While it is possible that some of the original façade of 24 Sussex Drive could be preserved, major reconstruction will have to take place if the prime minister’s official residence is to become a "healthy" home, according to one renovation expert.
Debate is ramping up after it was confirmed last week that prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau and his family will not be immediately moving into 24 Sussex Drive. Now questions remain on what will happen to Canada's most famous residence and its overdue repairs.
A 2008 auditor general's report detailed the many needed repairs for 24 Sussex Drive, estimating the cost of renovating the building at $10 million.
But Bryan Baeumler, a TV host on HGTV and president of Baeumler Quality Construction, told CTV’s Canada AM that price tag isn't "realistic,” and will likely cost more. He told The Canadian Press renovations could end up costing at least $15 million, or more, depending on what contractors find once they begin opening up walls.
He noted that the approximately 12,000 square foot building has major electrical, plumbing and ventilation issues. As well, the foundation of the house is made of stone rubble and wasn't designed to last, he said.
"If we're looking at building something that's healthy to live in, that is efficient to operate, that has value built into the structure itself, that will last a long time, and that will be something for us to be proud of, you're looking at completely overhauling this place," he said.
Baeumler added that, no matter what direction the project takes, the repairs and renovations must be handled very carefully, as the home is effectively owned by taxpayers.
"There are so many opinions across the country right now, and people are so passionate about this property," he said. "It has to be approached very carefully, so we please as many people as possible."
A few years ago, Baeumler said he discussed the idea of possibly creating a TV show surrounding the renovations of the home with Ben Mulroney, son of former prime minister Brian Mulroney.
He said he still believes the renovation should be documented in some form, but not necessarily in the format of a typical home repair reality TV show, where the prime minister might be asked to lay down some tiles and do some drywall work because "we're just over budget."
"I don't think that's the type of show that would do this justice," he said with a laugh. "But certainly documenting the process would make sense, certainly making it transparent.
"A lot of people want to see what's inside this property, and want to take ownership of it, and be proud of something we have in Canada as a symbol of our leadership, of our government, of our country, and of our history."
RAIC calls for rehabilitation
Meanwhile, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada praised Trudeau's decision to postpone moving into 24 Sussex, and for giving "priority" to its repair.
Given that the residence has been designated as a federal heritage building, the first choice for any repairs would be to "rehabilitate" the building, if feasible, RAIC President Sam Oboh said in a statement.
If rehabilitation is not possible, Oboh said a new "purpose-built" residence could be built, and an architectural competition could be launched that would "demonstrate the best of Canadian design, innovation, energy efficiency and craftsmanship.
"As demolition is likely not justifiable, a different site in the capital would be required for a new residence."
