Petition calls on federal government to end funding for Official Opposition leader’s Ottawa residence

Stornoway on Acacia Avenue in Ottawa is the residence for the Official Leader of the Opposition. (CTV News)

A petition is calling on the federal government to stop funding Stornoway as a private residence in Ottawa for the leader of the Official Opposition.

The petition launched by a Victoria resident, and sponsored by Green Party leader Elizabeth May, has received 15,000 signatures since it was launched in May.

It says, “Canada is the only western democracy to fund a residence for the Official Opposition,” and notes Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked for cost-saving ideas.

“This cost saving petition is deliberately silent on implementation,” the petition said.

Stornoway is located on Acacia Avenue in Ottawa’s Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood. It was built in 1913 by Ascanio Joseph Major for an Ottawa grocer, and the federal government has owned the residence since 1970.

The 9,500 sq. ft. home has 19 main rooms and a two-car garage.

A 2021 report by the National Capital Commission showed Stornoway needed an investment of $1.25 million over the next 10 years to address deferred maintenance.

The NCC said the price tag does not include work needed to address building codes and legislative requirements, including replacing hardwood flooring, replacing electrical wiring/panels, upgrading the fire alarm system and universal accessibility studies and upgrades.

According to the report, the average operating and maintenance costs for Stornoway was $78,505 over a 10-year period.

The petition closes for signatures on July 30.

Stornoway is one of six official residences looked after by the National Capital Commission. The other properties are 24 Sussex Drive, Rideau Hall, 7 Rideau Gate, Harrington Lake and The Farm. The Farm is the official residence of the speaker of the House of Commons.

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