Treat PM’s mansion as a teardown

Re Justin Trudeau and family choose Rideau Cottage over 24 Sussex Drive $10 million to renovate 24 Sussex Drive? Perhaps the National Capital Commission should consider instead demolishing this outdated relic and building a new mansion with modern amenities, such as central air conditioning. It is truly time for a change! Marc Storjohann, Mississauga Yes, our prime ministers deserve a fine residence, but for that amount of money, or even more, let’s build one from scratch, one that’s lovely, solid, comfortable and practical, meeting all requirements for living, entertaining, staffing, catering, recreation and security, both physical and electronic. It could also be a showcase for green construction, including geothermal heating and cooling, and healthy internal finishes. We could all take an interest in the design and construction process through periodic online updates. Make it a national project.

Let’s dismiss any notion that the current drafty, leaky, creaky old rattletrap has any overriding historical significance. It’s not the White House, purpose-built more than 200 years ago as the presidential mansion, Oval Office and all, and for Americans carrying enormous political, cultural and historical heft. No, it was an existing house bought by the government when our prime ministers finally rebelled against living in hotel suites and occupied by them since the 1950s. Do any Canadians revere it? How many of us could even pick it out from a lineup of real estate photos?

I also doubt there is anything iconic about the actual address, 24 Sussex, but if Canadians disagree, then regard the current old house like any other that needs that much work — as a teardown. But first, let’s canvass the neighbours about what they think of the traffic and security annoyances. Ask Justin Trudeau and former prime ministers whether an address with more grounds, secure routes and perhaps a majestic river view would be better.

Let’s take the time to do it right. J.A. McFarlane, Toronto