Phase Two of Crystal Palace Restoration Moves Forward with Council Approval
Date: June 13, 2023
City council has officially approved phase two of the multi-stage restoration of the historic Crystal Palace, marking another significant step in preserving one of North America’s most unique heritage buildings.
Originally constructed in 1890 as an exhibition space for agricultural fairs, the Crystal Palace was inspired by Joseph Paxton’s iconic Crystal Palace, built in 1851 in London for the Great Exhibition. Today, it remains the last structure of its kind in North America.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, a $352,312 contract for the second phase of the three-part revitalization project was awarded to Trilith Contracting, selected from four competing bids.
Because additional work was incorporated into phase two, the city approved the transfer of $230,748 in unused funds from phase one, bringing the total budget for this stage to $545,537. The remaining $218,224 will be held as a contingency fund, with the option to reallocate it to phase three during the 2024 budget discussions if it is not required.
Council members also emphasized that, should funds remain, staff should consider restoring the Old Boys Entrance, a memorial honoring local veterans of the First World War.
Construction is expected to begin within the next two to three weeks, with work scheduled to last approximately 10 weeks, depending on weather conditions.
According to a staff report, any further delays could worsen the condition of the nearly 135-year-old heritage structure. A comprehensive structural assessment completed in 2020 revealed serious structural and aesthetic concerns, underscoring the urgency of the project.
The long-term goal of the restoration is to return the Crystal Palace and the Fruit Growers’ Building to their original appearance while enhancing their usability for future generations.
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