It is ironic that the first owner of 24 Sussex, lumber baron Joseph Merrill Currier, called the house Gorffwysfa, meaning 'place of peace' in Welsh. With rodents, asbestos, and faulty wiring, the 24 Sussex of today resembles less a place of peace and more a cross between a handyman special and a tear-down.
The prime minister currently resides at Rideau Cottage, an ancillary building at Rideau Hall originally built for the secretary to the Governor General. While suitable for that purpose, this stopgap arrangement has become the status quo. It was an embarrassment in 2023 when then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hosted then U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in such modest quarters, especially given the American ambassador's grand mansion nearby.
24 Sussex has been poorly managed for decades. Governments have hesitated to spend money on it, fearing public and opposition criticism. Grand renovations like U.S. President Donald Trump's ballroom and gold-plated Oval Office rightly offend Canadian sensibilities, but we should be equally appalled that 24 Sussex lies derelict. Successive Liberal and Conservative governments have behaved like condominium boards that deferred necessary maintenance and repairs until massive special assessments loomed. That time is now, and it comes with a big bill.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has signaled that his government might finally do what others have failed to do for years. Here are five steps his government should take.
Stop with the indecision
First, make a decision and stop the endless buck passing between the National Capital Commission, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and the Prime Minister's Office on whether to replace or renovate the existing residence at 24 Sussex Drive, move to another property in nearby Rockcliffe Park, or upgrade Rideau Cottage.
Let history be your guide
Second, 24 Sussex has been the official home of Canada's prime ministers for the last 75 years. It is a symbol of our national institutions that Canadians relate to. Build on that history rather than jettisoning it by considering Rideau Cottage or moving next door to a foreign embassy in Rockcliffe.
Make it holistic
The prime minister's residence is a multi-functional space with unique requirements. In determining the best path forward, the official residence must meet today's security standards for the head of government of a G7 country. It requires adequate space to welcome foreign dignitaries and host high-profile domestic gatherings. It must have modern working areas where the prime minister can meet with staff, and comfortable living quarters for the prime minister and family.
Let the public into the process
Rather than working on renewal plans secretly in government offices, set up an official residence advisory board composed of Canada's leading architects to advise on whether a renovation or new build is best given the requirements.
By following these steps, the government can ensure that 24 Sussex is restored to its rightful place as a symbol of Canadian democracy and a suitable home for the nation's leader.
