The National Capital Commission (NCC) is awaiting the federal government’s decision on the future of 24 Sussex Drive.
More than a year since the site was closed and decommissioned, the official residence of the Canadian Prime Minister has been fully gutted.
Based on NCC’s 2021 report, the property was identified as a high priority for rehabilitation work, estimating $36.6 million in deferred maintenance.
The historic site has been unoccupied since the end of 2022 when the NCC deemed the residence unsafe. Hazards included poor wiring, asbestos, and more.
While the residence has been in a state of decay related to a lack of funding, work over the past year has marked significant progress.
Recent photos show the interior surface layer of the heritage building — with flooring, plaster, elevator, mechanical and electrical systems removed.
The abatement and decommissioning project began in May 2023, with a budget of $4.3 million.
The remaining work includes insulation of exterior walls and installation of electric heat pumps to protect the building.
While the project is set to be complete by summer 2024, the future of 24 Sussex Drive has yet to be determined.
The NCC provided various options for the future of the heritage site and is awaiting government decision, according to the NCC’s website.
Officials will be deciding whether to demolish and rebuild the structure or do an extensive renovation.
Based on the last estimate, either option would cost an estimated $40 million.
The NCC awaits a decision — and a budget — for a long-term fix of the official residence of Canada’s Prime Minister.
