Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal to unveil restored facade

The Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal is preparing to unveil its facade on October 25 after nearly a decade of being covered by scaffolding. While the facade restoration is finished, the broader project is extensive. Michel Issa, executive director of the Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal, stated that approximately 20 per cent of the total work is complete. He estimates exterior work could take four years, while interior restoration may require five to ten years.

The total cost of the restoration is estimated at $100 million. Funding is being sourced through benefit concerts, revenue from the Le Firmament coffee shop, and various fundraisers. A new fundraising initiative allows donors to ‘sponsor a stone’ by inscribing a digital message on the building’s facade. To preserve the durability of the masonry, these messages will be viewed via augmented reality through a cellphone or via projections rather than physical engraving.

Mathieu Verreault, director of tourism and operations, noted that the masonry requires reinforcement and restoration due to cracking caused by years of freezing and thawing cycles.