24 Sussex Drive Still Sits Vacant

The Official Residence of the Prime Minister, 24 Sussex Drive, still sits vacant. The structure is 152 years old, nearly as old as Canada itself.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family do not live there but rather live at Rideau Cottage pending a review of work needed to repair the house.

Since the renovation of the house in 2001, very little has been spent on the upkeep of 24 Sussex Drive, leaving parts of it worn and outdated, including the heating and cooling systems, wiring, and roofing.

On May 6, 2008, the Auditor General reported that the house was in poor condition and needed about $10 million in repairs and upgrades, which would require at least 12 to 15 months of "full access" to complete.

In October 2015, Bryan Baeumler estimated $15 million might be necessary to properly renovate the residence.

There have been calls to renovate the home or demolish the home.

The designation as a federal heritage building, though not legally binding, would probably protect it against such a measure. Even though the home has no real historical value and is not used for government functions.