Canada’s official Prime Minister residence at 24 Sussex Drive has been empty for nearly a decade. It’s estimated to cost $36.6 million to repair. Yet, no leader has moved in. So, where does Justin Trudeau live now? The answer might surprise you.
Justin Trudeau has lived at Rideau Cottage, a Georgian Revival home, in Ottawa. It’s part of Rideau Hall’s grounds. This place is secure and close to Parliament Hill.
The Prime Minister’s official residence was meant to be 24 Sussex Drive. But, it needs huge repairs. No leader has agreed to these costs. So, Rideau Cottage became the Trudeau family’s home. It’s practical and secure for a modern political family.
Key Takeaways
- Justin Trudeau has lived at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Canada, as Prime Minister.
- Rideau Cottage is within the secure grounds of Rideau Hall, the Governor General’s estate.
- The traditional Prime Minister official residence at 24 Sussex Drive remains vacant due to severe disrepair.
- Repair estimates for 24 Sussex Drive have ballooned to tens of millions of dollars over the years.
- Rideau Cottage offers close proximity to Parliament Hill and central government buildings.
- The Georgian Revival-style home provides a functional and secure space for the Trudeau family.
Current Official Residence: Rideau Cottage
Rideau Cottage is the home of Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister in Ottawa. It was built in 1867, the same year Canada became a country. This Georgian Revival house has a long history. It was first used for the secretary to the Governor General.
The Trudeau family lives at 1 Sussex Drive, inside Rideau Hall. The cottage has about 5,000 square feet of space in 22 rooms. Before the Trudeaus, it got updates like new security and modern living areas for kids.
Here are some key features of Rideau Cottage:
- 22-room layout with heritage architectural details
- Approximately 5,000 square feet of living space
- Located within Rideau Hall’s secure estate grounds
- Modernized amenities blended with original character
- Enhanced privacy thanks to the surrounding Governor General’s property
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1867 |
| Architectural Style | Georgian Revival |
| Number of Rooms | 22 |
| Living Space | Approx. 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Address | 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa |
Rideau Cottage’s location in the Governor General’s estate is a big plus. It has a natural security that’s hard to match. This Ottawa home mixes Canadian heritage charm with the needs of a Prime Minister.
So, why doesn’t the PM live at 24 Sussex Drive? It’s because of years of neglect and a long debate over renovations.
Where Does Justin Trudeau Live Now
So, where does justin trudeau live now? As of 2024, Justin Trudeau and his family call Rideau Cottage home. They’ve lived there for almost a decade. The cottage is on the grounds of Rideau Hall in Ottawa, providing privacy and security.
The cottage is both a family home and a workspace. It has private living areas, office space, and rooms for small gatherings. It’s not a grand estate but meets the needs of a busy political family.
The Trudeau children love the big grounds around the cottage. The outdoor areas are perfect for play and recreation. The RCMP keeps the area secure, helping the family feel normal despite being in the public eye.
The decision to stay at Rideau Cottage was practical. The traditional PM house at 24 Sussex Drive needs major repairs. Renovations are delayed due to cost and political concerns. Staying at Rideau Cottage was the best choice for the Trudeau family.
| Feature | Rideau Cottage | 24 Sussex Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Current Status | Occupied by PM’s family | Vacant and deteriorating |
| Living Quarters | Functional and updated | Requires major repairs |
| Security | RCMP-protected grounds | Outdated security systems |
| Official Hosting | Small informal meetings | Not in use |
| Outdoor Space | Shared Rideau Hall grounds | Private but neglected |
For now, Rideau Cottage is the settled and comfortable home for Canada’s first family. It serves as a warm home and a quiet centre for governing.
The Story Behind 24 Sussex Drive
Built in 1868, 24 Sussex Drive is on the Ottawa River. It became the Prime Minister’s home in 1951. For over 60 years, Canada’s leaders and their families lived there.
The history of 24 Sussex Drive is filled with politics. Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Justin Trudeau’s father, raised his kids there. It was used until 2015, when Justin Trudeau decided not to move in because of its bad condition.
Years of neglect had left the house in bad shape. The National Capital Commission found many urgent problems:
- Asbestos needing professional removal
- Old and dangerous electrical systems
- Broken plumbing
- Structural damage all over
Renovating 24 Sussex Drive could cost between $36 million and more if they had to tear it down and start over. Past leaders, like Stephen Harper, didn’t want to fix it. They worried about the political optics of spending millions on a personal home.
| Issue | Status | Estimated Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos | Present throughout | Health hazard requiring full abatement |
| Electrical Systems | Original wiring is there | Fire risk and code violations |
| Plumbing | Severely deteriorated | Water damage and system failure |
| Structure | Compromised foundation areas | Long-term safety concerns |
Today, the National Capital Commission owns the property. It’s empty, and its future is unclear. This is why Rideau Cottage became the practical choice, as discussed earlier.
Secondary Residences and Retreats
Canada’s Prime Minister has more than one home. They have secondary residences for a break from politics. The most famous is the Harrington Lake retreat in Gatineau Park, Quebec.
The retreat is about 35 kilometres from Parliament Hill. It has been the Prime Minister’s country home for over 60 years. Built in 1925, it offers a peaceful place for the Prime Minister and their family to relax.
The estate has more than just a house. Here’s what it offers:
- A spacious main residence with modern amenities
- A Prime Minister cottage for guests and visiting dignitaries
- Direct waterfront access for swimming, canoeing, and fishing
- Wooded grounds ideal for hiking and relaxation
The Trudeau family often goes there for private time. The Prime Minister cottage has hosted informal meetings and Cabinet retreats. It’s also where foreign leaders meet the Prime Minister in a relaxed setting.
| Feature | Rideau Cottage (Ottawa) | Harrington Lake (Gatineau Park) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Official daily residence | Weekend and holiday retreat |
| Setting | Urban, Rideau Hall grounds | Rural, lakeside in Gatineau Park |
| Year Built | 1867 | 1925 |
| Distance from Parliament | Approximately 5 km | Approximately 35 km |
These homes are key for the Prime Minister to rest and spend time with family. The Harrington Lake retreat is a beloved part of the job.
Comparison with Previous Prime Ministers’ Living Arrangements
Justin Trudeau’s living situation is quite unique in Prime Minister residences history. For decades, every Canadian leader lived at 24 Sussex Drive. Trudeau chose Rideau Cottage instead, staying longer than expected.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Justin’s father, lived at 24 Sussex from 1968 to 1979 and again from 1980 to 1984. Stephen Harper lived there from 2006 to 2015, despite its poor condition. Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin, and Kim Campbell also called it home.
This comparison shows how important 24 Sussex Drive has been to Canadian leaders. Brian Mulroney did some repairs from 1984 to 1993. The last big renovation was in 1951, when Louis St. Laurent moved in.
| Prime Minister | Residence | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Louis St. Laurent | 24 Sussex Drive | 1951–1957 |
| Pierre Elliott Trudeau | 24 Sussex Drive | 1968–1979, 1980–1984 |
| Brian Mulroney | 24 Sussex Drive | 1984–1993 |
| Stephen Harper | 24 Sussex Drive | 2006–2015 |
| Justin Trudeau | Rideau Cottage | 2015–present |
Keeping up with heritage properties is a big challenge for the Canadian government. Justin Trudeau’s long stay at Rideau Cottage shows this issue can’t be ignored.
Conclusion
Justin Trudeau currently lives in Rideau Cottage, a home he has occupied for over seven years. This modest residence, located on the grounds of Rideau Hall, has been perfect for the family. It balances security, privacy, and space for both personal and official needs.
The official home at 24 Sussex Drive remains vacant and in disrepair. The high cost of renovations has deterred any government action. This has left Canada without a fully functional official residence for its leader, unlike most G7 nations.
The future of Rideau Cottage is linked to Canada’s approach to preserving heritage buildings. The Trudeau family’s extended stay has made it a permanent solution. It may influence future prime ministers’ choices of residence.
Rideau Cottage serves as a practical solution to a complex issue. It shows that flexibility in government housing can be effective, even as the debate over 24 Sussex Drive continues.