The new executive director of the Basilica Heritage Foundation admits there are some challenges ahead, but she’s looking forward to helping to maintain the Basilica of St. John the Baptist as one of the province’s most iconic landmarks.

Musician and arts administrator Maria Conkey, who has a long history with the Basilica as a choir director and former St. Bon’s student, calls the building an “important place” for her.

She aims to focus on preservation, restoration, public programming and raising funds for restoration.

“With any building, especially one this size, that comes at a cost.”

She says they’re looking at a capital campaign to raise funds for work on the roof, on the windows and the bell towers.