Canada has initiated a search for a Canadian team to renovate 24 Sussex Drive, the iconic official residence. The project aims to make the building habitable once more for future prime ministers. The federal government has issued a procurement notice, inviting domestic companies to participate in the rehabilitation project.
The initiative involves selecting seven finalists in the initial phase to advance to a national design competition. The winning team will secure a design and construction contract by the fall of 2027. The focus is on creating a “world-class design vision” that utilizes Canadian products to transform the gutted residence into a secure and modern living and working space for upcoming prime ministers.
Emphasizing the national and historical significance of the residence, the Request for Qualification (RFQ) stresses the importance of Canadian involvement in the project. Ottawa highlights the incorporation of Canadian materials and innovations throughout the renovation process.
24 Sussex Drive has remained vacant for over a decade due to successive prime ministers hesitating to invest taxpayer funds in its refurbishment. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently expressed his discontent with the state of the residence, labeling it an “embarrassment.” Carney unveiled plans to restore the heritage home through a national design competition and fundraising efforts.
To participate in the competition, teams must demonstrate their ability to create living quarters for the prime minister’s family while accommodating workspaces and ceremonial events. The selected team will also be responsible for ensuring universal accessibility, landscaping, and heritage restoration. While hazardous materials have been removed from the main building, further assessments and modifications may be needed.
The competition will be assessed by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and a technical evaluation board to evaluate design concepts and construction plans. Competing firms must include Indigenous participation amounting to at least five percent of the contract’s total value.
The exact renovation costs are yet to be determined. The construction budget will be disclosed in the Request for Proposal phase expected to launch in winter 2027. The goal is to create a renewed 24 Sussex that meets contemporary needs while symbolizing Canada for future generations.
The Rideau Hall Foundation, leading the fundraising campaign, plans to formally launch the initiative in the near future.