A project is underway to restore the iconic King’s Square bandstand in Saint John, but who is paying for it remains a mystery.
The bandstand was first dedicated 114 years ago and residents are both curious and relieved about the new project, which workers have hidden from sight.
“I’ve been coming up here since I was a little boy,” says Saint John resident Norm Harley. “I’m glad they’re fixing it up and making it look real nice.”
The bandstand is showing signs that come with a century of wear, tear and weather.
The bandstand has been painted and repainted over the years - most recently about 30 years ago - but this is the first time the uptown icon is getting a complete refurbishment.
The bandstand has been the centrepiece of King’s Square since 1906. Among other roles, it is the city’s preferred location for protests.
Former Saint John Mayor Norm McFarlane says he was approached by someone who was willing to pick up the $125,000 restoration price tag. That person wishes to remain anonymous.
“There is only two in the world like it and for this person to come forward and do this, in these tough economic times, is tremendous,” says McFarlane.
Crews will be sandblasting and rebuilding each level from the bottom to the very top of the bandstand.
“It’s a unique project that not many people will have a chance to work on in their lifetime. Double decker, unique to the city and a sense of pride, we get a chance to help the city out,” says project supervisor Geoff Bryson.
If all goes as planned, the curtain will rise on the newly restored bandstand sometime in July.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron
