The Liberal government has announced plans to restore the decaying 24 Sussex Drive, the former official residence of the prime minister, through a national design and fundraising campaign.
Built in 1896, the 35-room mansion was abandoned over a decade ago due to its deteriorating condition, which has been left unchecked for years.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that the house has not been cared for with the respect it deserves and has been uninhabitable for over a decade, with significant damage and repair costs accumulated over the years.
The Rideau Hall Foundation will lead the fundraising efforts, aiming to raise funds from across Canada to minimize the financial burden on taxpayers and ensure the residence is restored to a secure, accessible, and sustainable state.
According to reports, the mansion is currently in critical condition, having been stripped down to its studs and barely held together, with safety hazards including asbestos, decaying insulation, and a rodent infestation that has left many carcasses within the walls and basement.
The national design and build competition will be launched, open to eligible Canadian firms, with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada making the final recommendation to cabinet.
The winning team will be responsible for both the design and reconstruction of the residence, requiring a credible discipline plan to bring the building to life to a standard worthy of the country it serves.
The four-floor mansion has served as the official residence of the prime minister since 1951, with the last prime minister to live there being Stephen Harper.
Prime Minister Carney has emphasized the importance of restoring the residence, stating that future leaders will need to raise their children there and that it must be safe and secure for them to do so.
