Montreal Biodme's grand reopening delayed until spring 2020

Montreal'sBiodmewas originally supposed to reopen to the public this summer. As delays piled up, project organizers moved the opening date back to September 2019, then December.

As of Wednesday, Espace pour la vie says the public will be allowed back in by spring 2020.

TheBiodme has been undergoingrenovations to the tune of more than $27 million since April 2018.

During a site visit for media, project organizers explained the delays were caused by a shortage of supplies and specialized labourers.

They added, however, the postponement would not stretch the project's budget any further.

It's a difficult project, explained Biodme director Yves Paris, because they have to take out elements of the old velodromein order to expand usable space without affecting the structure itself.

Bad news aside, Espace pour la vie said in a statement that the animals under its care are doing well and that some of thepenguins being housed in a refrigerated roomin the building's basement had chicks this year.

The statement went on to say that the delayed opening will give theBiodme'sfurry and feathered residents time to adapt to their new environment.

"The Biodme cannot reopen until its new animal habitats are fully satisfactory and the animals have had time to become acclimated to their new surroundings."

The organization hasn't been resting on its laurels during the closure either. Upon reopening, some new Callithrix monkeys and capybaras will be joining the collection.

Once it reopens, the Biodme'sadministration is hoping to recoup lost revenue by staying open longer and attracting more visitors than ever before.