The Canadian government has officially begun the search for a Canadian team to revamp 24 Sussex Drive, Canada’s most renowned residence, to make it habitable and suitable for future prime ministers. A recent procurement notice has been issued, opening the opportunity for local companies to present themselves as potential candidates.
The notice outlines that seven finalists will be selected in this initial stage to advance 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 stripped-down official residence into a contemporary and secure living and working space for upcoming prime ministers.
Emphasizing the national and historical significance of the project, the Request for Qualification (RFQ) stressed the need for the rehabilitated residence to be completed by Canadians and incorporate Canadian materials and innovations throughout the process. The property has been vacant for over a decade, as previous prime ministers were hesitant to invest taxpayer funds in its restoration, resulting in significant deterioration requiring the removal of hazardous materials.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has described the neglected state of the residence as an “embarrassment” and unveiled plans for its restoration through a national design competition and fundraising campaign, which has already garnered over $735,000 in donations from Canadians. The competition details revealed in the RFQ document include creating a private living space for the prime minister and their family, accommodating work-related activities, hosting events, ensuring accessibility, landscaping, and heritage restoration.
The competition will involve a jury of experts from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada to assess design concepts, while a technical evaluation board at Procurement Canada will evaluate construction plans, budgets, and schedules. The RFQ serves as a screening process to identify qualified teams, requiring them to demonstrate experience in handling complex projects with a minimum cost of $50 million.
Moreover, the procurement rules mandate that Indigenous people and businesses must be involved in executing 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 next phase of the procurement process, the Request for Proposal, scheduled for the winter of 2027.
The ultimate goal of the competition is to present designs that evoke pride and architectural excellence, ensuring that the renewed 24 Sussex remains a symbol of Canada for future generations. The Rideau Hall Foundation, spearheading the fundraising initiative, intends to launch a formal campaign in the upcoming weeks to support the project.