Prime Ministers Residence

The Prime Minister's Residence at 24 Sussex Drive is one of Canada’s most historically significant and iconic landmarks. This historic home has welcomed prime ministers since 1951. Notable leaders like Louis St. Laurent, Lester B. Pearson, and Pierre Trudeau have all called it home during their time in office. Stephen Harper is the most recent prime minister to have resided at 24 Sussex Drive.

 

Overlooking the Ottawa River, the residence blends political importance with architectural beauty. Although it is still waiting for a government decision about its restoration, this historic place is an important part of the national identity of Canada and a very interesting feature of Ottawa’s landscape.

 

Interested in learning more? Keep reading!

 

What to Know

The Prime Minister's Residence, officially known as 24 Sussex Drive, is in Ottawa, Ontario. The building dates back to 1868 and has served as the official residence of Canada's prime minister since 1951. The use was stopped in 2015, though, as renovations were in order, including some out-of-date heating and electrical systems, and general repairs. Discussions on the future of the building are still ongoing, and the house is not occupied during these improvement plans. 

 

The Prime Minister's Residence is situated at 24 Sussex Drive, next to the French embassy and across from Rideau Hall. This place is renowned in politics and history for its prestige and convenience, thanks to its proximity to the Governor General's Rideau Cottage. The fact that the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, stayed at Rideau Cottage does not mean that 24 Sussex Drive is not part of the governance of Canada; it has hosted many official events and dignitaries over the years, so it is part of Canada's history and politics.

 

The Prime Minister's Residence has mainly been used as a residence. It is not widely known as the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister works at the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council building. However, some work has been done at the Prime Minister's Residence. 

 

Although it is closed these days, 24 Sussex Drive still serves a purpose to the public. Its beautiful location by the Ottawa River and history as a prime minister's residence are, arguably, cultural treasures for Ottawa. The NCC is in charge of it and reviewing plans for its future. In June 2021, a $36.6 million plan was presented to restore this historic house.

 

 

History

Built in 1868 by Joseph Merrill Currier, the 24 Sussex Drive residence has, to say the least, an exciting history. What was once originally a private home, the Canadian government purchased it in 1943. In 1951, the house became the official residence of the Prime Minister. Many leaders spent time in this house; some of the most significant were Louis St. Laurent, Lester B. Pearson, and Pierre Trudeau. The house represents Canadian leadership and history since it is important to the political life of the country and its history related to Ottawa's cultural background.

 

Time eventually brought challenges with aging infrastructure into the building. Its mechanical heating and electrical systems, once state-of-the-art for the 1950s, have been outmoded and in dire need of repairs to modern standards. The house, though a living testament to its past, is drastically in need of renovation. To preserve it exactly as it should be while meeting present-day needs, the structure must be upgraded.

 

As of 2021, the NCC labeled 24 Sussex to be severely deteriorated and needed the removal of hazardous elements like asbestos and old systems. Residence upgrades to heating, electric, and plumbing systems along with the removal of old material have also been proposed to make it a safer and more efficient venue to use in the future. Decisions regarding restoration and subsequent use lie in the government's hands, and the place is still closed.

 

Though unoccupied today, 24 Sussex Drive continues to stand at the forefront of Canada's political heritage. Being declared a federal heritage building speaks of its significance and how discussions concerning its preservation have been an issue on the national level.

 

How to Get There

The Prime Minister's Residence on Sussex Drive is accessible from downtown Ottawa. A beautiful drive along the Ottawa River gives great views of the area. People visiting the residence don't find much public parking close to it, so they can use such nearby lots as those located on Sussex Drive.

 

Those using public transport can find easy access by means of buses provided by OC Transpo, routes 9 and 12. The area is simple to visit by driving, taking transit, and enjoying a walk through the very charming streets of Ottawa.

 

If you love cycling or just walking, you will love the nearby trails, for sure. The scenic beauty of these trails offers panoramic views of the Ottawa River. You can see other important places along the trails.

 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit 24 Sussex Drive would depend on your preference and the activities that you would like to engage in while in Ottawa. You cannot go inside 24 Sussex Drive, but you can experience the beautiful surrounding area throughout the entire year.

 

Best Season to visit:

 

Spring and summer are the seasons to go when the greenery and flowers around Sussex Drive make the place look appealing.

Autumn gives a different view. The colorful leaves on Sussex Drive and the Ottawa River make a beautiful scene. This is also a calmer time, so you can enjoy the peace of the area without many people around.

 

Winter makes everything look special, with snow-covered places creating a picture-perfect scene. Visiting during the holiday season lets you enjoy the festive feeling of Ottawa, including the seasonal decorations at nearby Rideau Hall.

 

Best time of day to visit:

 

Visiting the Prime Minister's Residence on Sussex Drive in the morning provides excellent lighting for photography. The soft light really brings out the Georgian Revival style beautifully, making this a great time to photograph this old building's beauty and details.

 

Features and Highlights

- This residence was built in 1868, exhibiting the classic style of Georgian Revival architecture. It exudes elegance and history in its classic design, thus becoming one of the important landmarks in Ottawa. It highlights a style of culture and symmetry.

 

- The residence at 24 Sussex Drive is a large limestone building with 35 rooms over four floors. The basement contains support rooms, while the main floor includes the dining room, living room, kitchen, stair hall, library, and sunroom. 

 

- The National Capital Commission (NCC) takes care of the house and its property. They also maintain historic furnishings from the Crown Collection. These include musical instruments, chairs, tables, and paintings by famous Canadians, displayed in the mansion’s public rooms.

- Located by the Ottawa River, 24 Sussex offers views that breathe freshness into the air. The beauty of its appeal, combined with the charming location, defines this unique and picturesque Ottawa landscape.

- Prime Minister's Residence is one of the identified federal heritage buildings. Its heritage designation acknowledges its historical and cultural importance in Canada. The house stands for leadership, governance, and architectural appeal as part of the nation's heritage.

- The residence is located on Sussex Drive, one of the most iconic streets in Ottawa. This location connects the home to many significant landmarks, showing its prominence in Canada's capital city.

- Although the building doesn’t have any official government function, it has been the site of protests. For example, farmers protested there in 2006, and Greenpeace activists have also held protests at the location.

- It is so close to Rideau Hall, which gives 24 Sussex additional political importance. The Governor General's residence enhances its role in Canada's governance and historical landscape.

- The residence has a rich history and, for a long time, has been one of the main venues for all official functions and gatherings. This is so because it, over the years, has played a major role in hosting all manner of national events and thus remains very prominent in the political history of Canada.

- 24 Sussex is the most important and historically significant site located in the capital of Canada. It is a site of powerful significance in Canadian governance and part of the nation's rich and eclectic heritage.