood's tennis hub. The tree-canopied residential streets themselves are part of the daily outdoor experience. As of March 2026, all parks named are within or immediately adjacent to Summerhill's residential core.
Parks and trails
- Rosehill Reservoir (75 Rosehill Avenue): recently revitalized, community playground, running path, dog-friendly
- David Balfour Park: ravine hiking and cycling trails with connections to the broader Toronto trail network
- Ramden Park: tennis courts, a regular social hub for residents and past clients
- Lionel Conacher Park: playground, dog walking, and a Little League diamond
Recreation and lifestyle
- Tennis at Ramden Park: popular with Summerhill's professional and family residents year-round
- Tree-canopied residential streets are ideal for daily walks, jogging, and cycling
- Easy walking access to Yorkville for shopping, dining, galleries, and entertainment
- Connections to Toronto's ravine trail system via David Balfour Park and the broader Don Valley trail network
What schools serve Summerhill, Toronto?
The primary public school serving Summerhill is Deer Park Junior and Senior Public School (23 Ferndale Ave, Toronto), a TDSB JK–Grade 8 school with a Fraser Institute Top 10 ranking and a strong decade-long track record of EQAO results in both Primary and Junior divisions. Private options nearby include The York School and Lycée Lynen. Prestigious independent schools in the broader area include The Bishop Strachan School (all-girls) and Upper Canada College (all-boys). Always confirm current catchment boundaries with the TDSB School Finder before purchasing; boundaries can change. As of March 2026.
Public schools (TDSB)
- Deer Park Junior and Senior Public School (23 Ferndale Ave): Fraser Institute Top 10, strong EQAO performance, JK–Grade 8
- Rosedale Junior Public School, nearby, serves portions of the Rosedale border area
- Whitney Junior Public School: nearby for some northern catchment addresses
- North Toronto Collegiate Institute (NTCI): secondary school, accessible to Summerhill residents; confirm catchment
Always confirm catchment with the TDSB School Finder at tdsb.on.ca before purchasing.
Private and Catholic schools
- The York School: JK–Grade 12, university preparatory, co-educational independent school
- Lycée Lynen: French-language private school
- The Bishop Strachan School: all-girls, JK–Grade 12, prestigious independent school nearby
- Upper Canada College: all-boys, JK–Grade 12, prestigious independent school nearby
- St. Basil-the-Great Catholic Academy: Catholic secondary option in the broader area
What new development is happening in Summerhill?
Summerhill is a mature, heritage-protected neighbourhood with very limited new development. The primary activity is the renovation and restoration of individual properties, maintaining Victorian and Edwardian character rather than replacing it. Occasional new condo developments occur along the Yonge Street corridor where zoning permits higher density, but these are modest in scale compared to development corridors like Yonge & Eglinton. Heritage protections and established residential zoning mean the tree-lined streets will look largely the same in 10 years as they do today, which is precisely what Summerhill buyers want. As of March 2026.
Current activity
- Heritage home renovations and restorations, maintaining Victorian and Edwardian character throughout the residential core
- Occasional new low-to-mid-rise condo developments along the Yonge Street corridor for downsizers
- Minimal large-scale development due to established residential zoning and heritage protections
- Ongoing park revitalization: Rosehill Reservoir recently underwent renewal of its paths and playground
What this means for buyers
Summerhill's trajectory is stability and preservation. Property values are driven by prestige, scarcity, walkability, and quality of life, not development speculation. The heritage architecture and extremely low turnover mean supply is always constrained, which historically supports price stability even in broader market softness. Buyers purchasing in Summerhill are buying into a neighbourhood character that is actively protected and unlikely to change. For buyers who want certainty about what surrounds them in 10 years, Summerhill is one of Toronto's most defensible choices.
Who is Summerhill actually right for?
Jacquie Othen's genuine read after 15+ years working in this neighbourhood, including the drawbacks worth knowing before you buy.
Summerhill is genuinely right for:
- Buyers who want heritage character combined with 10-minute subway access downtown. That combination is rare in Toronto
- Professionals and families who value a Walk Score of 89/100 and a genuinely car-optional daily life
- Empty nesters downsizing within the neighbourhood, from detached homes into Yonge Street condos with valet service
- Buyers seeking prestige without isolation. Summerhill feels like an urban village, not just a prestigious address
- People who want to become long-term residents. Summerhill buyers move here intending to stay for decades, and most do
The real drawbacks (don't skip this part):
- Price is the primary barrier. The $2M+ entry point for detached homes puts most of Summerhill out of reach for most buyers
- Limited inventory: When people move to Summerhill, they stay. Active listings are always scarce
- Parking is limited and challenging on many residential streets. Heritage lots were not designed for modern car volumes
- Heritage homes require ongoing maintenance and restoration. Expect ongoing costs for period-appropriate upkeep
- Renovation activity on some streets: contractors, noise, and construction traffic during peak renovation seasons
Summerhill vs. Rosedale
Rosedale offers larger lots, more exclusive enclaves, and higher prestige at even higher prices. Summerhill offers better walkability, direct subway access at Summerhill Station (versus Castle Frank in Rosedale's east section), and vibrant Yonge Street retail within walking distance. Rosedale feels more exclusively residential. Summerhill functions as an urban village with daily amenities at your doorstep. Choose Rosedale if lot size and exclusivity are the priority. Choose Summerhill if walkable urban convenience and community feel matter as much as prestige.
Summerhill vs. Yorkville
Yorkville offers luxury condos, world-class shopping (Bloor Street), and higher-density living. Summerhill offers heritage homes on tree-lined streets and a genuine residential neighbourhood feel. Yorkville is Toronto's luxury retail district, a place to live within shopping distance of everything. Summerhill is where you live a sophisticated urban lifestyle without the density and constant bustle. Choose Yorkville for luxury condo living at the epicentre of Toronto's best retail. Choose Summerhill for heritage homes with walkable urban convenience and genuine residential quiet.
Summerhill vs. Leaside
Leaside offers more family-sized homes at lower prices per square foot, excellent top-ranked schools (Rolph Road Elementary, Bessborough Drive Elementary), larger lots, and a quieter suburban feel. Summerhill offers better walkability, subway access at Summerhill Station, and the advantage of Yorkville and Rosedale adjacency. Leaside is the better value play for families who need space and top schools. Summerhill is the better choice for buyers who want walkable urban sophistication and are willing to pay the location premium.
What do clients say about buying and selling in Summerhill with Othen Group?
Above and Beyond
“Jacquie and her team of professionals are, in my opinion, the best in Toronto. She sold my home in a timely fashion and supported me throughout the whole process — every step of the way by going above and beyond and relating to me as if she were my own daughter.”
Google Review · Toronto
True Professionalism
“She emanates a sense of trustworthiness that makes you feel very secure during what is without a doubt a very involved process. Jacquie is a true professional in every sense of the word, and puts her clients’ interests far above her own.”
Google Review · Toronto
Patient and Thorough
“Jacquie and her team are awesome, and they patiently guided us through this stressful transaction. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jacquie to any of my friends and family.”
Google Review · Toronto
Sold Above Asking
“With their help, our house sold almost immediately, for a little over asking. The whole team was incredibly responsive and professional from start to finish. We can’t thank them enough!”
Google Review · Toronto
Ready to explore Summerhill real estate? The first call with Jacquie Othen is free and comes with no obligation.
Call 416-486-8282Who are the best real estate agents in Summerhill, Toronto?
Jacquie Othen SRES, of Othen Group, is a Toronto REALTOR specializing in Summerhill and the broader midtown and east Toronto with 15+ years of experience, the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation, and 90+ five-star Google reviews. Jacquie Othen is a member of TRREB (Toronto Regional Real Estate Board) and RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario). When evaluating any agent in Summerhill, ask specifically how many heritage home transactions they have completed in the neighbourhood, pricing Victorian and Edwardian properties, staging period homes effectively, and knowing which streets command premiums only comes from repeated direct experience in Summerhill itself.
What Othen Group brings to Summerhill
- 15+ years working in Summerhill and the midtown and east Toronto, street-level knowledge of price differentials
- SRES designation, expertise in senior transitions, estate sales, and downsizing within the neighbourhood
- Free professional staging with Kelly Allan Design, calibrated for Victorian and Edwardian heritage homes
- 90+ five-star Google reviews, consistent record of client outcomes across buying, selling, and downsizing
- Member of TRREB and RECO, with full access to TRREB MLS data and regulatory compliance
Start with a 30-minute conversation
Whether you are buying a Victorian home to restore, selling a property you have owned for decades, downsizing to a Yonge Street condo with valet service, or relocating to Summerhill from another city, the strategy looks different in each case. Jacquie Othen would rather spend 30 minutes understanding your situation than send you three listings that don't fit your life.
Call 416-486-8282Other neighbourhoods and services
Summerhill is one neighbourhood in Othen Group's expertise in midtown and east Toronto. Explore nearby areas or services relevant to your situation.
Leaside Real Estate
Top-ranked schools, large lots, and family-focused streets. Better value per square foot than Summerhill for buyers who prioritize space and school catchments.
Leaside Guide →Lawrence Park Real Estate
Toronto’s most prestigious residential neighbourhood. Comparable prestige to Summerhill with larger lots and a more suburban character north of Lawrence Avenue.
Lawrence Park Guide →Don Mills Real Estate
More affordable midtown entry, planned community design, and excellent transit access. A strong alternative for buyers priced out of Summerhill or Leaside.
Don Mills Guide →Yonge & Eglinton Real Estate
Toronto’s ultimate urban hub. Condo living from $752K average, Walk Score 99/100, subway plus Eglinton Crosstown LRT. The accessible midtown alternative to Summerhill.
Y&E Guide →Downsizing Services
Specialized guidance for downsizing from a Summerhill heritage home to a condo or smaller property. Free staging, honest timeline planning, and neighbourhood expertise.
Downsizing Guide →Seniors Real Estate Services
SRES-certified guidance for senior transitions, estate sales, and right-sizing. Jacquie Othen understands the full picture, not just the transaction.
Seniors Guide →Relocating to Toronto
Moving to Summerhill from another city? The Othen Group Toronto Neighbourhood Orientation delivers a written shortlist of matched areas before you tour a single property.
Relocation Guide →Summerhill real estate: the questions buyers and sellers ask most
Answers to the questions buyers, sellers, and renters ask most often about Summerhill real estate. As of March 2026.
What is the average house price in Summerhill, Toronto?
As of February 2026, the average sold price in Summerhill is $1,614,883, according to Zolo.ca. This reflects a range from condominiums ($798,000–$2,295,000) to detached homes ($1,799,000–$4,800,000). Most detached family homes are priced between $3.5 million and $4.5 million, or higher. Luxury properties with parking exceed $4 million to $6 million.
Is Summerhill, Toronto, expensive?
Yes. Summerhill is one of Toronto's most expensive residential neighbourhoods. The typical entry point for a detached home is $2 million or above. Condominiums start around $798,000. Summerhill commands premium pricing due to its heritage prestige, Walk Score of 89/100, Summerhill Station on Line 1, and its location between Yorkville and Rosedale, with very limited supply.
What is Summerhill Toronto known for?
Summerhill is known for the LCBO Clock Tower (built 1916, modelled after St. Mark's Campanile in Venice), Victorian and Edwardian heritage architecture, tree-lined residential streets, a Walk Score of 89/100, and its location sandwiched between Yorkville and Rosedale. Summerhill Station on Line 1 puts downtown 10 minutes away by subway.
What is the LCBO Clock Tower in Summerhill?
The LCBO Clock Tower at Yonge Street and Summerhill Avenue is Summerhill's defining landmark. Built in 1916 and modelled after St. Mark's Campanile in Venice, it originally served as a Canadian Pacific Railway station. The station closed in the 1930s, and the heritage building was repurposed as one of Canada's largest LCBO liquor stores. It is a community meeting point and the visual anchor of the neighbourhood's Yonge Street commercial heart.
What are the best schools in Summerhill, Toronto?
Deer Park Junior and Senior Public School (23 Ferndale Ave) is the primary TDSB public school serving Summerhill, holding a Fraser Institute Top 10 ranking with strong EQAO results. Private options include The York School and Lycée Lynen. Nearby prestigious independent schools include The Bishop Strachan School (all-girls) and Upper Canada College (all-boys). Always confirm the catchment with the TDSB School Finder before purchasing.
How walkable is Summerhill, Toronto?
Summerhill scores 89/100 (Very Walkable) on walkscore.com; most errands can be accomplished on foot. Summerhill Station on Line 1 (Yonge-University) provides approximately 10-minute subway access to downtown Union Station. Bus routes 97 Yonge and 26 provide local transit connections. Most residents own cars but do not need them for daily life. Data as of March 2026, walkscore.com.
What is the average rent in Summerhill, Toronto?
As of August 2025, the median rent in Summerhill is approximately $2,452 per month for all bedroom counts and property types, according to Zumper, roughly 23% above the national average. One-bedroom condos typically rent for $2,200–$2,600 per month. Two-bedroom units typically rent for $3,000–$3,600 per month. The 2026 rental market has softened city-wide, giving renters more negotiating room.
How do I sell my Summerhill home quickly?
Effective selling in Summerhill in 2026 requires accurate pricing based on TRREB comparable sales, professional staging that highlights heritage character, and targeted marketing to specific buyer pools who purchase in Summerhill: downsizers, relocating professionals, and heritage home enthusiasts. Othen Group offers free staging with Kelly Allan Design. Contact Jacquie Othen SRES at 416-486-8282 for a current market assessment.
Is Summerhill good for families?
Yes, for families who can afford the entry point. Deer Park Junior and Senior Public School holds a Fraser Institute Top 10 ranking. Parks, including Rosehill Reservoir, Ramden Park, and Lionel Conacher Park, provide green space. Tree-lined streets are safe and walkable. Most detached family homes are priced between $3.5 million and $4.5 million, or higher. Families wanting more space at lower prices typically consider Leaside or Don Mills.
Who are the best real estate agents in Summerhill, Toronto?
Jacquie Othen SRES, of Othen Group, specializes in Summerhill and the midtown and east Toronto with 15+ years of Toronto real estate experience, the SRES designation, 90+ five-star Google reviews, and membership in TRREB and RECO. When evaluating any Summerhill agent, ask how many heritage home transactions they have completed specifically in the neighbourhood, as direct experience determines pricing accuracy and negotiating position.
Thinking About Summerhill? Let's Talk.
Whether you are buying, selling, downsizing, or relocating, a 30-minute conversation gives you an honest picture of what Summerhill looks like for your specific situation, what your budget will actually get you, which streets are worth the premium, and what to do first.
Jacquie Othen SRES, Othen Group, TRREB & RECO Member, 416-486-8282
MARKET SNAPSHOT
(MAR 29, 2026 - APR 28, 2026)
MARKET SNAPSHOT
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