The Canadian government has officially initiated a search for a Canadian team to renovate 24 Sussex Drive, Canada’s most famous residential property, to make it habitable for future prime ministers. A recent procurement notice has been issued, inviting domestic companies to participate in the rehabilitation project. The notice specifies that seven finalists will be selected to advance to a national design competition, with the winning team securing a design and construction contract by the fall of 2027.
The goal is to develop a “world-class design vision” that utilizes Canadian materials to transform the official residence into a secure and modern living and working space for upcoming prime ministers. Emphasizing the national and historical significance of the project, the Request for Qualification (RFQ) stresses the importance of Canadian craftsmanship and innovation in the renovation process.
24 Sussex Drive has been unoccupied for over a decade, with successive prime ministers hesitant to invest in renovations, resulting in the building’s deterioration. Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed his dismay over the state of the residence and has proposed a restoration plan that includes a national design competition and a fundraising campaign, which has already garnered over $735,000 in donations.
The RFQ outlines the competition details, requiring teams to demonstrate their ability to create private living quarters for the prime minister and accommodate workspaces, meeting areas, and event venues. The winning team will also be responsible for ensuring universal accessibility, handling landscaping, and preserving heritage elements of the property.
The competition will be judged by experts from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and a technical evaluation board from Procurement Canada. Competing firms are mandated to involve Indigenous people and businesses in at least five percent of the contract’s total value. The exact cost of the renovation remains uncertain, with the construction budget to be disclosed in the upcoming Request for Proposal phase in the winter of 2027.
Ultimately, the aim of the project is to create a revitalized 24 Sussex that not only meets contemporary needs but also stands as a symbol of Canada for future generations. The Rideau Hall Foundation, leading the fundraising initiative, is planning a formal launch of its campaign in the near future.