Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to share the government’s long-awaited decision regarding the future of 24 Sussex Drive in the next few weeks, according to sources who spoke with .
The neglected residence is intended for Canada’s prime ministers, but this 34-room house has remained empty for over a decade. By 2024, significant work was done to remove mould, asbestos, and rodents from the building.
Carney mentioned in spring that he hopes to maintain the prime minister’s official residence at 24 Sussex.
“You’re not going to see me at 24 Sussex, but I would like to see my successors at 24 Sussex in some way, shape or form,” Carney said during an interview in April with CBC’s The National.
“I think it’s a responsibility to hand off things better than you found them. And certainly the current state of 24 Sussex couldn’t be any worse. It’s an embarrassment.”
Multiple prime ministers have hesitated to take on the political risk associated with spending tens of millions of dollars on renovations for the historic home, which has led it to deteriorate over time and become uninhabitable. Carney, who currently lives at Rideau Cottage, stated in May that his government is preparing an announcement about what they plan to do concerning 24 Sussex.
isn’t naming sources as they weren’t authorized to speak publicly about this matter.
A comprehensive plan for Ottawa approved on Tuesday by the board of the National Capital Commission-which oversees official residences-outlined a “key objective” focused on preserving and enhancing the surroundings of 24 Sussex.
The commission’s strategy presents a vision aimed at beautifying the national capital over two decades and includes suggested projects.
It advises restoring the property at 24 Sussex while considering possible expansions and looking into reinstating decorative elements added in 1949.
WATCH | More about the future of 24 Sussex:
Carney wants 24 Sussex fixed up for future prime ministers
Reflecting on photos displayed in his office, Prime Minister Mark Carney told chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault that he wishes for his successors to return to living at 24 Sussex. The official residence has been unoccupied since 2015 due to its poor condition.
“Rehabilitate and renew the property, a classified federal heritage building, in a way that reflects its role as the official residence of the prime minister of Canada,” stated The National Capital Core Area Plan.
“Consider scenarios for expanding or enlarging the property that use contextual architecture and noble materials, in keeping with the original residence.”
Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the commission, noted that there’s been significant focus from government officials on deciding what should be done with this official residence and that Carney “has been clear that he wants to make a decision on this.”
He may not know what conclusion will be reached by officials yet but feels confident it’s forthcoming.
“I’m really encouraged by that level of engagement,” said Nussbaum during a news conference on Tuesday.
Heritage Ottawa sent Carney a letter last fall urging him to safeguard this heritage building constructed in the late 1860s by Joseph Merrill Currier-a lumber baron and MP-designed in Gothic revival style.
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The National Capital Commission posted this photo showing inside view after asbestos, mould and rodents were removed from 24 Sussex Drive. The abatement project had a budget set at $4.3 million which was completed by November 2024. (National Capital Commission)
This non-profit organization is among those advocating for decisive action regarding decisions about maintaining or renovating the property away from political influences.
The government has also considered input from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
In one final act before leaving office, Trudeau suggested forming an advisory panel consisting of former prime ministers tasked with making recommendations related to costs and security needs surrounding where the residence should be located.![]()
The latest photo shared online by NCC shows behind-the-scenes images from within gated areas surrounding the premises at 24 Sussex Drive. (National Capital Commission)
reported last year that three options were being explored regarding an official residence for Canada’s prime minister:A new or heavily renovated complex on current grounds. A move away towards another location within Rockcliffe Park neighborhood. An upgrade made towards improving Rideau Cottage’s suitability.
Officials estimated back then between tens-of-millions-to-more-than-100-million-dollar price tags could apply depending upon chosen plans moving forward.The RCMP responsible for securing PM safety told earlier how they provided recommendations addressing required measures plus costs needed based upon potential options available concerning such residences under review nowadays.<|
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Carney wants 24 Sussex fixed up for future prime ministers
Reflecting on photos displayed in his office, Prime Minister Mark Carney told chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault that he wishes for his successors to return to living at 24 Sussex. The official residence has been unoccupied since 2015 due to its poor condition.
“Rehabilitate and renew the property, a classified federal heritage building, in a way that reflects its role as the official residence of the prime minister of Canada,” stated The National Capital Core Area Plan.
“Consider scenarios for expanding or enlarging the property that use contextual architecture and noble materials, in keeping with the original residence.”
Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the commission, noted that there’s been significant focus from government officials on deciding what should be done with this official residence and that Carney “has been clear that he wants to make a decision on this.”
He may not know what conclusion will be reached by officials yet but feels confident it’s forthcoming.
“I’m really encouraged by that level of engagement,” said Nussbaum during a news conference on Tuesday.
Heritage Ottawa sent Carney a letter last fall urging him to safeguard this heritage building constructed in the late 1860s by Joseph Merrill Currier-a lumber baron and MP-designed in Gothic revival style.
Officials estimated back then between tens-of-millions-to-more-than-100-million-dollar price tags could apply depending upon chosen plans moving forward.The RCMP responsible for securing PM safety told earlier how they provided recommendations addressing required measures plus costs needed based upon potential options available concerning such residences under review nowadays.<|
>
Rideau Cottage called ‘inadequate’ for PM as decision looms around future concerning main dwelling
Besides indicating how unsuitable was “Rideau,” memo disclosed problems arise since proximity exists nearby Governor General Reside located within grounds thus potentially raising additional security risks involved therein too!‘An internal government memo explained why Rideau Cottage where Trudeau stayed showed inadequacies growing further while posing extra risks tied alongside situation developing.’ Currently awaiting response back still toward Privy Council Office who hasn’t replied yet corresponding inquiries made recently directed toward s seeking information surrounding decisions timeline envisioned ahead plus whether creating advisory panels aiding guidance shall take place onward ahead thereafter shortly!
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