Love it or list it: Canada’s most famous fixer-upper
24 Sussex Drive is officially the official home of the prime minister. Truthfully, it’s rodent-plagued and rotting, a running joke that has been all but abandoned.
www.politico.comHere’s the latest I can summarize based on recent reporting:
-
Rideau Cottage has been the Prime Minister’s temporary residence since 2015, but there are widespread concerns that it is inadequate for long-term prime ministerial needs, with discussions ongoing about the fate of 24 Sussex Drive, the traditional official residence. This has prompted headlines about whether Canada will relocate the official residence or renovate a different site, including Rideau Cottage, as part of a broader decision by the government and the National Capital Commission/ Public Services and Procurement Canada.[1][3][7]
-
Several outlets in 2025–2026 have noted that 24 Sussex Drive has extensive repair needs and has not been in usable condition for years, fueling debates about what should replace or rehabilitate the site and where the prime minister should live moving forward. There have been reports that the government is weighing options and that a decision on a new or temporary residence is anticipated in the coming months/2026 timeframe.[3][5][9]
-
Public discussion has included the possibility of abandoning 24 Sussex and pursuing alternatives, possibly including continuing with Rideau Cottage or selecting another site, with security and cost considerations central to those discussions. A formal decision or plan has been described as forthcoming by Canadian officials and media, though timelines have varied in press reporting.[5][9]
If you’d like, I can pull together a concise timeline of key events and the main options currently under consideration, or summarize what each option would entail in terms cost, security, and operational impacts. I can also look for the most recent official statements or government documents if you want the latest, most authoritative wording.