The former residence of Canada’s consul general in New York, a 12-room, five-bedroom apartment on Park Avenue, has had its asking price reduced by over $2 million. The apartment, which has been on the market for more than a year, was originally listed in August 2024 for over $13 million. It now appears on real estate websites for $7.9 million U.S., approximately $10.9 million Canadian.
This comes after Global Affairs Canada (GAC) purchased a new apartment to serve as the official residence for the consul general, a role currently held by veteran journalist Tom Clark since February 2023. The new residence is located on “Billionaires’ Row,” near Central Park, and was acquired last summer for about $9.1 million.
Since the purchase of the new luxury apartment became public in July 2024, opposition MPs have criticized the acquisition, calling it overly lavish amid the cost-of-living challenges faced by Canadians. The Liberal government defended the decision, stating that the sale of the old apartment at 550 Park Avenue would more than cover the cost of the new residence.
The House of Commons’ government operations and estimates committee has examined the purchase, hearing from real estate experts, GAC staff, former foreign affairs minister Mélanie Joly, and Tom Clark. Before the federal election, committee members questioned the need to spend millions on a new residence while taxpayers ultimately cover the cost.
In June, the committee voted to reopen its probe into the new apartment purchase and the sale of the old residence.
GAC officials explained that the old Park Avenue property, purchased in 1961 and last updated in 1982, was no longer suitable for an official residence. Many parts of the infrastructure—including electrical, heating, ventilation, and plumbing systems—were near the end of their lifespan. The apartment also failed to meet modern accessibility standards.
Officials also noted that 550 Park Avenue was part of a co-operative building whose board sought to restrict the apartment’s use for official functions. Renovation was estimated at $2.6 million, prompting GAC to consider other options: leasing a suitable apartment or purchasing a new one.
After viewing 21 Manhattan properties with local real estate agents, GAC selected a new residence on the 11th floor of 111 West 57th Street. The property is not only more modern and suitable for hosting diplomatic functions but also costs $115,000 less annually to operate than the 550 Park Avenue apartment.
Robin Dubeau, GAC’s official responsible for real property and infrastructure, stated that the new apartment is flexible, requires no renovations, and better accommodates official events. Under GAC rules, officials can acquire residence property outside Canada without ministerial approval for up to $10 million.
Both Tom Clark and Mélanie Joly confirmed they had no influence over the purchase decision.
The former Park Avenue residence remains unsold despite the significant price drop. GAC continues to justify the sale based on the outdated condition of the old building, high maintenance costs, and the practical advantages of the new residence. Meanwhile, the federal purchase remains under political scrutiny as MPs question its necessity and expense.
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