24 Sussex Drive

24 Sussex Drive / Clockwise from top left: Heritage Ottawa / NCC / Ted Grant, Library and Archives Canada

NEWS UPDATE! On April 4, the Globe and Mail reported that former prime ministers Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper proposed a non-partisan solution to the Prime Minister's Office in support of the refurbishment of 24 Sussex Drive. They have volunteered to lead a fundraising campaign to raise money from individuals and businesses "who want the embarrassment to end". The article reports that the initial response was enthusiastic, but was turned down a few days later without explanation.  READ THE ARTICLE HERE.

CLICK HERE to read Heritage Ottawa's letter to the Prime Minister in support of the Chrétien/Harper initiative. 

TAKE ACTION!

Heritage Ottawa, the National Trust for Canada, HODI, Carleton's School of Canadian and Indigenous Studies, and the Azrieli School of Architecture are urging the Government of Canada to establish an Official Residences Commission, with an independent governance structure similar to Elections Canada, to ensure that the uses and maintenance of these structures can be assured for the future, free of partisan politics.

It is important that we let the decision-makers know that Canadians think 24 Sussex Drive is an important national site worthy of investment. 

Contact:

Prime Minister: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca

Minister for Environment and Climate Change: steven.guilbeault@parl.gc.ca

Minister of Public Services & Procurement Canada: jean-yves.duclos@parl.gc.ca

President, Treasury Board: anita.anand@parl.gc.ca

Your member of Parliament: Find Members of Parliament - House of Commons

PANEL OF EXPERTS' DISCUSSION

On February 21, 2024, Heritage Ottawa, in partnership with the School of Canadian and Indigenous Studies, and the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism at Carleton University, and Historic Ottawa Development Inc., hosted a lively panel discussion 24 SUSSEX DRIVE: FROM RESIDENCE TO RETICENCE that examined the constraints and opportunities of rehabilitating 24 Sussex Drive. Moderated by award-winning journalist Andrew Cohen, panelists included The Hon. Sheila Copps, Mark Brandt of TRACE architectures inc., Patricia Kell of the National Trust for Canada, and Marc Denhez of Historic Ottawa Development Inc (HODI).

CLICK HERE to view CPAC's recording of the event. 

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

The heritage value of 24 Sussex is without question:

  • Classified Federal Heritage Building at the confluence of Rideau Falls and the Ottawa River where Indigenous people have encamped from time immemorial before journeying into the interior.
  • Built in 1868 for lumber baron and MP Joseph Merrill Currier, the house is part of a suite of buildings designed in the Gothic Revival Style erected at the time of Confederation.
  • Along with Earnscliffe, and the Parliament Buildings themselves, it forms part of an elegant landscape of structures, located on one of the most dramatic – and iconic – landscapes in Canada that speak to the founding moments of our nation.
  • Purchased by the federal government in 1950, it was refurbished as the Prime Minister's official residence.
  • It is where important decision-makers have met and historic events and decisions have taken place that have shaped our national story.

24 Sussex is managed by the National Capital Commission and is currently undergoing long-overdue basic remediation work.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF 24 SUSSEX

The rehabilitation of 24 Sussex is also an opportunity for the federal government to demonstrate that the reuse and investment in heritage buildings is the environmentally sustainable solution. Even high profile buildings in its care can be adapted with flexibility, site intensification and thoughtful additions. 

In 2019, Heritage Ottawa wrote to the Prime Minister recommending the appointment of a committee headed by a non-partisan chair concerning the future of 24 Sussex and Prime Ministerial accommodation, in order to reverse its embarrassing state of neglect. 

A sampling of the considerable news coverage devoted to 24 Sussex Drive follows. 

 

  • NCC board decry 'embarrassing' state of decrepit 24 Sussex Drive

    OTTAWA CITIZEN, By Blair Crawford

    “Embarrassing.” A “trainwreck.” “Political paralysis.”

    A National Capital Commission board member minced no words Wednesday when warning about the...

  • In Support of Federal Protection for Canada's National Historic Sites

    HERITAGE OTTAWA

    Heritage Ottawa has sent a letter to the Mayor and Councillors supporting Ottawa City Council’s Motion of February 24 approving a letter from Mayor Watson to the federal...

  • An Open Letter to Ministers Responsible for Heritage in National Capital

    HERITAGE OTTAWA

    On December 2, Heritage Ottawa submitted an open letter to the Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Public Works and Procurement Canada with responsibility for the National...

  • HERITAGE OTTAWA: LETTER TO PM | 24 SUSSEX DR

    HERITAGE OTTAWA

    On December 2, Heritage Ottawa submitted a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the future of 24 Sussex Drive. The letter was copied to the leaders of the...

  • Belliveau: Election's over. Now, who will stand up for Canada’s national heritage?

    OTTAWA CITIZEN, By Richard Belliveau

    A new federal cabinet has been named. Now, who will stand up for our national heritage in the capital?

    Canadians are shocked that there is no...

  • Demolition by neglect: Vacant 24 Sussex costing taxpayers millions

    Heritage Ottawa's Leslie Maitland appeared on CTV News today to comment on the ongoing "demolition by neglect" of 24 Sussex Drive.

    CLICK HERE for the video segmment at CTVnews.ca

    ...
  • More than half of Canadians want 24 Sussex Drive saved: Poll

    OTTAWA SUN, By Antonella Artuso

    A majority of Canadians want the most famous residence in the country — 24 Sussex Drive — to be renovated rather than torn down, a new poll shows.

    ...

  • Home games: Why the state of 24 Sussex may become an election issue

    CBC NEWS, By Jonathon Gatehouse

    It's been more than 1,360 days since a Canadian prime minister has lived at 24 Sussex Drive. The way things are shaping up, we won't see one move back in...

  • Heritage Ottawa: Letter to PM | 24 Sussex Drive

    HERITAGE OTTAWA

    On February 6, Heritage Ottawa submitted a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the future of 24 Sussex Drive. The letter was copied to the leaders of the...

  • Canadian Architect | Editorial: It's Time to Tackle 24 Sussex

    Heritage Ottawa has been advocating for years for the conservation of 24 Sussex Drive, a classified federal heritage building. ( See our recent letter of February 6, 2019 to the PM.) The following...

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