Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says 24 Sussex Drive, the official residence of Canada’s prime minister, is in “horrible situation” and he and his household don't have any plans to maneuver in throughout his time in workplace.
Trudeau was requested concerning the state of the 154-year-old residence, which has sat vacant since he was elected in 2015, throughout an inexpensive housing announcement on Friday.
“We all know that 24 Sussex has been uncared for by many generations of politicians and prime ministers through the years. Sadly, it’s in horrible situation. It is a historic constructing, it’s necessary, however we even have issues about its security,” he stated, talking in French.
“I've no intention of residing in 24 Sussex no matter how lengthy my mandate or mandates could also be as prime minister.”
He added that the federal government is in consultations concerning the destiny of the constructing.
“We're assessing our choices and once we arrive at a choice, we'll share it,” he stated.
In a spring 2021 report, the Nationwide Capital Fee (NCC), which oversees the property and different official residences positioned within the Nationwide Capital Area, stated it will price not less than $36.6 million to correctly restore 24 Sussex.
“The official residences mirror the nation to Canadians and to international guests, in order that they should be maintained at a degree that displays the significance of the function of the residents. Nevertheless, funding for Official Residences has been so constrained within the final a number of many years that properties comparable to 24 Sussex now not mirror even this fundamental commonplace,” reads the report.
The NCC states that the age and situation of the electrical system “poses a fireplace hazard” and the plumbing system experiences common failures. There isn't any air-con system, as an alternative window models run in the summertime “which poses a safety threat.”
“Repairs and/or upgrades are difficult as a result of presence of asbestos, lead and mildew all through most of the inside finishes,” it reads.
For all six houses, the NCC says it requires $17.5 million per yr for 10 years to ensure they don’t slide additional into disrepair. On high of that, the NCC says $26.1 million a yr is required for ongoing upkeep, repairs and renovation tasks.
“This improve in annual appropriations, coupled with the one-time injection of $17.5M per yr over 10 years, would offer a sustainable supply of funding that may allow the NCC to adjust to its legislative mandate to preserve the constructed heritage of nationwide curiosity underneath the NCC’s stewardship,” the report reads.
Trudeau and his household at the moment reside at Rideau Cottage on the grounds of Rideau Corridor, the officers residence of the governors basic.
The Canadian prime ministers' residence, 24 Sussex, is seen on the banks of the Ottawa River in Ottawa on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015. The Parliament Hill Peace Tower is within the distance. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
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