The scaffolding will be removed from the facade of Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal

After enduring ten years of scaffolding, Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica is set to unveil its facade on October 25. The restoration, which took about 20 percent of the necessary steps, is nearly complete, according to Michel Issa, the executive director of the Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal. Issa estimates the exterior renovations could take four years, while interior restoration might extend to another five to ten years.

The entire project is projected to cost $100 million. To finance this effort, the basilica hosts benefit concerts, generates income from its coffee shop, Le Firmament, and conducts fundraisers. A recent initiative invites donors to sponsor stones and leave digital messages, which can be viewed through augmented reality on the facade.

The basilica's facade requires reinforcement and restoration due to years of weathering, causing cracks in the stone. The stones originated from a local quarry, with some lower quality stones and incorrectly placed pieces adding to the structural issues. The mortar used to hold the stones together was also replaced with epoxy, which put additional strain on the stones.

While some interior decorations are not being repainted, the parish is working to reattach each paint flake, a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. The blue vault in the basilica's dome is among the areas needing restoration. With scaffolding up to ten storeys high, concerts and tours may be disrupted, potentially impacting the church's revenue.

If the renovations are not completed, the deteriorating conditions will likely worsen, leading to further issues down the line.