Nearly $53 million for a Major Upgrade of Saint Joseph's Oratory
News Release
Montréal, Quebec - June 6, 2016
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, along with Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Safety and Minister Responsible for the Montréal Region, Carlos J. Leitão, Quebec Minister of Finance, Minister Responsible for Government Administration and Ongoing Program Review and Chair of the Conseil du trésor, and Hélène David, Minister Responsible for Higher Education and Member of the National Assembly for Outremont, are proud to announce a government contribution of nearly $53 million for a major development project at Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal. The Mayor of Montreal, Denis Coderre, was also present at the event to announce the intention of the City of Montreal to participate financially in this project. This initiative represents important legacy work for the Government of Québec in the context of Montréal's 375th anniversary.
Key work planned for this project includes building a new visitor centre with a shop and restaurant, rest and hospitality areas for pilgrims, a glass passageway among buildings on the site, and the creation of a Holy Family Plaza. The carillon will also be restored, the Garden of the Sacred Walkway will be reconfigured and enhanced with ambient lighting, and new welcome facilities created, including escalators, to improve site accessibility and safety. Finally, an observation centre will be built at the top of the basilica's dome, the entrance to the dome will feature a visitors' centre, the museum will be renovated and the parking areas redeveloped. This major project will integrate 21st century technology and the expertise of Quebec artisans to enhance the historical and cultural heritage of Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal and modernize visitors' experience.
The total cost of this work is nearly $80 million. Government financial support is being provided through the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund, and the Quebec-Municipalities Infrastructure Program. The Government of Canada is contributing nearly $22 million; the Government of Quebec, $30.8 million; and Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, $26.4 million. The City of Montréal is also confirming its intention to participate in the project with a contribution of 10 million dollars.
Quotations
« Cultural institutions like Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal play a key role in developing dynamic communities that celebrate Canada's diverse heritage. The Government of Canada has announced an historic plan to invest more than $120 billion in public infrastructure over the next ten years—including new funding for cultural projects—to better meet the needs of Canadians, strengthen the economy and build the Canada of the 21st century. It is thanks to these initiatives and projects like the one we're celebrating today that Canadian communities will remain among the best places in the world to live, work and raise a family. »
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
« The Government of Quebec is happy to be investing in the redevelopment and enhancement of Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, a true historic gem of our city. Modernising and improving this key landmark will support Montréal's renown as a cultural, tourist and economic centre. This major project will help preserve Montréal's unique heritage for years to come and is one of a number of legacy projects being carried out to mark Montréal's 375th anniversary. »
- Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security, and Minister Responsible for the Montréal Region, Carlos J. Leitão, Minister of Finance, Minister Responsible for Government Administration and Ongoing Program Review and Chair of the Conseil du trésor, and Hélène David, Minister Responsible for Higher Education and Member of the National Assembly for Outremont
« Perched on the Mount Royal hillside, Saint Joseph's Oratory is one of Montreal's signature emblems. Its sanctuary will be transformed and restored by major works worthy of its notoriety and scale. I am very proud to announce that the City of Montreal intends to contribute up to $10 million dollars for this important project. I want to recognize the project managers who have worked to integrate the character of the site into the mountain and the basilica. »
- Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal
Montréal's 375th Anniversary
Perched on the Mount Royal hillside, Saint Joseph's Oratory is one of Montreal's signature emblems. Its sanctuary will be transformed and restored by major works worthy of its notoriety and scale. I am very proud to announce that the City of Montreal intends to contribute up to $10 million dollars for this important project. I want to recognize the project managers who have worked to integrate the character of the site into the mountain and the basilica
Associated links
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For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan.
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Learn more about the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund
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For further information on the Building Canada Fund - Quebec (in French only).
Sources
Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788
Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149
Marie-Ève Pelletier
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy,
Minister of Public Safety and
Minister responsible for the Montréal region
418-691-2050
Catherine Poulin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance, Minister Responsible for Government Administration and Ongoing Program Review and President of the Conseil du trésor
418-643-5926
Thierry Bélair
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister Responsible for Higher Education
418-266-3255
Marc-André Gosselin
Press Secretary for the Mayor of Montreal
Office of the Mayor of Montreal and of the Executive Committee
514-290 1194.
marc-andreg.gosselin@ville.montreal.qc.ca
Information
Canadian Heritage
Media Relations
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca
Caroline St-Pierre
Communications Director
Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy
418-691-2015, ext. 3746
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web site: Infrastructure Canada
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