With 24 Sussex still sitting in a sorry state, Carney to move into Rideau Cottage

With 24 Sussex Drive in need of extensive renovations, Prime Minister Mark Carney will soon be moving into Rideau Cottage as his official residence. The iconic Ottawa home has been left empty since 2015 due to issues such as mould, asbestos, lead, and rodents. Previous leaders have avoided dealing with the costly renovations, leading to the deterioration of the historic building.

Carney, who previously resided in the Rockcliffe neighborhood, has been temporarily staying at an official guest residence for security reasons. Following his recent appointment as prime minister, he and his wife Diana Fox Carney have been on the move due to the federal election. In line with security recommendations, Carney will be relocating to Rideau Cottage, which is situated on the grounds of Rideau Hall, the Governor General’s residence.

Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made attempts to address the situation at 24 Sussex Drive by initiating plans for a new official residence for the prime minister. Options included renovating the existing property, moving to a more secure location in Rockcliffe Park, or upgrading Rideau Cottage. Estimates suggest that the cost for any of these options would be in the tens of millions of dollars, possibly exceeding $100 million.

As the government works towards resolving the issues at 24 Sussex Drive, Carney’s move to Rideau Cottage signifies a temporary solution to provide a suitable living space for the prime minister. The ongoing debate surrounding the future of the official residence highlights the challenges of balancing historical preservation with practical considerations for a modern prime ministerial home.