Achi news desk-
The National Capital Commission is taking a look inside gutted 24 Sussex Drive, more than a year after the heritage building along the Ottawa River closed.
The downsizing and decommissioning work on the prime minister’s official residence is expected to be completed this summer, while officials continue to decide the future of the property. Pictures posted on the NCC website show the work completed inside 24 Sussex Drive, removing the floors, plaster and mechanical and electrical systems.
The National Capital Commission released photos of 24 Sussex Drive after reducing designated substances and removing obsolete mechanical, heating and electrical systems. (National Capital Commission/website)
In January, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum told the NCC board of directors that downsizing and decommissioning work was scheduled to be completed by early February, with temporary mechanical and electrical system work to be completed for the summer.
The National Capital Commission shows a gutted 24 Sussex Drive as decommissioning and decommissioning work continues on the prime minister’s official residence. (National Capital Commission/website)
The National Capital Commission released photos of 24 Sussex Drive after reducing designated substances and removing obsolete mechanical, heating and electrical systems. (National Capital Commission/website)
The $4.3 million project to decommission 24 Sussex Drive includes the removal and storage of the “heritage fabric, such as doors and moldings”, asbestos abatement and the removal of “obsolete mechanical, heating and electrical systems,” according to the NCC.
In November 2022, the NCC began the process of closing 24 Sussex Drive, with work scheduled to remove asbestos and aging infrastructure in the historic building. The NCC said the decision to close 24 Sussex Drive was a “necessary approach to address the identified health and safety concerns.”
The National Capital Commission said the reduction and demolition work inside 24 Sussex Drive is due to be completed over the winter. The work includes the removal of designated substances and obsolete mechanical, heating and electrical systems. (National Capital Commission/website)
No one has lived in the prime minister’s official residence since Stephen Harper and his family in 2015. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family chose to live in Rideau Cottage on the grounds of Rideau Hall.
A report in 2021 stated that the building was in “critical condition.”
The work inside 24 Sussex Drive includes the removal of obsolete mechanical, heating and electrical systems. (National Capital Commission/website)
24 Sussex Drive was built in 1867. The main building contains 34 rooms, as well as another small home at 10 Sussex Drive, a pool house and two RCMP guard houses.
The debate has continued for years on what to do with 24 Sussex Drive. An NCC report in June 2021 said it would cost $36.6 million to restore the heritage building to “good condition.”
The NCC says on its website that options for the future of the prime minister’s official residence have been presented to the government and that it is “awaiting a decision from the government.”
“The reduction and decommissioning had to be tackled regardless of any decision made about the future of the accommodation,” said the NCC.
The Ottawa Citizen first reported that the NCC posted photos online of the work inside 24 Sussex Drive.
With files from CTV News Parliamentary Bureau Correspondent Annie Bergeron-Oliver
