Have some pride, honour our history

The recently announced contest to reimagine 24 Sussex Dr. in Ottawa was something Canadians should get behind.

Fundraising has commenced and submissions for the redesign will follow. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney should get credit for dealing with a decades-old political football. Former PMs Harper and Chretien have signaled support to remedy what we have always considered a national disgrace. 

How the property was allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair boggles the mind. Architecture and history buffs who talk about obsolescence by neglect aren’t wrong. 

As seems to happen in government circles – certainly in Ottawa – action is thwarted by committees and bureaucrats and processes they use to make decisions. That’s what landed us here on this project.

As with most plans, there are plenty of skeptics. Conversations about the use of the Rideau Hall foundation to steer fundraising or about limiting the size of donations from individuals and businesses are red herrings floated online. 

Official opposition Leader Pierre Poillievre, who resides at the Stornoway residence free of charge, has decried the plan. While the role of opposing is something he has down pat, surely there is common ground to be found in terms of the institution itself. 

Carney has struck that balance from what we have read of this proposal. Everyday Canadians can take part, and it will be interesting to see the outcome. Plans for the project will be released around Canada Day in 2027. 

In the larger context Canadians need to shed this small-town cheap mentality. 

We understand priorities and share the great disdain many have for government not fulfilling its mandates to the benefit of the public they serve.

Just as the world knows addresses like 10 Downing St. or the White House, Canadians deserve a home for their prime minister that evokes pride and honours history.