Mount Royal cross to go dark during year-long restoration project

The Cross atop Mount Royal was installed in 1924 by the Societé St-Jean Baptiste.

The Mount Royal cross, one of the most recognizable Montreal landmarks, will go dark for about a year as it undergoes a major restoration.

The nearly 100-foot illuminated structure, erected in 1924, needs to be completely rewired following an inspection that found the electrical system is at the end of its life cycle. Aside from the electrical work, crews will also rehabilitate the base of the structure to preserve its longevity.

“We want that symbol to be a part of the city’s identity. That’s why we’re moving now [to do the work],” Alan DeSousa, the member of the city’s executive committee responsible for infrastructure, told CTV News.

During the work, the lights on the cross will be turned off.

Work is scheduled to begin in the fall and continue until late 2027, and possibly into 2028, DeSousa said.

The cost of the project is $3,769,140, with a contribution of about $1.1 million coming from the Quebec government. The contract has been awarded to ConCreate Constructions Ltd.