Rideau Cottage, the historic red-brick home where Canadian prime ministers have resided for over a decade, is considered insufficient and poses security challenges, according to a government memo from last summer.
obtained this internal memo as there are indications that the Carney government is aiming to reach a decision soon regarding the future of the prime minister’s unlivable official residence at 24 Sussex Drive.
“Rideau Cottage’s closeness to the Governor General’s residence and its surrounding neighborhood heightens security risks, while the building’s limited size and lack of suitable functional space render it inadequate for a prime minister’s requirements,” reads the memo sent to Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Sabia on Aug. 8, 2025.
Successive prime ministers have hesitated to take on the political burden of spending tens of millions of dollars necessary to renovate the 19th-century house on Sussex Drive or construct a completely new official residence.
A source familiar with the situation, who spoke with on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization for public comment, indicated that a decision regarding 24 Sussex could come in the upcoming months.
Stephen Harper was the last prime minister to call 24 Sussex home. The official residence has been deemed uninhabitable in recent years after being cleared of mould, asbestos, dead rodents, and their droppings.
The National Capital Commission, which oversees official residences, reported that “outdated mechanical, heating and electrical systems” were also removed.
The National Capital Commission shared this image showing inside 24 Sussex Drive after it was cleared of asbestos, mould and rodents. (National Capital Commission)
As one of his final acts in office last year, former prime minister Justin Trudeau established a deadline of Jan. 1, 2026, for forming an advisory panel made up of former prime ministers to provide recommendations about the official residence’s “location, functionality, cost and security needs,” according to the memo.
The government hasn’t confirmed whether that advisory panel has been formed yet.
The memo notes that early in Carney’s tenure as PM he publicly stated he does not see investments in an official residence as a top priority.
However, it states that the Privy Council Office has been taking “a more active role in helping advance the file” by evaluating options for costs.
acquired this memo through an access-to-information request.
This document was prepared by the Privy Council Office ahead of an August meeting requested by Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of National Capital Commission.
The RCMP confirms it provided its recommendations to government officials about what would be needed to secure each option currently under consideration.
RCMP senior deputy commissioner Bryan Larkin mentions that some details are somewhat confidential but generally indicates they are exploring “target hardening” measures for enhanced security.
“Whether it’s through environmental design or using bollards along with closed-circuit television systems and surveillance mechanisms – all those components are advice we would offer,” Larkin stated.
The RCMP also prepared a briefing note with confidential insights for its commissioner back in December and met with members from Privy Council Office on Jan. 28.
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Carney lives at Rideau Cottage because his official residence at 24 Sussex Drive is gutted and uninhabitable. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)
previously reported last year that three options were broadly being considered by officials regarding replacing or upgrading the prime minister’s official home:A new or significantly renovated structure on existing land at 24 Sussex Drive. A relocation to another property within Rockcliffe Park neighborhood in Ottawa. An upgrade on Rideau Cottage so it’s more appropriate.
Officials had estimated costs could range from tens of millions up to over $100 million during discussions at that time.
Sheila Copps,a former Liberal deputy prime minister, revealed former NDP leader Ed Broadbent agreed earlier this year to help find solutions concerning what happens next for 24 Sussex. She contacted ex-Liberal PM Jean Chrétien toward Trudeau’s term end seeking support from all parties via letter backing whatever choice government makes-leading Chrétien then reaching out further towards Harper as well. Chrétien & Harper even proposed leading fundraising efforts together later into ’24 aimed solely towards restoring back our beloved & symbolic site!“Trudeau didn’t respond favorably,” she said adding,”" He turned it down because he felt if they did raise money there’d be too many accusations regarding someone paying off issues down road”." “; Copps continues noting “early signs show Carney wishes resolution soon,” stating how significant preserving such iconic piece representing Canadian history should remain preserved instead allowing negativity prevent restoration opportunities despite optics standing around necessary improvements!”“It seems selfish fixing your own house” observed Sheila frankly admitting perception effects viewing all ongoing works regardless relevance contextually addressing national heritage aspects involved therein.”⏤(end quote) Presently decisions surrounding future path forward rests mainly upon cabinet guided direction set forth under Prime Minister’s office according reports suggest however Copps advocates changing process gaining consensus instead ensuring future stewardship doesn’t focus upon mere individual roles like past leaders faced executing their visions alone without broader collaboration involved between constituents affected directly.”(spelling error corrected).![]()
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“; Heritage Ottawa has long recommended forming committees equipped chairs representing diverse backgrounds proposing actionable strategies directed towards sustaining Canada’s unique federal landmark.” “In urgency given current state remains vital someone steps forward making choices quickly before things worsen”, asserted Katherine Spencer-Ross her organization president stressing need restore balance amid rising concerns voiced lately surrounding our once-proud heritage structures now falling apart due neglect shown previously left unattended far too long.”We deserve better than simply watching these places crumble away”-summing perfectly cause driving passionate plea here!”(time lapse versions)” ” “Spencer-Ross recently reached out sending Carney written calls urging him prioritize necessary renovations looking ahead safely preserving spaces crucial maintaining national memories”. (end quote)
Last built around late eighteen sixties Joseph Merrill Currier constructed premises alongside being lumber baron serving Member Parliament playing key roles shaping political landscape ever since growing importance throughout history thus highlighting significance belonging every citizen across country beyond limitations placed certain individuals holding office controlling access per preferences exhibited often overlooked ramifications affecting continuity preservation journey taken collectively unite perspectives gained rather than narrow views only focused based solely personal interests’ sake – ultimately bringing richer appreciation deeper understanding matters underlying society facing challenges today-it encompasses us all.![]()
Phoenix – We rise again “Murray Dobbin just mentioned re-appearing nostalgia reflects how newly displaced homes resemble old-fashioned travel tales spanning generations illustrating times great expectations sparked dreams seen lived among loved ones sharing hopes dreams conjured memories past fill hearts minds alike while creating brighter futures awaiting arrival finally arriving toward collective joy-shared experiences weave together revealing invisible threads connect us strongly through shared histories captured forever etched inside treasured pages written legend born retelling saga told anew unveiling fresh chapters waiting unfold..”
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Sheila Copps,a former Liberal deputy prime minister, revealed former NDP leader Ed Broadbent agreed earlier this year to help find solutions concerning what happens next for 24 Sussex. She contacted ex-Liberal PM Jean Chrétien toward Trudeau’s term end seeking support from all parties via letter backing whatever choice government makes-leading Chrétien then reaching out further towards Harper as well. Chrétien & Harper even proposed leading fundraising efforts together later into ’24 aimed solely towards restoring back our beloved & symbolic site!“Trudeau didn’t respond favorably,” she said adding,”" He turned it down because he felt if they did raise money there’d be too many accusations regarding someone paying off issues down road”." “; Copps continues noting “early signs show Carney wishes resolution soon,” stating how significant preserving such iconic piece representing Canadian history should remain preserved instead allowing negativity prevent restoration opportunities despite optics standing around necessary improvements!”“It seems selfish fixing your own house” observed Sheila frankly admitting perception effects viewing all ongoing works regardless relevance contextually addressing national heritage aspects involved therein.”⏤(end quote) Presently decisions surrounding future path forward rests mainly upon cabinet guided direction set forth under Prime Minister’s office according reports suggest however Copps advocates changing process gaining consensus instead ensuring future stewardship doesn’t focus upon mere individual roles like past leaders faced executing their visions alone without broader collaboration involved between constituents affected directly.”(spelling error corrected).
Last built around late eighteen sixties Joseph Merrill Currier constructed premises alongside being lumber baron serving Member Parliament playing key roles shaping political landscape ever since growing importance throughout history thus highlighting significance belonging every citizen across country beyond limitations placed certain individuals holding office controlling access per preferences exhibited often overlooked ramifications affecting continuity preservation journey taken collectively unite perspectives gained rather than narrow views only focused based solely personal interests’ sake – ultimately bringing richer appreciation deeper understanding matters underlying society facing challenges today-it encompasses us all.
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