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OTTAWA — In a little more than a month Canadians have funded nearly one-fiftieth of the financial goal to renovate 24 Sussex Drive.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in late June a plan to redesign and rebuild 24 Sussex Dr., saying that the prime minister’s official residence is a national landmark that is now in critical condition.

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Carney asked the public to chip in on the building costs and tasked the Rideau Hall Foundation with managing those donations through its website.

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The foundation reports today that “as of July 27, 2026, we have received $735K in donations from 3,336 Canadians, with the average donation amount being $220.”

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“This support comes from every province and territory across Canada.”

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Every donor’s name is listed on the non-partisan charity’s website.

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The government’s stated goal is to raise $50 million, which is “not the approved or confirmed budget for the project.”

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If the foundation reaches that amount no more donations will be allowed.

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Only Canadian charities, citizens and permanent residents can participate, and not in cash or crypto. Corporate or anonymous donations aren’t permitted and donors must attest to their eligibility.

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The Gothic Revival stone mansion became the official residence to 10 of Canada’s prime ministers after being expropriated from private ownership in 1943. Its first official occupant, Louis St. Laurent moved into the house in 1951 and demanded to pay rent.

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In 2015, Justin Trudeau refused the keys so the home could be restored, opting instead to move his family into Rideau Cottage across the street on the grounds of the Governor General’s residence Rideau Hall. But it was only in his last days as prime minister that Trudeau set a January 2026 goal to create an advisory committee of eminent Canadians to make recommendations about renovating the house, which fizzled out after his resignation. After succeeding Trudeau as prime minister, Carney now lives in Rideau Cottage.

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In June, Carney also unveiled a competition for Canadian firms to submit their rebuild and design proposals.

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The competition, which largely ends more than a decade of debate about where Canada’s prime ministers will live, will be led and largely judged by The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. The institute, which has experience supporting architectural competitions, will review proposals and then make a recommendation to cabinet by July 1 of next year.

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The jury will be chaired by architect Moshe Safdie and will lead proposal assessment and recommend the winning design to cabinet.

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National Post

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