Prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau and their three children will not be moving into 24 Sussex Drive, it was announced Monday.
After days of speculation regarding the family’s plans, the Liberal Party confirmed that Canada’s next prime minister, set to be sworn in on Nov. 4, has chosen not to reside in the traditional residence afforded to him – at least for the time being.
Instead, the Trudeau family “will be immediately relocating to Rideau Cottage, part of the Rideau Hall grounds in the National Capital Region,” the party said.
Rideau Cottage was constructed in 1867. It has 22 rooms and has been recognized as a heritage building.
The official residence at 24 Sussex has been in dire need of repair and renovation for several years. The National Capital Commission, which is responsible for the home and several other official residences in the Ottawa region, has repeatedly requested permission to complete upgrades, but current Prime Minister Stephen Harper has refused to vacate the property, saying it fits his family’s needs.
Minor upgrades have been completed to address health and safety issues flagged in a 2008 Auditor-General’s report.
READ MORE: 24 Sussex Drive in a sorry state — but will it ever get fixed?
“Mr. Trudeau and his family will reside at Rideau Cottage until further notice,” Monday’s Liberal announcement said.
“The prime minister-designate will make decisions regarding 24 Sussex Drive once he has been fully briefed by officials.”
Rideau Cottage is traditionally the home of the secretary to the Governor General.
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