The illuminated cross on Mount Royal will be taken down for about a year as roughly a quarter of its steel components and the lighting system are replaced. Work is set to begin on 29 September 2026.
The structure comprises approximately 1,800 steel parts; around 450 of those will be removed and replaced along with the outdated lighting fixtures. The effort is intended to upgrade the lighting system and address deteriorating steel elements.
During the renovation the cross will disappear from Montreal’s skyline, with the restored monument expected to reappear after the year‑long project.