The high cost to restore the tops of Guelph’s most famous landmark is just too much to move forward at this time.
GuelphToday has confirmed the preliminary estimate to restore the pinnacles atop the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate is around $7 million.
Father Ian Duffy said the cost includes material, labour, permits and a contingency plan.
But after discussing the matter with the Diocese of Hamilton and the finance committee, “we have no plans to proceed at this moment.”
“Given the current economic realities faced by many people I cannot, in conscience, justify asking for that kind of money for pinnacles,” Duffy said in an email.
He isn't closing the door altogether on the project, saying he is open to any ideas other people may have, and may revisit the idea with other contractors in the future.
The pinnacles were taken down in December 2022 after it was determined they were in a “very poor state of repair, and basically starting to fall apart.”
Duffy noted in an interview in February 2023 that he noticed chunks of concrete every now and then.
The pre-cast concrete pinnacles were made in the 1920s.
The Diocese did not respond to a request for comment.
Chancellor Jim Long previously said in April that it had received the estimate, but chose to keep the number confidential as it wanted to go to market and didn’t want the information shared.
Long added developing a fundraising plan was the next step, and was looking “at all sources available.”
