Former Canadian prime ministers Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper have agreed to take prominent roles in a fundraising campaign to renovate 24 Sussex Drive, the official residence of Canada’s prime ministers, the Rideau Hall Foundation announced. The initiative follows the government’s recent decision to restore the long-vacant property.
Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed plans last week to rehabilitate the residence, which has remained unoccupied since 2015 due to its deteriorating condition. Both Chrétien, a Liberal who lived in the house from 1993 to 2003, and Harper, a Conservative who was the last prime minister to reside there, are expected to contribute their firsthand experience in advancing the project, especially in the fundraising efforts.
“Their first-hand experience as long-time residents of 24 Sussex Drive will be valuable in all aspects of the project, including the fundraising,” the Rideau Hall Foundation said in a statement. While fundraising began shortly after Carney’s announcement, Chrétien and Harper are set to lead a new phase of the campaign, with further details to be disclosed in the early fall.
To date, the campaign has secured approximately $300,000 in donations and pledges from nearly 1,200 Canadians, with an average online contribution of $209. The foundation aims to raise $50 million to cover the renovation costs, excluding security, which the government will finance. Donations can only be made by Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and anonymous or corporate contributions are prohibited.
The National Capital Commission, responsible for managing official residences in Ottawa, has identified the property’s extensive structural problems, including asbestos, outdated systems, and a significant rodent infestation that compromised air quality. Past efforts to address these issues involved extensive remediation to prepare the site for renovation.
The restoration project will also include a design competition managed by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. The winning proposal will oversee the renovation and reconstruction work.
Notably, the residence has not housed a prime minister since Justin Trudeau took office in 2015, opting instead to live at Rideau Cottage on the grounds of Rideau Hall. Carney, Trudeau’s successor, currently resides in Rideau Cottage and has stated he does not intend to move into the renovated 24 Sussex Drive.
The project has not been without controversy. While Chrétien and Harper have endorsed the renovation plan, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has expressed reservations, arguing that addressing homelessness and housing challenges in Canada should take precedence over restoring the prime minister’s residence.
The Rideau Hall Foundation, which supports the Office of the Governor-General, continues to solicit donations and coordinate efforts to ensure 24 Sussex Drive can once again serve as a dignified home for Canada’s head of government.