Since 2022, HODI has liaised with the NCC to share its systems approach to renovating 24 Sussex Drive. While those meetings did not result in immediate action, HODI believes our outreach helped to motivate the federal government to take action.
On June 26, 2026 Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a design competition to restore 24 Sussex Drive.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7249989
On June 28, CBC’s Cross Country Checkup invited HODI lawyer Marc Denhez to comment:
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-13-cross-country-checkup/clip/16223391-home-renovation-stories-what-you-need-know
Background:
HODI created a 24 Sussex Drive Rehabilitation Project (24SDRP) which aimed to help the federal government restore this historic landmark and end the deadlock over its fate.
Canada’s Official Residences Act (Section 2 and Schedule 1) specifies that the Prime Ministers’ official residence cannot relocate without a new Act of Parliament (which would amend or repeal existing laws or put new ones in place). Section 6 adds a statutory duty to “maintain” the existing property, keep it “in repair”, and “improve” it “as required”.
Officials claimed the maintenance, repair and improvements of 24 Sussex Drive would cost over $36 million; that the current location threatens security; and that Canada needs new reception facilities for 125 guests.
HODI has a proven track record of networking with experts in architecture, construction and business. As an experienced not-for-profit corporation, it can access the know-how to renovate 24 Sussex at a cost well below the government’s quote of $36 million, and propose both security and functional solutions, all in compliance with Canadian law.
HODI believes our outreach helped to motivate the federal government to take action to restore 24 Sussex Drive. The winning design proposals for 24 Sussex Drive are expected to be announced on Canada Day (July 1), 2027.
