Prime minister's summer retreat getting a few upgrades

While the long-needed repairsto 24 SussexDrivehavebeen getting most of the attention,it's not the only prime ministerial residence where the government is spending money.

Harrington Lake, the prime minister's lakeside retreat and official summer residence about 30 kilometres northwest of Parliament Hill, has been getting some improvements as well.

The prime minister and his family enjoy the outdoors, and enjoy spending time at Harrington Lake.-EleanoreCatenaro, PMO

Documents obtained byCBCNews through anaccess to information requestshow that since Justin Trudeau came to office, there have been several upgradesto the five-hectareproperty in Gatineau Park, including the installation of a sauna.

The prime ministerpaid for the sauna himself, but it cost $4,368 to provide electrical service to it.

A new screened patio cost approximately $10,000, and three patio umbrellas and stands were purchased for about $3,000. An old deck and floating dock were replaced for $12,000 each.

There are also new boat racks, which cost $8,500, and a$5,000golf cart, which is used by staff and by the family.

The NCC initially said a new playground structure with swings cost approximately $7,500, but after the costs were raised in Question Period this week the NCC clarified the prime minister paid for the set personally, while the NCC paid $1,800 for installation.

Installation required cementing posts into the ground and the NCC said they take on any installation costs because of the risk to underground utilities.

In the winter months, the snow removal contract at Harrington Lake has increased by $17,000 to $45,000.

The National CapitalCommission (NCC) the Crown corporation responsible for the upkeep of 24 Sussex,Harrington Lake and other officialresidences says a round of changes and upgrades are typically made for each new PM.

Sauna cost reduced

The cost of wiring the sauna was originally pegged by the NCCat $65,000 when it was to be surrounded by a new deck. But those plans were eventually scrapped.

"The idea, considered for a while, to move the sauna to a constructed deck was discarded. It remains in the original location," saidNCCspokesperson Jean Wolff.

ThePrime Minister's Office (PMO) agreed with the less costly approach.

"The costs were lower and the logistics were simpler," saidEleanoreCatenaro, the prime minister's press secretary.

According to the documents, the saunamight go with the family when Trudeau's time in office comes to a close.

But Catenarosaid it would be "premature to speculate" about that.

The boat racks replace old ones,and theNCCalso purchaseda new canoe, two kayaks and two paddle boards.

The winter maintenancebudget at the four-season getaway was increased to groom cross-country ski trails and clear snow from the area around a new outdoor fire pit.

"The prime minister and his family enjoy the outdoors, and enjoy spending time at Harrington Lake,"Catenarosaid.

Opposition unimpressed

Conservative MP Peter Kent said Harrington Lake needsto be maintained, but doesn't believe taxpayers should bear the entire burden.

"I think the additional snow removal and the grooming of cross-country ski trails is something that some Canadian families might have trouble with," Kent told CBCNews.

Kent said Harrington Lake provides a neededescape for the prime minister and hisfamily, and is sometimes used as a venue forhigh-level meetings with foreign dignitaries but there are limits.

"The prime minister should have paid for the installation of his personal sauna," Kent said.

More renovations required

Former prime minister Kim Campbell set up residence at Harrington Lakeduring her brief tenure in office because her predecessor, Brian Mulroney, was still living at24 Sussex Drive.

The government purchased Harrington Lake in 1951 and it became an official summer retreat in 1958 under Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. There are three main buildings:the main house, a guest cottage and a caretaker's residence.

The property also needs more significant upgrades, with $1 million set aside in the 2016-17 budget formasonry work,window replacementand upgrades to the buildings'heating and cooling systems.

Wolff said that work is still in the design phase.

While the primary official residence prepares to undergorenovations, theTrudeaushave moved to Rideau Cottage on thegrounds of Rideau Hall. Rideau Cottage has also undergone about $2 million in recent renovations, mostly related to security.