A Roman Catholic priest in St. John's says the city should help pay for renovations at the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

"I would like to see the city of St. John's be more sensitive and conscious certainly in terms of a monetary point of view in terms of what it does for the city," said Father Charles Kelly.

The church’s new heating system is almost $600,000 over budget.

Kelly said about 15,000 of the city’s tourists visit the Basilica annually – where they are welcomed free of charge.

"It's universal, interdenominational, it's provincial and national and I think it should be recognized for the beauty and character that it has," he said.

City Coun. Bruce Tilley agrees the church is a tourist attraction.

He said the city did help pay for some renovations in the past, but it's not city policy to fund a building because tourists visit it.

"We don't necessary provide any grants for tourism, however we have a grant process for community groups," said Tilley.