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.
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Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre, Quebec Treasury Board President Carlos Leitão and federal Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly were on hand to make the announcement.
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.
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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.
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.
More than two million visitors and pilgrims visit the oratory every year.
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It is Canada’s largest church.
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