The Canadian government has initiated a search for a Canadian team to revamp 24 Sussex Drive, Canada’s most renowned residence, to make it habitable for future prime ministers. The government has released a procurement notice for the much-anticipated renovation project, inviting domestic companies to showcase their capabilities.
According to the document, seven finalists will be selected in the initial stage to progress to a national design competition, with the winning team securing a design and construction contract by the fall of 2027. The focus is on creating a “world-class design vision” that utilizes Canadian materials to transform the gutted official residence into a modern and secure living and working space for future 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 and feature Canadian materials and innovations. The official residence has been unoccupied for over a decade due to successive prime ministers avoiding the financial risk of renovation, leading to its deterioration.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed his discontent with the state of the residence, labeling it as an “embarrassment.” He has unveiled plans to restore the heritage home through a national design competition and a fundraising campaign that has already garnered over $735,000 from donors.
The RFQ outlines the competition details, highlighting the need for teams to create private living quarters for the prime minister and their family while incorporating spaces for work, meetings, and events. The winning team will also be responsible for ensuring accessibility, landscaping, and heritage restoration. The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada will evaluate design concepts, while a technical evaluation board will assess construction plans, budgets, and schedules.
Competing firms are required to include Indigenous people and businesses in at least five percent of the contract’s total value. The exact renovation cost remains uncertain, with the construction budget expected to be disclosed in the next phase of the procurement process in the winter of 2027. The ultimate goal is to create a renewed 24 Sussex that meets contemporary needs while symbolizing Canada for future generations. The Rideau Hall Foundation, overseeing the fundraising, plans to launch a formal campaign in the near future.