The Canadian government has initiated a search for a team to revamp 24 Sussex Drive, the renowned official residence, to make it habitable for future prime ministers. The government has issued a procurement notice for the much-anticipated renovation project, inviting domestic companies to present themselves as potential candidates.
According to the released document, Ottawa will select seven finalists in the initial phase to advance to the national design competition. The winning team will secure a design and construction contract by the fall of 2027. The focus is on creating a top-notch design that utilizes Canadian products to transform the stripped-down official residence into a safe and contemporary living and working space for upcoming prime ministers.
The Request for Qualification (RFQ) emphasizes the importance of Canadian involvement in the project, stating that the rehabilitated residence must be completed by Canadians, using Canadian materials and innovations throughout the process. Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed his desire to see his successors return to 24 Sussex, which has been vacant for over a decade due to successive leaders avoiding the renovation costs, leading to its deterioration.
Carney labeled the condition of the residence as an “embarrassment” and unveiled plans to restore it through a national design competition and fundraising efforts. As of late July, Canadians have donated over $735,000 towards the $50 million fundraising target. The government’s RFQ outlines the requirements for creating a private living space for the prime minister and their family, alongside areas for work, meetings, receptions, and ceremonial events.
The winning team will also be responsible for ensuring universal accessibility, managing landscaping elements, and preserving heritage features. The competition will involve a jury of experts from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada evaluating design concepts and a technical evaluation board assessing construction plans, budgets, and schedules. Indigenous participation in the project is mandated to be at least five percent of the contract’s total value.
The exact renovation costs are yet to be determined, with the construction budget expected to be disclosed in the subsequent phase of the procurement process, the Request for Proposal, slated for the winter of 2027. The top competitors will showcase designs that embody “pride” and “architectural excellence,” aiming to create a renewed 24 Sussex that meets contemporary needs and symbolizes Canada for generations to come. The Rideau Hall Foundation, spearheading the fundraising, plans to launch its campaign formally in the near future.