Let's hope the cabinet shuffle doesn't quash plans for 24 Sussex Drive
The sad, long-running saga of the prime minister's official residence must end soon. The last minister in charge of the file promised a proposal by this fall.
Ken Grafton
Published Aug 05, 2023 • Last updated 1 day ago • 3 minute read
Will late July’s Liberal cabinet shuffle mean yet another delay in the long, sad story of the Official Residence of the Prime Minister of Canada?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s new cabinet included a new minister for the Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) portfolio, which is currently responsible under the National Capital Act for the National Capital Commission, custodian of 24 Sussex Drive since 1987. Jean-Yves Duclos has replaced Helena Jaczek as minister.
On May 29, Jaczek announced that a plan for the future of 24 Sussex would be delivered “by fall.” The change of minister may delay that promise.
Like a television sitcom in dire need of cancellation, the decades-long saga of 24 Sussex needs to come to an end. Canadians are tired of hearing the same tale of uncertainty and neglect regurgitated every time a new report becomes available to the news media — reminding the world that Canada can’t afford to maintain a 12,000 sq.-ft. building.
The media reports also contain lurid details such as the discovery of dead rodents in the walls, the millions needed to deal with fire hazards and so on. Even international media such as The Guardian are fascinated by the neglect of 24 Sussex.
All this reporting, based only on partial information, stokes negative public opinion about what is arguably the most important house in Canada, and a national treasure.
As the 2008 auditor general’s report put it, “The official residences are more than just housing for Canada’s top political leaders; they are part of Canada’s heritage, and as such, they belong to all Canadians. They contribute to Canada’s positive image abroad and are often a source of pride for Canadians who visit them.”
So Duclos needs to reassure Canadians that an actual plan for the property will be delivered this fall, as promised by his predecessor.
The government also needs to clarify the estimated costs associated with 24 Sussex.
For instance, the number reported by the NCC in 2021, $36.64 million, is for “deferred maintenance.”
But a 2017 report by Turner & Townsend (T&T), “Final Report — Cost Assurance and Benchmarking Exercise — 24 Sussex Drive” identified a wide range of contingencies, cost allowances, escalations, and 4,000 sq. ft. of additional space as part of that number. This suggests that the $36.64 million so widely reported by the media includes a lot more than simply “deferred maintenance” on the main residence. The new space, for instance, relates broadly to hosting, kitchen expansion, new office areas, etc.
The T&T report stated that its review was based upon third-party drawings, specifications and cost estimates produced in 2009 for the purpose of issuing a public tender for construction work. Perhaps the victim of fragile political optics during a minority government term, no tender was issued at the time.
In 2008, the cost of needed “renovations” was reported to be $10 million. Further, it was reported earlier this year that remedial work currently in progress at 24 Sussex will cost $4.3 million.
With the cabinet shuffle comes an opportunity for government to review the 24 Sussex file and explain to Canadians exactly what is included in the cost estimate, how it grew from $10 million to almost $37 million in 15 years, and what the current number is — both after remedial work is completed and for any additional plans.
Hopefully, Minister Duclos will stand by Jaczek’s previous commitment.
Ken Grafton is project director, 24SDRP Project, for Historical Ottawa Development Inc. (HODI).
https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/grafto...e-doesnt-quash-plans-for-24-sussex-drive
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