September 1, 2026 | Muhammad Aman Ullah
Canada’s federal government has officially begun searching for Canadian companies and specialists to take part in the restoration of 24 Sussex Drive, the historic official residence of the country’s prime ministers.
The residence has remained vacant for more than a decade because of its deteriorating condition. After years of delays, the federal government has now launched the first tender for a major restoration project aimed at making the building modern, secure and suitable for future prime ministers and their families.
The government also wants the restored residence to be capable of hosting official meetings, government functions, receptions and important national events.
Seven Teams to Be Selected
According to a request for qualifications issued by the federal government on August 21, seven teams will initially be selected as finalists for the project.
These seven teams will then compete in a national design competition. The winning team will receive a contract covering both the design and construction phases of the project.
The government has set a target of awarding the design-and-construction contract by the fall of 2027.
Government Seeks World-Class Design
The federal government is asking participating teams to present a “world-class design vision” for the restoration of 24 Sussex Drive.
According to the project documents, preference will be given to the use of Canadian products, materials and modern technologies.
Because of the building’s national and historical importance, the government says the restoration should make use of Canadian expertise, resources and innovation wherever possible.
Residence Has Been Vacant Since 2015
24 Sussex Drive has been vacant since 2015.
The deteriorating condition of the historic property has prevented successive prime ministers from living there for more than a decade.
Previous governments faced concerns that spending tens of millions of dollars on the property could trigger political criticism. As a result, major restoration work was repeatedly delayed.
Over the years, the condition of the building continued to deteriorate, eventually requiring extensive work to prepare the property for a comprehensive restoration.
Hazardous Materials Removed
During the initial preparation and cleanup process, much of the building was stripped down.
Government documents indicate that hazardous and damaging materials, including asbestos, mould and dead rodents, have already been removed from the property.
The next stage will focus on restoring the building’s structure and interior while installing modern security systems and other essential facilities.
Mark Carney Called the Condition an “Embarrassment”
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the condition of 24 Sussex Drive as an “embarrassment” during a special interview earlier this year.
Carney has expressed his desire to see future prime ministers once again able to live in the historic official residence.
In June, he announced plans for a national design competition as well as a fundraising campaign to help support the restoration project.
Government Sets $50 Million Fundraising Target
The federal government has set a public fundraising target of $50 million for the restoration project.
By the end of July, Canadians had donated more than $735,000, representing roughly 1.5 percent of the overall target.
The government hopes the historical and national significance of 24 Sussex Drive will encourage more Canadians to contribute to the restoration effort.
Residence Will Serve Both Private and Official Functions
The new construction team will have to design the restored property around a wide range of requirements.
The government says the residence must include private living areas for the prime minister and their family while also providing suitable spaces for official work, government meetings, receptions, guests and formal events.
The restored building will also need to meet modern accessibility standards, including facilities that can be used by people with disabilities.
Historical Heritage to Be Preserved
Preserving the historical character of 24 Sussex Drive will be a major part of the restoration.
The selected team will be responsible for restoring important historical elements of the building while also improving the surrounding grounds and gardens.
Depending on the requirements of the project, archaeological assessments, studies of the property and additional security-related changes could also be included.
Experts to Review Design Proposals
Design proposals will be reviewed by a professional jury established through the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
A separate technical board associated with the federal procurement process will assess construction plans, budgets and proposed timelines.
The two review processes are intended to ensure that both the architectural vision and the practical requirements of the project meet federal standards.
Strict Experience Requirements for Bidders
The federal government has also established strict experience requirements for teams seeking to participate in the competition.
Applicants will have to demonstrate experience working on complex, large-scale construction projects.
This includes experience with buildings that have a construction value of at least $50 million.
The requirements reflect the scale and complexity of restoring one of Canada’s most historically significant government properties.
A Major Step Toward Restoring 24 Sussex Drive
The launch of the tender marks a significant shift for the long-delayed 24 Sussex Drive project.
After years of political debate and uncertainty, the restoration has now entered a formal procurement and design process.
The ultimate goal is to transform the deteriorating property into a secure, modern and functional official residence while preserving its historical character.
If the project proceeds according to the government’s current plans, future Canadian prime ministers and their families could once again have the option of living at 24 Sussex Drive, while the property could also return to its role as a venue for official meetings and national events.
