Interventions to Protect
Church of Our Lady of Assumption
Architect: Robert Thomas Elliott architect, 1842-1847
National Trust for Canada Top 10 Endangered Places, 2015
In 2007 $9.8m was needed for restoration. In 2012 re-assessment of repair costs increased that amount to approximately $15m. The church was de-canonized in 2014,but opened for Doors Open in 2016. In 2017, lawyer Paul Mullins (who studied to become a priest at the Scarboro Foreign Missions before he switched to law) volunteered to “analyze options to save the church.”
Phase 1 of a four phase restoration plan was launched in early 2019, which included installation of a new copper roof, a new heating system, electrical work, and structural repairs. The building reopened for regular weekend masses on September 8th, 2019.
Phase 2 of restoration planned to begin in 2020 will include consolidation of interior plaster that will allow restoration of ceiling paintings.
Phase 3 will restore exterior brick and masonry.
Phase 4 will restore the Rosary Chapel and its stained glass windows.
In 2020, Paul Mullins received ACO's A.K. Sculthorpe Award for Advocacy for his dedication to saving and restoring the church.
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