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Saint Joseph’s Oratory gets facelift for Montreal’s 375th anniversary

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Saint Joseph’s Oratory renovations
WATCH ABOVE: The city is planning to inject $80 million to renovate the Saint Joseph's Oratory, as part of celebrations for Montreal's 375th anniversary in 2017. Global's Tim Sargeant reports – Jun 6, 2016

MONTREAL – The city is planning to inject $80 million to renovate the Saint Joseph’s Oratory, as part of celebrations for Montreal’s 375th anniversary next year.

READ MORE: Jacques-Cartier Bridge lights up for Montreal’s anniversary

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre, Quebec Treasury Board President Carlos Leitão and federal Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly were on hand to make the announcement.

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Among the improvements, a new observatory tower will be built to offer people a 360 degree view of the city.

It’s the latest project the city is investing in to celebrate the 375th anniversary.

READ MORE: Mount Royal granite sculptures over budget at $3.45M

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The city announced earlier this month that it would invest $3.45 million to install granite sculptures on Mount Royal, as well as a $39.5 million to install lights on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

Construction on the Roman Catholic structure began in 1904 by Saint André Bessette.

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It started off as a small chapel on the slopes of Mount Royal, facing Westmount, near Notre-Dame College.

The growing congregation prompted further construction, including the basilica that was completed in 1967.

A portion of Brother André’s heart remains in the church’s museum, as protection for the basilica.

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More than two million visitors and pilgrims visit the oratory every year.

READ MORE: City creates ‘Order of Montreal’ to honour remarkable citizens

It is Canada’s largest church.

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