[LINK] "Why it’s time to tear down 24 Sussex"

[rfmcdonald]

In MacLean's, William Thorsell makes the case for replacing 24 Sussex in Ottawa, currently closed for repairs, with a much better Canadian-inspired home for the head of the federal government.

Justin Trudeau and family are not moving into 24 Sussex while they await a briefing on the case and costs of renovation. In 2006, the estimate was $10 million, and will surely be much higher now. Spending that kind of money on this kind of junk would be irrational. This is clearly a case for assisted suicide. Send the old thing to heaven pronto, and make room for something wonderfully Canadian now.

24 Sussex is a brick pile from 1868, built by a lumber baron for a third wife. It’s been the PM’s residence only since 1951, when Canada was still enthralled by trappings of colonialism. Copy-cat colonialism, third-rate colonialism — Old Europe! 24 Sussex.

[. . .]

Our money would be far better spent on Canadian architecture and engineering using contemporary ideas and materials to create a marvelous residence and public space. The program should include a guest wing, and rooms for public events and entertainments. Of course, the building should also take far better advantage of its location, be energy-efficient and secure in the context of modern threats. And, oh yes, it should have central air-conditioning.