Construction work starts on 24 Sussex but its future is still in doubt
CBC Construction work has just started on 24 Sussex Drive,the prime minister's official residence. The buildinghas fallen into a state of deep disrepair after years of neglect and inaction.
But the National Capital Commission (NCC), the federal body responsible for official residences, said the new activity shouldn't be interpreted as a commitment to fully restoring the 150-year-old property that has housed ten of the country's prime ministers.
The NCC told CBC News thiswork must be done regardless of what the government ultimately decides to do with the heritage property.
Work started last weekonstripping the property of asbestos and removing "obsolete mechanical, heating and electrical systems,"a NCC spokesperson said. The rehabilitation work is expected to take about a year.
The construction activity follows the commission's decision to formally shutter the residence for health and safety reasons.
While the Gothic Revival-style home,perched high above the Ottawa River,has been unoccupied for years, the property was still being used by some staff until its 2022 closure. It was also used to host garden parties on the home's expansive two-hectare grounds.
