Phase two of historic Crystal Palace renovation approved

The Crystal Palace was built in 1890 as the exhibition hall for the agricultural fair. Its design is from Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace built in 1851 in London, England for the Great Exhibition.

A $352,312 contract for the second of a three-phase revitalization for the Crystal Palace and fruit growers’ building was awarded to Trilith Contracting at Tuesday’s night’s council meeting.

The company was among four bids received for phase two.

As some work was added to phase two, remaining funds of $230,748 from phase one were transferred making $545,537 available. The remaining balance of $218,224 can be used as contingency for phase two, if needed, or moved to phase three during the 2024 budget deliberations.

Council also agreed staff should keep in mind the restoration of the Old Boys Entrance should there be any remaining funds. The entrance is a memorial to those who served in the First World War.

Work is expected to begin within two to three weeks. The project is expected to take about 10 weeks, weather permitting.

Staff, in its report to council, notes any further delay of the revitalization project will deteriorate the almost 135-year-old heritage asset. The Crystal Palace is a historical landmark, being the last of its kind in North America.

A thorough analysis on the building was completed in 2020. The study identified serious structural and aesthetic components. The intention is to bring the Crystal Palace and Fruit Grower’s Building back to its original glory and maximize the potential for future use.

Fairgrounds heritage plan proposes revival of rare example of ag exhibition grounds

Phase one to fix essential rotting elements at Crystal Palace