Toronto 
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will move ahead with restoring 24 Sussex Drive, the long-vacant official residence of the prime minister, through an independent national design-and-build competition.
The property has been part of Canada’s political life for more than 75 years, but after decades of postponed maintenance, it is now unoccupied and in critical condition. The goal is to return it to use as both a residence and working venue, while making it secure, accessible, sustainable, and functional.
The competition will be open to eligible Canadian firms. The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada will advise on the process and assemble an independent jury chaired by architect Moshe Safdie. The jury also includes Carol Bélanger, Nicolas Demers-Stoddart, Omar Gandhi, Mamie Griffith, Patricia Kell, and Brigitte Shim.
A winning proposal is expected by Canada Day, July 1, 2027. The selected team will handle both design and construction, so the plan must be realistic as well as ambitious.
To limit public costs, the Rideau Hall Foundation will lead a national, non-partisan fundraising campaign. Per the news release, this is intended to cover all or most of the project’s cost.
Credit: National Capital Commission
Built in 1868, 24 Sussex was bought by the federal government in 1949 and became the prime minister’s official residence in 1950. Louis St. Laurent was the first prime minister to live there in 1951. It was designated a Classified Federal Heritage Building in 1986.
Canada has six official residences. Two are available to the prime minister: 24 Sussex Drive and Harrington Lake. Since 2015, prime ministers and their families have lived at Rideau Cottage on the Rideau Hall grounds.
