Saint Joseph's Oratory gets $80M for renovations

The iconic Saint Joseph's Oratory is getting an $80 million facelift for Montreal's375thanniversary.

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The rector of Saint Joseph's Oratory, Father ClaudeGrou, said theinvestment would enhance the touristexperience.

"When this project is complete, [visitors] will be able to enjoy a greener, more accessible, more user-friendly site,"Grousaid.

The announcement was made this morning at the oratory.

Montreal Mayor DenisCoderre said itwas a sound investment since religious tourism brings in $250 million annually for the city.

He added that the oratory is an important part of our heritage.

"Let's be proud. Let's be happy,"Coderresaid.

The funding is coming primarily from the Quebec and Canadian governments, which have committed $53 million. The City of Montreal is slated to contribute $10 million. Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal will cover the remaining $17 million.

Included in the renovation plans are newvisitor facilities, improvements to siteaccessibility, a new pedestrian area and new bells.

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