Prime Minister's Residence
24 Sussex Drive
Written by Bytown Museum
on
03/Dec/2009
Member of Parliament and businessman Joseph Currier and his wife Hannah moved into their newly built home at 24 Sussex Drive in 1868. The couple held lavish parties with upwards of 500 guests until Joseph's death in 1884; Hannah continued to occupy the home until 1901. For the next four decades, a succession of prominent politicians owned the home until the government expropriated the property in 1943.
In 1951, Louis St-Laurent became the first Prime Minister of Canada to live at 24 Sussex Drive. He insisted on paying rent, a tradition that continued for the next 20 years. The house is truly a residence; the prime minister's work is carried out in the Langevin Block across from Parliament Hill.
Twenty-four Sussex Drive is just one of a number of official government residences, including Harrington Lake, the prime minister's country residence, and Stornoway, the official residence of the leader of the Opposition.
Did you know that 24 Sussex Drive is also known as Gorffwysfa, which means “place of peace” in Welsh?
Have you ever trick-or-treated at 24 Sussex Drive? Share your story with us.
