‘Given the present financial realities confronted by many individuals I can’t, in conscience, justify asking for that form of cash for pinnacles:’ Father Ian Duffy
The excessive price to revive the tops of Guelph’s most well-known landmark is simply an excessive amount of to maneuver ahead presently.
GuelphToday has confirmed the preliminary estimate to revive the pinnacles atop the Basilica of Our Woman Immaculate is round $7 million.
Father Ian Duffy stated the price consists of materials, labour, permits and a contingency plan.
However 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 stated in an electronic mail.
He is not closing the door altogether on the challenge, saying he’s open to any concepts different folks might have, and should revisit the concept with different contractors sooner or later.
The pinnacles have been taken down in December 2022 after it was decided they have been in a “very poor state of repair, and basically starting to fall apart.”
Duffy famous in an interview in February 2023 that he observed chunks of concrete now and again.
The pre-cast concrete pinnacles have been made within the Nineteen Twenties.
The Diocese didn’t reply to a request for remark.
Chancellor Jim Lengthy beforehand stated in April that it had obtained the estimate, however selected to maintain the quantity confidential because it wished to go to market and didn’t need the data shared.
Lengthy added creating a fundraising plan was the subsequent step, and was trying “at all sources available.”
