The City of Westmount is proud to announce the beginning of restoration work at the Westmount Conservatory, which has been closed for 6 years. Ultimately, the project will allow residents to once again enjoy this architectural gem and discover an accessible and inclusive “mystery garden”. The project includes a complete restoration of the exterior and the refurbishment of the interior of the main greenhouse (Conservatory), as well as the adjoining greenhouse, affectionately known to residents as the Frog Pond.
The exterior of the 1927 Conservatory will be completely restored, preserving the unique appearance of this heritage structure. The building is expected to surpass in performance and longevity the original construction. The materials used, while conforming and equivalent from a heritage and aesthetic point of view, will be of superior quality, including structural silicone and glass. In addition, all electromechanical systems will be updated.
Thanks to the redesign of the interior layout, visitors will be invited to discover the mysteries of the flora through a winding path. A new access ramp to the Westmount Public Library will allow everyone to fully enjoy the experience.
“We know that this oasis has been much missed by the residents and the Frog Pond even more by our smaller citizens, but we couldn’t do things by halves. Being able to announce the start of the restoration is something we’ve been waiting for,” said Mayor Christina Smith.
A complex restoration
The Westmount Conservatory and its adjacent greenhouse were closed in September 2015 following the fall of a glass panel. The deterioration of the cypress wood, which held the glass panels together, was partly to blame.
In the wake of studies to determine the condition of the structure, full restoration proved to be the only option considered by City Council, for whom fragmentary repairs were neither satisfactory nor viable.
The City is planning 8 months to complete the work, assuming it is not interrupted in the context of the current pandemic.