Canada launches national design competition to restore prime minister's official residence at 24 Sussex Drive

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the initiative on Friday, saying the project aims to restore the landmark as a secure, accessible, sustainable and functional official residence while preserving its heritage character.

The competition will be open to eligible Canadian firms, with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) advising on the competition framework and convening an independent jury chaired by renowned Canadian architect Moshe Safdie. The jury will evaluate proposals and recommend the winning design to the federal cabinet.

The selected proposal is expected to be announced by Canada Day on July 1, 2027. The winning team will oversee both the design and construction of the project to ensure the plan is both ambitious and practical.

To reduce the financial burden on taxpayers, the Rideau Hall Foundation will lead a national, non-partisan fundraising campaign aimed at covering all or most of the project's cost through contributions from Canadians and philanthropic organisations.

"For more than 75 years, 24 Sussex Drive has served as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Canada and as a setting for diplomacy, public service, and decisions of national consequence," the Prime Minister's Office said, noting the residence has remained vacant due to its deteriorating condition.

Announcing the initiative, Carney said restoring the residence is part of responsible stewardship of Canada's public institutions.

"Canadians rightly expect their leaders to take decisions where the benefits may only be realised long after they are in office. Good stewardship demands it... We will restore 24 Sussex Drive to a standard worthy of the country it serves," he said in a statement.

Built in 1868, 24 Sussex Drive was acquired by the government of Canada in 1949 and refurbished as the official residence of the prime minister in 1950.