Access-to-information records obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation reveal that the Canadian government spent $8 million on a barn constructed on the grounds of Rideau Hall.
The National Capital Commission (NCC), responsible for maintaining official residences, oversaw this pandemic-era construction project, which is described as the government’s first “zero-carbon” building.
The Barn, as the project is called, was completed in winter 2021, and serves as a working and storage space, featuring facilities like a washing bay, repair garage working area, tool and equipment storage area, vehicle storage, and additional storage space. Records indicate several “change orders” during construction, signifying design alterations mid-project.
Critics argue that the $8 million price tag for the Barn is extravagant, at a time when Canadians are struggling through a prolonged affordability crisis, and especially in light of the NCC’s requests for more funding to restore official residences.
The CTF’s recent report revealed that the NCC spent $135 million on renovation and maintenance from 2006 to 2022, while they are now requesting an additional $175 million from taxpayers over the next decade.
Some taxpayers are questioning the NCC’s financial management and calling for more responsible spending, suggesting that alternative management solutions may be necessary.
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