Ottawa defends purchase of luxury condo for diplomats in New York

The Canadian government is defending its decision to spend a reported US$6.6-million on a luxury residence for its consul-general in New York, saying relocating to this condominium near Central Park will end up saving taxpayers money.

The New York Post reported that the three bedroom apartment, 11A at 111 W.57th Street in Manhattan, is located in an area referred to as Billionaires’ Row.

The Department of Global Affairs said its recent purchase will be the official residence of Canada’s consul-general in New York and its use will include “networking receptions, official briefings, and hospitality events such as discussions with business and political leaders.”

Global Affairs spokesperson Sabrina Williams said the residence currently used in New York was purchased in 1961 and was last refurbished in 1982. The existing abode “does not meet new building codes nor Global Affairs Canada’s standards,” she said. “As a result, significant investments would be required to modernize the property.”

Ms. Williams said Ottawa deemed it wiser to relocate than renovate. Canada’s current consul-general in New York is former journalist Tom Clark.

“Considering the high renovation costs for the current residence and the value of the property, Global Affairs Canada recommended a relocation to a new, smaller, more suitable, and more economical apartment,” Ms. Williams said.

She said the department estimates this move will save Canadian taxpayers more than $2-million and result in lower continuing maintenance costs and property taxes.

The New York Times reported the sale was recorded in land transfer records as US$6.6-million in June. The Times described it as “a grand address, with a powder room finished in jewel onyx.”

The Times also reported the Canadian government got a discount from asking prices in recent years. It said apartment was listed for nearly US$11-milllion in 2022.

Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer called the transaction a poorly timed purchase when “Canadians can’t afford a home.” He said the government’s decision “perfectly reflects the past nine years of Trudeau’s government where everyday Canadians are constantly punished by his inflationary policies but his friends and Liberal insiders are doing better than they ever have.”

The NDP criticized the purchase as disconnected from the struggles facing Canadians today.

“People across the country are getting reno-victed and gouged on their rent, meanwhile the Liberals buy a lavish multi-million-dollar condo in NYC for the consul general,” NDP housing critic Alexandre Boulerice said.

“This out-of-touch Liberal government has failed to fix a housing crisis that is putting families on the streets while making sure their own are housed in luxury,” he said. “Canadians deserve better.”

The New York Post, reporting on apartment 11A, said it “features an elegant foyer” and a kitchen “equipped with a wet bar, Cristallo Gold quartzite countertops, custom hand-crafted cabinetry and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.”

It said the primary corner bedroom “boasts an expansive walk-in closet and a windowed bathroom adorned in Italian white Venato marble, a free-standing copper soaking tub and custom bronze fixtures. The two additional bedrooms each come with ensuite bathrooms.”

The Post said the building amenities include “an 82-foot two-lane swimming pool with private cabanas, separate sauna and treatment rooms, a double-height fitness center with a mezzanine terrace, a private dining room with a chef’s catering kitchen and a residents’ lounge with a sprawling terrace.”