NCC estimates the cost to maintain 24 Sussex Drive at nearly $40M

By Perushka Gopalkista

The cost of repairing the Prime Minister's official residence is shaping up to be costly. 

The National Capital Commission (NCC) officially shut down the residence last week for much needed repairs, which is the NCC estimates will cost nearly $40 million. 

Franco Terrazzano, the federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, joined The Sam Laprade Show on Monday, Nov. 21. He explained that in addition to the upkeep cost for 24 Sussex, it would also cost the NCC to maintain the Prime Minister's other official residences, including Rideau Cottage—where he currently resides. 

“And, then he has Harrington Lake as well, and the NCC also (ballooned) the tap on the Harrington Lake property, (and) just to renovate it, it's costing taxpayers about $11 million and the kitchen itself cost over $700,000—that's what people pay for their home in some places in Canada,” he added. 

The NCC said they won't have an exact number on the 24 Sussex maintenance cost, until after the procurement process, which Terrazzano noted is concerning.  He added the annual cost to maintain the residence is already costing Ottawa taxpayers roughly $150,000. 

He suggested that government officials need to give the NCC a budget for the total repairs, and added that an all-party committee needs to be established in order to make a decision on what to do with the other official residences including the Governor General's residence.

Politicians including NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also called on the federal government to make a decision on the residence.

The residence has sat empty since 2015, since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided not to move his family into the historic building in order to give the NCC time to complete repairs. The NCC hopes to start the much-needed repairs by at least next spring.

Listen to the full interview with Franco Terrazzano below: 

 

 

 

 

 

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