Canada Holds Competition to Rebuild, Modernize Unoccupied Prime Minister's Residence

By Robb M. Stewart

A national competition will be held to restore the official residence of Canada's prime minister, a dilapidated building in Ottawa that hasn't been lived in for more than a decade.

Prime Minister Mark Carney launched an independent design-and-build competition to rehabilitate and modernize 24 Sussex Drive, which for more than 75 years has served as the official residence of prime ministers and was a setting for diplomacy and decision-making.

The contest will be open to eligible Canadian firms and Carney said the winning proposal will be announced by Canada Day on July 1, 2027.

The winner will be responsible for both the design and construction of the project, and will be charged with restoring the property as a secure and functional official residence and working venue for the country's leaders, while preserving its heritage character, Carney said.

To limit the price tag for the government, the nonprofit Rideau Hall Foundation has been tasked with leading a nonpartisan fundraising campaign to collect most if not all of the cost of the project. Carney in announcing the competition declined to specify any budget for the project, though proposals would among a variety of factors be judged on value for money, he said.

The Canadian government in 1949 bought 24 Sussex Drive, which was built in 1868 and refurbished in 1950. It has been occupied by 10 prime ministers, from Louis St. Laurent though Stephen Harper.

After decades of deferring repairs at 24 Sussex Drive, prime ministers have since 2015 lived in the capital at Rideau Cottage.

"This is for future prime ministers," said Carney, who will continue to reside in the cottage on the grounds of the governor general of Canada.

The government said the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada will provide advice on the competition framework and set up an independent jury of Canadian experts in architecture, heritage conservation and design to judge proposals.

Write to Robb M. Stewart at robb.stewart@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 26, 2026 10:33 ET (14:33 GMT)