The future of 24 Sussex Drive is once again under discussion in Ottawa, as Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled last week a willingness to address the long-standing issue of the official residence that has sat vacant for more than a decade.
Carney recently described the condition of the residence as “an embarrassment” and indicated he would like to see future prime ministers return to living there. His comments come as the federal government weighs options for the site, which has been uninhabitable since 2015, except for a large mouse infestation, which has since been resolved.
The last prime minister to live at 24 Sussex was Stephen Harper. Since then, successive leaders, including Justin Trudeau and now Carney, have resided at Rideau Cottage on the grounds of Rideau Hall. Originally intended as a temporary solution, Rideau Cottage has remained in use despite internal concerns about its suitability. A government memo described the residence as “inadequate,” citing both security risks and limited space for the needs of a Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, 24 Sussex has deteriorated significantly. The National Capital Commission, which manages federal official residences, closed the building in 2022 for health and safety reasons. Since then, the structure has undergone abatement work, including the removal of asbestos, mould, and other hazardous materials, as well as outdated mechanical and electrical systems. The result is a largely stripped interior, leaving the future of the building dependent on a broader policy decision.
The scale of the required investment is substantial. A 2021 condition report by the National Capital Commission identified 24 Sussex as being in “critical” condition and estimated that at least $36.6 million in deferred maintenance is needed to restore the property to a functional standard. That figure does not include potential costs related to modernizing the building to meet current security, accessibility, and building code requirements.
Officials have outlined several potential paths forward. These include renovating or rebuilding on the existing Sussex Drive site, relocating the official residence to another property in the Rockcliffe Park area, or upgrading Rideau Cottage into a more permanent solution. Estimates suggest that total costs for any of these options could range from tens of millions to more than $100 million, depending on the scope of the project.
Despite the range of options, no government has moved forward with a final decision. Analysts and former officials have pointed to political considerations as a key factor. Spending public funds on a residence for the prime minister has historically been viewed as a politically sensitive issue, leading successive governments to defer action.
There have also been calls for a more structured decision-making process. Some observers have suggested establishing a non-partisan advisory body or parliamentary mechanism to evaluate the options and recommend a path forward. Similar proposals have been raised in recent years, including discussions about engaging former prime ministers in developing a consensus approach.
The issue has drawn renewed attention in part due to broader questions about Canada’s official residences. The same National Capital Commission report that highlighted the condition of 24 Sussex also noted that the overall portfolio of official residences requires significant long-term investment to maintain heritage buildings and meet modern standards.
For now, no final timeline has been set. The Privy Council Office has indicated that work is ongoing to assess options and associated costs, but decisions ultimately rest with cabinet.
Carney has suggested that resolving the issue is part of a broader responsibility to improve public assets for future officeholders. Whether that translates into concrete action on 24 Sussex remains to be seen, but after more than a decade of delay, pressure is building for the government to make a definitive choice.
Daniel Perry is the Director of Federal Affairs at the Council of Canadian Innovators, leading national advocacy and engagement efforts. With experience in consulting and roles at the Senate of Canada, Queen’s Park, and the Canadian Criminal Justice Association, Daniel has helped political leaders and clients across various sectors achieve their public policy goals. A frequent media contributor and seasoned campaigner, Daniel holds a Master of Political Management from Carleton University.
