Canada's vacant and crumbling official residence gets a lifeline

The official residence was built in the 19th Century, equivalent to the White House or 10 Downing Street, albeit more "modest", said Joseph Clarke, an associate professor of architecture at the University of Toronto.

The residence has witnessed key moments in the country's history, and its construction coincided with Canada's emergence as a nation, he said.

The structure has been modified over the years from the original Gothic Revival design, Clarke said, adding that it became "a living record" of changing architectural styles, domestic Canadian life and public office.

But the building has been uninhabitable for more than a decade due to years of deferred maintenance, with problems ranging from asbestos-filled walls to a rodent infestation.

Prime Minister Carney and his predecessor Justin Trudeau chose instead to live at Rideau Cottage, a government-owned residence nearby.

Workers in 2024 successfully removed asbestos, mould and rodents from 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, the nation's capital, but it still needs more work before it can reopen its doors.

During his announcement on Friday, Carney said the residence - which has served as the home of 10 prime ministers and welcomed world leaders like Queen Elizabeth II and Sir Winston Churchill - "has not been cared for with the respect that it deserves".

He added that while it is likely too late for him to take up residence at 24 Sussex, his government wants to ensure it becomes a "secure, accessible and sustainable official residence" for future prime ministers.

The design and build competition will ask for proposals to renovate the home, with a winner selected by an independent jury by next July, Carney said.