NCC HEAD HOPEFUL OF ACTION ON DEALING WITH 24 SUSSEX DR

The Globe and Mail has reported that after a decade without a federal government decision on what to do with 24 Sussex Drive, Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the National Capital Commission, the Crown corporation managing the former residence for Canada’s prime ministers, says a determination could be imminent.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Nussbaum said that he senses a new level of attention from the federal government on 24 Sussex.  

The NCC has long been waiting for some federal decision on what to do with the property. It reported in 2021 that the property was in “critical” condition and required $36.6-million in upgrades. Options include renovating the residence or having a new one built. 

“I’ve just sensed an interest in this file and that gives me reason to hope,” Mr. Nussbaum reported the G&M. The news conference followed a public meeting of the NCC board of directors.

Stephen Harper became the last of 11 prime ministers to live in the residence. When Justin Trudeau became prime minister he declined to move his family there due to the state of the property, which sat empty after the 2015 election and was closed by the NCC in 2022 for health and safety reasons, and to protect what is a federally designated Classified Heritage Building. 

Mr. Trudeau moved his family to Rideau Cottage, a property on the grounds of Rideau Hall. Prime Minister Mark Carney now lives in the cottage. 

Mr. Nussbaum said that Joël Lightbound, the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, recently visited the property. He reported having “useful conversations” with the minister on the matter of the residence, but he declined to be specific about what he has heard from the government, but added he has “reason for optimism.”

Mr. Lightbound’s department confirmed that the Minister toured 24 Sussex Dr. on June 2 to familiarize himself with issues for which he is now responsible.

Department spokesperson Nicole Allen said in a statement that it continues to explore and refine a range of options for the property.

She was not specific about what those options are, but said plans for dealing with the Prime Minister’s official residence remain a work in progress.

To read the full article, click The Globe and Mail, by Ian Bailey