The former residence of Canada's consul general in New York has finally been sold after nearly two years on the market. The five-bedroom apartment on Park Avenue reportedly changed hands for US$8.05 million on May 11, according to realtor websites, though Global Affairs Canada has not officially confirmed the final sale price.
Price History and Listing
The apartment was originally listed for US$9.5 million, equivalent to C$13 million, in August 2024. Senior government officials at the time justified the sale by stating that the residence required millions of dollars in renovations. Over the months, the price was adjusted downward, with a drop in June 2025 and another reduction to US$7.9 million last September before the eventual sale.
Background and Controversy
The sale comes after Global Affairs Canada purchased a new luxury condominium for C$9 million in 2024 to serve as the official residence for the consul general in New York. That purchase sparked international headlines when some New York websites initially reported the condo deal was done for King Charles because the property's deed stated it was sold to "His Majesty the King in right of Canada."
The new apartment, located on "Billionaires' Row" near Central Park, faced backlash in Canada, with Conservatives decrying it as wasteful and opulent at a time when Canadians were struggling financially. In response, Canada's consul general in New York, Tom Clark, a former CTV journalist, was called to testify before a House of Commons committee. Clark stated he had no involvement in either the purchase of the new apartment or the sale of the old residence.
Condition and Renovation Needs
The Park Avenue apartment was originally purchased in 1961 and last renovated in the 1980s. The committee heard that the property was not compliant with Canada's accessibility legislation, and the co-operative board had imposed restrictions on events held there. Additionally, there was a lack of separation between family and work spaces. Concerns about the residence were first raised in 2014, with renovation plans put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By the time renovations were reconsidered, costs had significantly risen, and fundamental issues remained unresolved.
Government officials argued that purchasing the new apartment in Steinway Tower, known as the world's thinnest skyscraper, would ultimately save Canadian taxpayers money. However, the sale of the old residence took longer than expected, with price reductions reflecting market conditions.
— With files from Sarah Ritchie in Ottawa
