Canadian PM's residence needs $9.7M redo

The Canadian federal agency responsible for maintaining the prime minister's official residence says the crumbling building's repairs will cost $9.7 million.

The original elements of the 34-room mansion at 24 Sussex Drive are about 140 years old, and two major additions have been built onto it, the Ottawa Citizen reported.

Documents from the auditor general's office obtained by the newspaper under access-to-information laws found the residence has outdated heating and air conditioning systems, outdated plumbing and electrical systems, cracked windows, a sun room that leaks water and inadequate wheelchair access.

The National Capital Commission is responsible for the mansion's upkeep, and has said Stephen Harper and his family would have to move out for at least 15 months to another federally owned property to get the work done safely.

Months ago, Harper said he wouldn't move before last October's federal election, but that has come and gone, and there's been no indication he is considering a move, the report said.

The residence sits on four acres of land on the Ottawa River, and includes a 2 1/2-story limestone building, a 1 1/2-story 19th-century limestone coach house, a guardhouse and an indoor swimming pool, the NCC said.