The Canadian government has initiated a search for a domestic team to undertake the renovation of 24 Sussex Drive, Canada’s iconic official residence. The project aims to make the property habitable once again for future prime ministers. In a recent procurement notice, Ottawa outlined the process for selecting a team, with seven finalists to be chosen for a national design competition leading to a design and construction contract by fall 2027.
The focus is on creating a “world-class design vision” using Canadian materials to transform the residence into a secure and modern living and working space for prime ministers. The Request for Qualification emphasizes the importance of Canadian participation in the project to reflect its national and historical significance.
The residence has been vacant for over a decade due to successive prime ministers hesitating to invest taxpayer money in renovations. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the state of the property as an “embarrassment” and proposed a restoration plan involving a design competition and fundraising efforts.
The renovation project will include creating private living quarters for the prime minister and their family, spaces for work and events, ensuring accessibility, landscaping, and restoring heritage elements. The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada will assess design concepts, while a technical evaluation board will evaluate construction plans, budgets, and schedules.
Competing firms are required to involve Indigenous people and businesses in at least five percent of the contract’s total value. The total cost of the renovation is yet to be determined, with the construction budget to be disclosed in the next phase of the procurement process.
The objective of the project is to create a renewed 24 Sussex that meets contemporary needs while preserving its symbolic importance for future generations. The Rideau Hall Foundation, responsible for fundraising, plans to launch a formal campaign in the near future.