Where/What should the Prime Minister's residence be?

[Vega]

This is a topic that is often dismissed as frivolous and irrelevant, which I think it might be in some respects. However, the facade (literally) that we present to the world leaders and other people who visit the Nation's leader's residence is important, and in my opinion run down and broken down 24 Sussex or a Cottage in Rideau Hall is not befitting of the leader of a country like this.

So, I present the question of where and or what should the PM's residence be? Should a new residence be built, or can another building be purchased and serve the task honourably for decades to come?

[nerve]

Wherever parliament legislates it to be.

Canada already has a bunch of official residences. It has the farm, it has Sussex drive, it has Stornoway, it has the apartment block in parliament, it has the bunker and other facilities scattered throughout the capital region. There have also been a large number of buildings that have been repurposed in Ottawa.

The use of the guest house near the governor general's mansion was an inventive choice.

In all the spread out factor of all these residences is added security to ensure one attack or bomb or logistic route such as roadway traffic doesn't lock up everyone.

The practice of taking the leader of a party in the commons is a bad system though, it would be much better if the governor general had an open election for the role of prime minister since de jure the pm is not elected but rather appointed on advice. Nothing beats a public vote for advice, and it would allow greater separation between the legislative and the executive wings of government to remove partisan abuses of the past. Where the people making the law are not the ones monitoring and enforcing it.

Way back the Justice of peaces were the only police officers until Peel and the Row force were developed under the powers of the home secretary. This political centralization of power again has been mirrored by the commons when in fact their role should be to make the law with cabinet drawn from the most capable not the people that the public is technically supposed to be voting to represent their interests in the legislature.

Even allowing a public vote of cabinet positions would be great also.

None the less to the question, it doesn't matter.

Most people don't get free housing from their work.

I do think a more pressing matter is providing temporary housing for the government and MPs on the Ottawa river,. or adjacent to it (ocean front) which will allow the river to act as a transport route as not many use it, making it more secure.

I would develop a bunker complex on the river front side of parliament hill for temporrary housing.

I'd expect all MPs to live in their private dwellings, ideally close to the ridings they are suppose to represent.

I think an entertaining house, should not be a living house, Sussex should be used as an entertainment flat for government business when parliament itself is not ideal in the apartment block there.

Perhaps also use Sussex to host foreign guests who do not have time to secure other accommodations or where business meetings run late.

I think that the MPs should be housed in an offshoot of the underground tunnel system and backup utility wing of parliament.

Their families should probably be left at their private residence, not their working temporary residence while attending parliament.

There are issues due to the failure to keep the executive and the legislative wings of government separate. It makes people who need to be out of their riding full time to do their job effectively. It just is a bad deal, same with the PM, so little time to devote to their riding.

Get donations from parliament if they think they should have publically funded housing. None the less building apartments off of parliament is likely cheaper than paying out for hotel stays and second residences.

You know there is even the summer home of the PM.

There have been a lot of properties. Who cares. They are making enough to pay for their own house.

Security is just over the top 50 million on security for the PM each year under PM Harper.

It is just insane. They are being made too important, we don't need to centralize people's rights in an office or non-constitutional position.

The PM is only supposed to be ensuring laws are executed properly. (parliament should be calling these cabinet ministers to the bar of parliament to question them for advice on the the execution of those laws)

The legislature is only supposed to be making laws that benefit Canadians.

They are both failing miserably because of partisanship.

Year after year more and more rights are stripped from Canadians, and less and less freedom exists in Canada.

Maybe it shouldn't be a publically listed address? Like maybe just at a Trudeaubunker.

End of story, who cares. Why not save the 52 million to buy a new PM if the old one gets broke?

,

There are like 36 million Canadians out there, I am sure Canadians could find a new PM, it is all just cult mentality anyway it isn't healthy, we need educated free people not sheeple.

Why exactly are Canadians paying for a house for the PM anyway? Where did that come from?

It appeared in the past that these properties were donations, then somehow people started expecting Canadian taxpayers to give special priveleges for upkeep.

I am pretty sure MPs have housing priveleges, but I don't see why parliament doesn't raise its own funds to pay for upkeep on donated property.

Have him live in some Fort Muesum to save costs like Fort Henry Kingston. (He probably isn't there during the day anyway and it would make getting his wife a job easier if she isn't working.

PMs historically have really low attendance records.

For that matter have the MPs stay on historic sites too rather than hotels.

They are off limits to the public and should have site security anyway.

OR how about the Hole at CFB North Bay it used to be a NORAD HQ until it got shut down.

Fact is their families should not be exceptionalized, they should be allowed to live their life. The more important you make something the more it costs to keep it safe. JUST STOP making it something big, it should only have a very limited role in government that is acting as an administrator of the minisitries. It is just being made too powerful and too many strings.

That is the problem.

http://www.ottawhatpodcast.com/2015/12/complete-subway-system-discovered-in.html

http://www.citynews.ca/2015/02/24/torontos-other-secret-and-not-so-secret-tunnels/

http://www.forthenry.com/

http://www.fortyork.ca/

Sunny ways??

https://ottawarewind.com/2015/02/19/hidden-fortress-17th-century-fort-on-the-ottawa-river/

Cabinet (foreign affairs and international development, global affairs or whatever they are calling it now)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CFB_Rockcliffe

MPs appartments

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CFB_Uplands

perhaps the uplands residences for senators and

tunnel con dos for the commoners.

Or vice versa. depending on whether they are staying for a while to work or leaving real soon.

https://journals.lib.unb.ca/journalimages/MCR/1994/Vol_40/mcr40rr02_fig3.jpg

paint a decomissioned sub yellow he would love it.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/from-the-archives-the-lost-train-of-nowhere

https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Lebreton+Flats,+Ottawa,+ON/Parliament+Hill,+Wellington+Street,+Ottawa,+ON/@45.4176088,-75.718403,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x4cce0444db0f1769:0x93ecebf541578180!2m2!1d-75.7146744!2d45.413947!1m5!1m1!1s0x4cce04ff4fe494ef:0x26bb54f60c29f6e!2m2!1d-75.700929!2d45.4235937

this would be an easy site to control access to also.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaudi%C3%A8re_Falls

They'd love it

http://www.verticalreal.com/home/index_e.php

Look off to the right of booth

https://www.google.ca/maps/@45.4194486,-75.7171327,3a,75y,56.79h,74.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slfrUcC14ajcDE_75qOmP_g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

birds eye

https://www.google.ca/maps/@45.4175321,-75.718129,227a,20y,20.05h,45t/data=!3m1!1e3

then of course there is that empty island just across from parliament hill, technically in Quebec that would be a great spot for a Trudeaubunker it is in hull but there is no rule requiring that MPs/PM etc.. need to live in Ottawa.

or

https://wikipalapp.com/?l=45.4243&g=-75.6907&type=a

controlled access

https://www.google.ca/maps/place/The+Rockcliffe+Island+Lodge/@45.4368974,-75.6828417,18z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0000000000000000:0x643ca5fd49a203bc

we could put the PM in the penthouse suite and all other gov / parliament staffers that would get housing allownaces at other points..

birds eye

https://www.google.ca/maps/place/The+Rockcliffe+Island+Lodge/@45.4372557,-75.684714,227a,20y,81h,45t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x0000000000000000:0x643ca5fd49a203bc!6m1!1e1

You know the senate might feel right at home in Garry J Armstrong.

This mysterious building nextdoor is gated..

https://www.google.ca/maps/place/The+Rockcliffe+Island+Lodge/@45.4361051,-75.6841833,3a,60y,339.89h,75.9t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sGy5Q3ta278b0OZlGmvyTzQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m2!3m1!1s0x0000000000000000:0x643ca5fd49a203bc!6m1!1e1

aw shucks that is China's embassy..

Apparently the Chinese vote liberal.

Plenty of room for beds here http://i2.wp.com/www.westsideaction.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/brewery-tunnel-2.jpg

Edited April 24, 2016 by nerve

[Argus]

This is a topic that is often dismissed as frivolous and irrelevant, which I think it might be in some respects. However, the facade (literally) that we present to the world leaders and other people who visit the Nation's leader's residence is important, and in my opinion run down and broken down 24 Sussex or a Cottage in Rideau Hall is not befitting of the leader of a country like this.

Frankly, I think Rideau Hall ought to be the PMs official residence, but I suppose that's not politically acceptable and would be seen as an insult to the queen. Plus you'd have to close off the grounds for security reasons.

The PM has to have a reasonably impressive residence, for entertaining, if no other reason, and spacious grounds. There are few places that qualify close to parliament hill. We could kick the French out of their embassy next door and expand the grounds, then build a more impressive residence, I suppose, but that would be abandoning the historical ties of 24 Sussex. It would also be costly, and I doubt any PM would want to wear the complaints over such a move.

[Smallc]

I think the PM should keep living where he is. He and the GG could share the facilities at Rideau Hall for entertainment and reception.

[Big Guy]

Rebuild in Ottawa. Have an architecture competition. Have winner chosen by Canadians. Allow a competition (or a consortium) by private builders to build it with donations and contractors financial support.

[nerve]

Here is another possible location

http://www.neilyworld.com/neilyworld/rideaue1.htm

None the less, I am sure they will waste as much money on this as they do on Global Maternal health.

Really it is some dude who runs an already too impossing and too powerful government.

Why are people paying to give a house to this person, when some people don't even have houses.

There are lots of heritage sites in Canada that were good enough for people 300 years ago.

Like the national gallery would insure arts funding keeps going there, and what better than a posh gallery in your home.

Pick a property any property

http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/property-management/what-we-manage/heritage-buildings-canadas-capital-region

Oooh ahhhh

http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=16461&pid=0

Or perhaps it would be better suited for minister of the environment.

Atleast this would insure housing allowances go to preserving heritage buildings that need to be paid for anyway.

What about Lumpy Denommee's Island or Merrill Island or Nichols Island?

Lumpy's seems the best suited for obvious reasons.

Then of course there is that summer home called Meech Lake they could winterize or something.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meech_Lake

"Numerous residents continue to have homes along the lake. Although all Gatineau Park master plans have long proposed that properties around the lake should be acquired when the opportunity arises—"

"The National Capital Commission (NCC), steward of Gatineau Park, operates beaches on the lake during the summer. Although it is not condoned by the NCC, there is a secluded beach often used by naturists."

https://www.google.ca/maps/place/45%C2%B032'06.0%22N+75%C2%B053'21.0%22W/@45.491199,-75.9447853,11z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0

gatineau park has its own lakes, ziplines, a golf course and so much more.

oooohhh ahhhh

http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/historic-meech-lake-property-for-lease-1.1808992

Now 2 million may seem like a lot to renno the O'Brien property, considering sussex costs 10 million to renno and it has windows it is really a steal. Living in the house of the guy who made the Montreal Canadiens, also is almost prophetic for Trudeau.

That is only 10 cents per tax payer. here is a better shot.

http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park/news/2013-12-19/tenant-wanted-obrien-house

what better backdrop than the park

http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park

Edited April 25, 2016 by nerve

[Vega]

Frankly, I think Rideau Hall ought to be the PMs official residence, but I suppose that's not politically acceptable and would be seen as an insult to the queen. Plus you'd have to close off the grounds for security reasons.

The PM has to have a reasonably impressive residence, for entertaining, if no other reason, and spacious grounds. There are few places that qualify close to parliament hill. We could kick the French out of their embassy next door and expand the grounds, then build a more impressive residence, I suppose, but that would be abandoning the historical ties of 24 Sussex. It would also be costly, and I doubt any PM would want to wear the complaints over such a move.

I'm partial to using Rideau Hall myself if another residence can't be built. It is a bit regal for a Head of Government, but it would be fine.

[Big Guy]

The residence of the Prime Minister of Canada is the place where our PM hosts leaders and dignitaries from around the world. It has nothing to do with the temporary occupant but a reflection of our nation.

Great Britain has 10 Downing Street worth between $150 and $200 million. The White house in the USA is worth about $300 million. When we are prepared to spend $billions on faulty foreign policy we should not cheap out on where we host the rest of the world.

[Moonlight Graham]

the PM should live in a full-sized exact replica of the Millennium Falcon. Foreign leaders would LOVE it too, as would Canadians. Public tours would generate lots of income.

[overthere]

The official residence needs to be diverse

[Raleigh]

In a majestic palace in Ottawa of course. What did you have in mind, a refrigerator box under a bridge?

[Big Guy]

If done properly and with foresight, Canadians can end up with something which we have chosen and built with private money. A win, win and win situation.

What better advertising fodder would an architectural firm, a developer or a builder have than in being able to boast to having facilitated this project?

Edited April 25, 2016 by Big Guy

[jacee]

If done properly and with foresight, Canadians can end up with something which we have chosen and built with private money. A win, win and win situation.

What better advertising fodder would an architectural firm, a developer or a builder have than in being able to boast to having facilitated this project?

I'm not a fan of tearing down historical buildings to replace them with modern ones. Take a look at some pics.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=inside+24+sussex+drive&client=ms-android-bell-ca&prmd=inv&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&fir=UeC8O1zzoVIReM%253A%252C8_wE41UfBWemZM%252C_%253BArtaOGYAJF8b3M%253A%252CiLRC545WbFUpUM%252C_%253BqV0fyaobV-VKaM%253A%252CsO-A4Sx9VjZLRM%252C_%253Bc66LGbUJu_L3TM%253A%252CVjgVsSYd2_y_aM%252C_%253B68pLtAb1_lhZ0M%253A%252Cr4jQKAClpRvbHM%252C_%253BImVZiSOyHwVGWM%253A%252CDOLLEYNf3TCYnM%252C_&usg=__pBxVg6JKlkldfomM0ip6AWcEzRA%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwizgc-EtKrMAhUhsYMKHXwlBlEQ7AkIKg&biw=360&bih=559

It's not so bad, quite beautiful in fact.

I am a fan of gutting interiors and updating plumbing, wiring, heating, windows, weatherproofing, etc, adding where necessary and asbestos removal of course. All possible.

But the house has good bones and a fabulous location, and now is a perfect time to do the work.

Trudeau may never want to live there, but that may be personal and it's his choice.

.

Edited April 25, 2016 by jacee

[Vega]

I don't think we should tear down 24 Sussex, I'm sure it can be retooled and used for tours and whatnot.

But it would be wise to find a residence that would also double as a working space, like 10 Downing Street, the White House, etc.

[Smallc]

The Prime Minister already has a large working space across from parliament hill, in the Langevine Building.

[-1=e^ipi]

The government shouldn't pay for the residence of MPs, they already have massive incomes to get those.

Turn Rideau Hall and 24 Sussex into giant museums or rent them to the highest bidder to generate revenue. No one needs these fancy palaces.

[overthere]

Things have changed. We now have a hereditary King.

He needs a palace, a big one. As part of our infrastructure and in keeping with our economic planning 'deficits are not really borrowing', lets get a mortgage somewhere, and pound a few billion into building something appropriate for the King and his Court.

How does 'Camelot' translate en Francais?

Edited April 26, 2016 by overthere

[Smallc]

Things have changed. We now have a hereditary King.

Apparently, we also have rampant hyperbole.

[overthere]

Apparently, we also have rampant hyperbole.

I disagree with both your adjective and your noun.

And thank you for accepting my premise by using the word 'also'.

[Smallc]

Hey, we can both be ridiculous, right?

[overthere]

Hey, we can both be ridiculous, right?

What sort of budget do you think is appropriate to build a sultans palace massive PM residence on the banks of the Rideau? We acknowledge that costs are not at issue in this time of diversity and investment in infrastructure, any amount of the money can and will be be borrowed after all. And the project would be run by the National Capital Commission, an organization not renowned for thrift. The minimum is several hundred million dollars for a modest rehab of a building that has scant history, and that is the starting point for more expensive options.

What is your limit from that modest starting point? Is there a limit? Is a few billion troublesome? Is it enough for an 'infrastructure' project?

[Smallc]

I think he should live in Rideau Cottage, as I already said.

[msj]

Hey, we can both be ridiculous, right?

Please don't lower yourself down to their level. You're better than that.

[PIK]

Right where it is today. Just fix it up.

[blueblood]

What sort of budget do you think is appropriate to build a sultans palace massive PM residence on the banks of the Rideau? We acknowledge that costs are not at issue in this time of diversity and investment in infrastructure, any amount of the money can and will be be borrowed after all. And the project would be run by the National Capital Commission, an organization not renowned for thrift. The minimum is several hundred million dollars for a modest rehab of a building that has scant history, and that is the starting point for more expensive options.

What is your limit from that modest starting point? Is there a limit? Is a few billion troublesome? Is it enough for an 'infrastructure' project?

As much as im not a trudeau fan, the prime minister should be living in a house fitting of his title. Perk of the job and not only that it has to be secure. There are a lot if other things to save money on.