Niagara-on-the-Lake’s landmark clock tower cenotaph has been in need of a serious restoration for some time now — and that time has finally come. 

In a media release Thursday morning, the town confirmed municipal staff and contractors will soon begin restorations to the 102-year-old tower on Queen Street, with work scheduled to start on Tuesday, Sept. 3 and conclude on Thursday, Oct. 31. 

Last September, cenotaph committee member Peter Warrack told The Lake Report he had hoped restorations would begin before the end of last year.

The long-awaited repairs will include the installation of scaffolding on the entire structure and brickwork repointing, parging, clock face restoration and interior renovations, according to the town’s release. 

The town said the restorations were made possible by the generosity of community members who donated toward the cenotaph’s repairs.

Repairs were estimated to cost $80,500 and a campaign held in October of last year helped NOTLers reach that goal.

The town said roads will remain open during the restoration, but there may be some lane rerouting around the cenotaph while the work is completed.

The clock tower was unveiled in 1922 to honour those who died fighting in the First World War — it now memorializes dozens of individuals who died in service of their country in both world wars and beyond, with their names engraved on the cenotaph.

juliasacco@niagaranow.com