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Extreme house makeover: 24 Sussex edition

The Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 7:13 PM EDT 08/05/08

Massive renovation would shut down prime minister's residence for a year, cost $10-million: auditor-general report ...Read the full article

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  1. Just Visiting from Ottawa, Canada writes: We are truly a ridiculous and petty country when it comes to the politics of public spending. I can't imagine any other developed country allowing the residence of their PM to deteriorate out of fear for the inevitable media and public uproar that fixing it would cost.
  2. Gnarly Kanuck from Canada writes: Very hard to believe that the Reno would cost $10,000,000.00 ....by the time the NCC is done with it it would be more like $100 Million
  3. B L from Canada writes: Wouldn't this be a great opportunity to refit 24 Sussex with some modern "green" technology?

    Watcha think, Steve?
  4. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Whatever it costs, it should be done, even if it gives the Harper-haters some new material to post about. Some people still haven't gotten over Mila Mulroney spending money on new drapes and furniture. It's a heritage building, and Harper won't always live there. Get it done, and if the whiners cry, "But what about the poor children?" let them whine.
  5. Sir Laifalot from Victoria, Canada writes: I'll do it for $9,999,999.00 , that 'll calm the critcs.
    But really if it cost that much why not just start over, rip it down & put up a shanty tent city so the PM & his cronies can understand how the homeless feel.
  6. shoshana berman from Canada writes: I'm sorry $10 million for new heating and air conditioning some wiring and plumbing.

    You could riop down the house and build two brand new ones for less.

    And this woman calls herself an auditor.

    Since when do people put sprinkler systems in homes???

    Anything over 1 million is outragious.

    There are all kinds of older homes, in fact almost all of them, that have had new wiring, plumbing, and heating put in for a lot less than 10 million.

    Give me a break!
  7. Tyler Christensen from Yokohama, Japan writes: Poor Harpers. Hopefully, they won't have to put up with it for too much longer!

    All kidding aside, 24 Sussex is a symbol of our country and should be kept in good condition.
  8. Wayne Gray from Oakville, Canada writes: To hell with those who poo-poo spending the required bucks to completely renovate 24 Sussex. That includes the media, the lefties, the homeless supporting entourage and those Canadians who begrudge anybody with better than they got. The only issue is getting the PM and his family to move out to a suitable alternative (how about the best digs in the Chateau Laurier?) for the time that it takes to do the job properly. If this nation can blow $10 million proping up third world economic disasters, funding dubious domestic programs and otherwise squandering tax dollars to appease the plebs, the nation can house its PM properly.
  9. Fake Name from Canada writes: What an episode of "Flip This House" that would make :p
  10. Tanner Hadley from GTA, Canada writes: We're a young country, and we must prserve our heritage. It is not unreasonable to spend $10 Million to preserve a building as old as 24 Sussex Drive.

    The White House went through a major renovation (i.e. completely gutted and rebuilt) during the Truman administration.

    Heritage should be important to us as a country - if not, let's just house the PM in a condo somewhere.
  11. Stan L from Canada writes: For cripes sake....do we always have to be this flat footed about everything.....people gripe about our lack of national identity but then go off on the cost of restoring a heritage building like this.....do you know whyt he Americans have a good sense of national identity? becuase they invest the time and money into having one........As much as I can't stand Harper, this is not about him, this is about our heritage and our country.

    P.S. THAT said I think the abaove suggestion about renovating with 'green' in mind is the perfect ocassion to show leadership.
  12. CHP My vote from who ville, Canada writes: It IS sad that our leaders are scared to spend money on our buildings for fear of negative media. But that's the Canadian way. We scorn our former PMs and force them to get jobs as lawyers or consultants. We ought to be ashamed. Our former leaders should be given good treatment. Okay, to a point, I mean if your name is Joe Clark or Paul Martin and you were PM for 3 days, then never mind...
  13. this is just my opinion from Toronto, Canada writes: I certainly agree that money should be spent to upgrade 24 Sussex Drive to absolutely tip-top condition. I do, however, question the figure of $10M to do this work. I'm sure that with some judicious competitive bidding that figure could be reduced substantially, even if it includes the cost of installing the PM and family in a suitable rental for a year or two while the work gets done. Ten million dollars to renovate even a heritage building sounds a bit like the $100 pencils we used to hear about the military having to buy.
  14. Eric B from Ottawa, Canada writes: I think the lack of renovation in the last 50 years has less to do with the PM not wanting the bad press, then about the PM not wanting to be inconvenienced out of what he considers a priviledge: to reside at 24 Sussex like all his predecessors. What's another few years gonna do? I'll let the next guy temporarily relocate...

    As for the Home Depot plastic film covering the windows in the winter to reduce the draft, I can vouch for those having seen them first hand during both the Martin and Chretien days...what an embarrasment this must be when foreign dignitaries visit !!!
  15. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: It costs $10 million because working on heritage buildings costs a fortune. If the goal is to leave it in as original condition as possible, then the price tag could easily surpass $10 million. Yes, many older homes have been renovated for less, but they weren't official heritage sites where every single feature had to be preserved at any cost. Preserving 24 sussex in original condition is what costs the money.
  16. Jan Cooper from Canada writes: If we can justify spending gazillions on the stupid overblown Olympics, surely we can find a few million to preserve our heritage buildings. As pointed out by earlier posters, this could be a real opportunity to go green.
  17. MQ9 Reaper from Canada writes: This property is part of our heritage. Spend the money and fix it.
  18. Paul Pedersen from Ottawa, Canada writes: I suppose we must ensure all homeless people in Canada have a home before we can spend any monye on fixing up Canada 's national treasures. Canadians are so perochial when it comes to appreciating their own heritage and treasures . No wonder we have Prime Ministers that refuse any renovations because of the optics and possible voter backlash. Why even our current PM would rather ransom off the National Portrait Gallery to the highest bidder city rather than see it as an enhancement to the nation's capital. This would never occur in London, New York or Paris, where the national treasures /heads of states' residences are considered heritage and cultural icons.
  19. siren call from Canada writes: “The prime minister and his family find 24 Sussex adequate to their needs, and see no need for substantial renovation programs at this time,” said Carolyn Stewart Olsen.
    ...............................

    Well, of course Harper sees no need to preserve Canadian heritage! Harper doesn't care whether Canada is governed by 1 or 10 governments!

    Since our current PM is the most contemptuous of all things Canadian -- he's the perfect guy to find temporary residence while we fix up 24 Sussex; preferably a green project with solar panelling, etc.

    Remember when Preston Manning was so convinced politicians shouldn't live in subsidized housing he wouldn't move into Stornoway. Well, until he did.

    Get out Harper and renovate the home!
  20. Stan L from Canada writes: Just a quick thought....perhaps we can move the Harpers in with the Dions at Stornoway? Add in the Duceppe and Layton families and you have the next hit reality show on CBC....ratings would go through the roof and the incremental advertising dollars would more than pay the way for the renovations......LOL
  21. puddin and pie from Canada writes: yeah $10m for a reno? brilliant.
    The NCC is really dumb. Stone bldgs weren't built with AC.

    Build the PM a new residence, with new tech stuff like heat pumps, super-insulated walls/roof, etc. $10M will buy a lot of new stuff, versus working around "make-do" in an old bldg.

    24 Sussex can be become an historic site.
  22. Trillian Rand from Canada writes: The estimate works out to about $0.30 for every Canadian. Hardly a fortune is it? Perhaps the government can pass a confidence bill to have the work done as soon as possible.
  23. Blue Magic ...... from Mississauga,, Canada writes: 24 Sussex needs fixed, it is embarssing as is.

    Get Mike Holmes "from holmes on homes" to look at it.
  24. loraine lamontagne from Mississauga, Canada writes: Why not turn it into a casino and move the Harpers to a motel in Hull? The Reformer in me, I guess...
  25. Gnarly Kanuck from Canada writes: shoshana berman from Canada writes:
    Since when do people put sprinkler systems in homes???
    =====

    It is a proposed condition of the National Building and Ontario Building Codes for new construction.
  26. looking on from Canada writes: 24 Sussex is in terrible shape and should be up-dated. The PMs of other countries have decent residence and all the Presidents of the US have up-dated the White House.In fact most of the government builings on the hill need repair. 24 Sussex is so old it really should be dusted and a new residence be built.
  27. Stan L from Canada writes: There is no question that this building needs preservation and restoration....it must have been very well built indeed if after 140 years it is still standing with so little intervention.....The price tag seems pretty resonable considering the work they have outlined. WHAT surprises me is that every successive PM is responsible for furnishing the house.....I did nit know that, wouldn't you have thought that at least some of the receiving rooms and dining room, library etc... would have furniture that is historically important and permanent? I think they should add a few million to the tab and get some pieces of value in there, at least in some of the places where the PM would be receiving dignitaries and such......
  28. looking on from Canada writes: It is amazing how people are experts re: house repairs. 24 Sussex is falling apart from basement to roof(whats left of it) Construction is costly--any one who has a little repair of their own homes know the costs to-day. Heads of States from other countries are entertained in 24 Sessex--what an embarrassment !!
  29. The Lighthorseman from Canada writes: Stan L from Canada writes: Just a quick thought....perhaps we can move the Harpers in with the Dions at Stornoway? Add in the Duceppe and Layton families and you have the next hit reality show on CBC....ratings would go through the roof and the incremental advertising dollars would more than pay the way for the renovations......LOL

    ==========================

    Don't always agree with what you say but in this case thanx for the laff.
  30. s l from Canada writes: As Canadians, we should be ashamed of how this country treats its politicians. Nowhere else in the developed world would accept this kind of crap about homes for national leaders. 24 Sussex (and, by extension, Rideau Hall and Stornaway) aren't just homes. They're used to entertain visiting heads of state and function as symbols of Canadian pride and culture.

    $10 mil on 24 Sussex isn't an unreasonable figure if the goal is both to 100% preserve its heritage appearance and features, all while installing up-to-date wiring, kitchens, HVAC, windows, and the rest. And while we're spending that $10 000 000, let's find a way to incorporate as much state of the art green technology, and find Canadian suppliers and labour to put it all together.

    This isn't a partisan issue. It's a national pride issue.
  31. Douglas Freestone from Calgary, Canada writes: I understand the fear of politicians past and present to authorize spending money on this sort of thing because of the media and hyper-inflated partisanship, but this is a national treasure. As many other posters have stated, we are a young country with a developing history. Though the cost is high, we are talking about a stone building, a large building, a historic building, and one that may require the removal of asbestos, which is never cheap. This has to be done. Make it green, make it pretty, and safeguard this treasure!
  32. Vincent Clement from Formerly of Toronto, Canada writes: How does this merit a debate? Just fix the place up and be done with it.
  33. Antonio San from Canada writes: Perhaps they should get Mike Holmes to do it!
  34. Elmo Harris from Niagara, Canada writes: Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Whatever it costs, it should be done, even if it gives the Harper-haters some new material to post about. Some people still haven't gotten over Mila Mulroney spending money on new drapes and furniture.
    ---
    I am a Harper-hater but I assure you I would not complain about fixing up 24 Sussex. As for Harper being inconvenienced by the construction work I don't think it will bother him at all because he will not be there after the next election.

    The people that complained about Mila Mulroney were not the Liberals or the Progressive Conservatives. The complainers were the Reformers who would have preferred that the Prime Minister lived in a rented basement apartment. They complained of course until they got a whiff of power after Mulroney was booted out of office and they took over as the opposition.
  35. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Well stated, Elmo Harris!
  36. Elmo Harris from Niagara, Canada writes: Thank you, Catherine.
  37. Justin Kase from Victoria, Canada writes: When Trudeau had a pool installed (presumably paid for by unknowns) it was the end of the world for many. Does anyone remember how much of that news we had to endure and for how long? One thought he must have committed treason.
    Imagine if someone spends 10 million! I say fix it and be done with it, go green in the process and fire any media people who make it their pet peeve to complain about it for decades afterwards.
  38. jimmie rabbit from toronto, Canada writes: so far as i am concerned harper can go live in a tent and .... in a ditch
  39. jimmie rabbit from toronto, Canada writes: s l from Canada writes: As Canadians, we should be ashamed of how this country treats its politicians. Nowhere else in the developed world would accept this kind of crap about homes for national leaders. 24 Sussex (and, by extension, Rideau Hall and Stornaway) aren't just homes. They're used to entertain visiting heads of state and function as symbols of Canadian pride and culture.

    i am embarrassed (not proud) to think that harper and his band of thugs are canada's representatives to visiting heads of state.

    as for culture their idea of it is sharing a two-four in a bowling alley.
  40. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Completely reasonable. Do it green. Make it so. Elmo Harris, right on.
  41. Kim Morton from Canada writes: Knock it down and build a new house. Remodeling old building like that is rarely cost effective.
  42. Elmo Harris from Niagara, Canada writes: Thank you, diane marie.
  43. True North from Canada writes: $10 million?? The Harper trough is open for business - someone is really getting their entitlements here. I'll do it for $9 million.
  44. The Oracle from Caiman Islands, Canada writes: It's Harper that needs renovating not the house!
  45. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Posters keep saying knock it down and rebuild. Would you say that about the Peace Tower, the Commons Library, etc.? Would the Americans knock down the White House? I think not. Mr. Harper was considering a CPC-controlled media centre in the former shoe store. He was also considering a "reception palace" in the former American embassy/National Portrait Gallery. This would be money well spent, unlike his other hair-brained schemes. For one thing, it would house future PMs :-).
  46. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Good grief - fix the place up.

    It's the Prime Minister's residence, for crying out loud.

    Agree that some energy-efficient renovations would be ideal.
  47. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: This is simple to solve, easy-peasy. After the election, the Harper family can move back to Toronto or Calgary, or even Texas; the Dion's can stay in Stornoway while their 24 Sussex home is brought into the 21st century, and Gilles Duceppe as the Official Opposition can stay in his digs in Quebec until the renovations are finished.

    Quick! Get the plans, blueprints, work orders, suppliers and the contract signed and the crews ready to go as soon as the Harper government is swept away.
  48. Vern McPherson from writes:
    On another note the Premier of Nova Scotia has just named former harper staffer as his campaign manager for the upcoming election in that province.

    I was just wondering if the federal party with all it's money in the bank did a political favor for the Premier in deference to the accord agreement he signed - thereby making harper and the COns look real good and avoid a nasty confrontation with peed off Nova Scotia voters ?? ???

    Will there also be money transfers to help pay for Roddy's campaign ?
  49. Mr. Reilly from Canukistan, writes: I wonder how much money has been spent in the last 30 years ( this is how long I have lived in my house ) on renovations. While I believe that the prime Ministers residence should be be kept in tip top condition, I also question the quality of the work that has been done previously. I maintain my own home and it is expensive however it is also rewarding as my equity has quadrupled in the last 30 years. If we redo 24 Sussex drive it should be done to last for a long time.
  50. Wayne Gray from Oakville, Canada writes: For those who think Mike Holmes should be taken on board for the reno job, well put. Let's do the budget with the Auditor General as the chief pencil pusher. Specific jobs that are estimated to cost over a pre-determined amount should be put out to tender in the sub trades. Oh yes, and give Mike Holmes the Order of Canada when the job is done and passes Shelia's scrutiny.
  51. Logic is full of Epic Win from Canada writes: So let me get this straight, this is the mansion of the PM of Canada.
    It is used by the PM to live and to host dignitaries and various functions.
    It is a recognized heritage building.

    Regardless if a Conservative, Liberal, NDP, Green or PURPLE PM is in power, the building needs to be preserved and made proper for its official uses.

    I do indeed like the idea of using some green technology in the process... Mike Holmes would be an awesome lead contractor for the job as he will makes sure that doesn't just barely meet code and will have to be redone in a decade or less, and he is pretty good at avoiding cost over runs. In fact, by having someone of good repute from the industry oversee the job, we would likely avoid the $100 hammers and $1 nails.

    Mr. Holmes, MAKE IT RIGHT!
  52. Logic is full of Epic Win from Canada writes: Oh... just in case that there is non-partisan support to get Mike Holmes involved... hehe here's the contact link from his site!

    *http://www.holmesonhomes.com/contact_us.php*
  53. MJ Patchouli from Regina, Canada writes: I'd like to see this on Trading Spaces, with Dion and his wife doing 24 Sussex, and the harpers doing Stornoway...

    and then I hope they each move into the homes they fix up. Really trade spaces for good.
  54. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: MJ Patchouli:-- I'd vote for that.
  55. rick from river city from Canada writes: The only way Dion will ever see the inside of 24 Sussex would be on 'Trading Spaces'.
  56. Brian Sexsmith from Toronto, Canada writes: With Harper's rush to sell-off government buildings in Canada and diplomatic residences around the world, I'm surprised he doesn't put these residences on the auction block.
  57. BCer in Mtl . from Canada writes: Why doesn't someone set up a charitable trust to collect funds (donations) for refurbishment purposes, that way those who feel strongly either way about renovations can contribute or not, as they choose. Contributions could be made tax-deductible (perhaps not to the same level as standard charitable donations, if that is cost-effectively achievable in the tax system). This approach can also become an avenue for Canadian enterprises to show off their talents, specifically in the areas of green home technology, design, craftsmanship and long-term maintenance.
  58. Michele K from Ottawa, Canada writes: Good one, MJ Patchoulli.

    I really have to question the $10 million projected cost, though.

    I agree that the house has to be completely re-done, but if we're going to pull apart the walls to get rid of insulation, do the plumbing, the wiring, and add sprinklers and central air, surely it would be cheaper to remove and store all the heritage items and the stone, etc., tear down the rest, and just start from scratch on the existing foundation, rebuilding the stonework and restoring the fittings on a new, 21st century structure. No?
  59. J Hare from Saskatoon, Canada writes: Ok, cost to renovate the PM residence will not be your typical old building reno. All the bidder and the builders will have to have security clearance (CISIS RCMP) and the changes to the building will probably include not just standard renos but increased security features (expensive) since the PM meets forign and national leaders there (bullet proff windows example). Then there is the heritage concerns which will need to be carefully examined and dealt with. This will leave the number of bidders avaliable to do the work limited.

    Also, keep in mind that where ever the PM is rehoused to, the security will have to move with him and the perimiter recreated. Its not just plaster and labour costs involved here but all the invisible ones as well such as RCMP and CISIS meeting over new protection schedual, responce plans, transportation routes etc. Just a thought as to why something that appears to cost x dollars could in this cast cost y.
    James Hare
  60. pierre lefebvre from Brossard, Canada writes: Well, well here we go with 24 Sussex alterations and extensions. Now its a slum according to Federal sources. Can you believe this after Trudeau, Mulroney and Chretien as big spender occupants of these facilities? Who is the politician spinning doctor in charge of this news? Canadians know there is far too much money in Ottawa and decisions are made daily to improve the green house of parliament facilities, departments, House of Governor General, House of Opposition leader and House of Prime Minister as well as summer house at Meech Lake. Calm down please, Canadians pay taxes and probably too much!
  61. John Smith from Calgary, Canada writes: This comment board represents the apex of democratic government. That major repair of the official residence of the Prime Minister has been neglected/postponed for so long is an apt metaphor for the state of our governmental institutions. And all this happens under the myopic eye of the electorate. How very fitting.
  62. The Central Screwtinizer from Ottawa, Canada writes: $10,000,000 of Heritage building my a$$... The present shack isn't worth $2,000,000 and and certainly not worth putting $10,000,000 into... Me and my friends will tear it down for $1,000,000 and sub-contract and have a green-ecobuilding built for $5,000,000 including a wine-cooler and cellar...we'll save the taxpayer money even if we go over-budget... Are you out of your collective minds...no wonder you need to put the kibosh on contraband smokes for the tax money... We'll even put up the Prime Minister at a Holiday Inn for a year on us.
  63. The Central Screwtinizer from Ottawa, Canada writes: How about if we get the people 'who move that bus'...I'm certain its a worthy cause with Mike Holmes on Homes to supervise the proceedings over a year on tv in HD surround... We can get the First Nations to cough up some cash from contraband smokes to finance it... What about the sale of pot from the government's Flin Flon grow-op...?
  64. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    On that episode of Rick Mercer when he had a sleepover with Harper we got to see inside 24 Sussex.

    What a dump.

    Bulldozer bait.

    Let's make a home atop the CN Tower and have the PM live there, Master Of All He Surveys.
  65. Michele K from Ottawa, Canada writes: For once, I'm in agreement with Michael Sharp - except for the need for a house atop the CN Tower. I'd prefer Harper just plant his posterior on the point.
  66. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: I like BCer in Montreal's post. This, in fact, is what was done for the White House. If I am not mistaken, the White House was in a very bad state when Jackie Kennedy arrived with her husband. She immediately set about raising money and soliciting donations of antique furniture, etc. I can recall, as a very young person, watching a TV special featuring Mrs. Kennedy hosting a tour of the renovations. It's not as if Canada can't afford the project, but such a way of advancing at least some of the work would generate public interest in Canada's heritage. We've paid it short shrift for far too long. As BCer points out, it could be a way of showing off crafts, new technologies, etc.
  67. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Michele K:-- Ouch :-).
  68. Dennis sinneD from Calgary, Canada writes:

    I agree with the motion to put Mike Holmes on this job! Definitely.
  69. B R from Canada writes: The best incentive for Harper to cause an election so is justified in moving out.

    Dion will then have a nicely renovated 24 Sussex to move into after the election.
  70. Michael Sharp from Victoria., Canada writes:

    Cover it in solar panels and windmills.

    Get it off the grid entirely.

    I'd vote for that.
  71. B H from Toronto, Canada writes: It bothers me that the PM is allowed to make this decision - it seems to me like a very problematic system when someone with so many partisan political motives can be allowed to make the decisions on something like this. Would we allow him to call off maintenance on the parliament buildings? How about on a museum or consulate building? He may be occupying the family wing of the place for the moment, but that in no way makes it his property to destroy by neglect for his own political gains. Could we not have a better system where someone less partial is in charge of upkeep of national property?
  72. Ned Chiwalski from Oilgary, Canada writes: C'mon people. This problem is a direct result of the liberals. They've been in power for the majority if our recent history and while they were raising taxes miss-directing funds and taking part in a whole host of other illegal activities, they have been neglecting our heritage sites. Too busy re-directing funds into their own pockets and bank accounts!
  73. allan weatherall from London, Canada writes: $10,000,000 - the fact is about this money is that as long as Canadian companies are hired to do the work and Canadian workers are used ... then the $$ comes back through taxes ... buying groceries ... paying mortgages ... cbuying ars ... entertainment etc. It's not as if the $10M will disappear.

    Spend the money through Canadian labour and get on with it! We're investing it in our own country for goodness sake!
  74. Ned Chiwalski from Oilgary, Canada writes: AS a follow up, get rid of the long gun registry and redirect a portion of those funds to the renovation of the house.
  75. Brian Sexsmith from Toronto, Canada writes: If you really want to make the Harper's comfortable, tear it down and put in a double-wide.
  76. michael morris from Prescott, Canada writes: $10M are you serious? Knock it and Stornaway down and build new 24 Sussex - bury Stornaway and DION with it - what heritage? Canada the land of fools, that is our heritage!
  77. M Poland from Calgary, Canada writes: The work should be done, and soon [can't we get a reputable firm to do it, though, like CANA, or Poole Construction?] The NCC doesn't know what the term "budget" means.
  78. Robert Stewart from Scottsdale, United States writes: Just move in across the street. I'm sure the neighbours won't mind.

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