The Globe and Mail

News that Prime Minister Stephen Harper is considering using the heritage building at 100 Wellington St. in Ottawa for private prime ministerial functions has roused baffled comment from across the Atlantic. Edward Jones, lead architect of the possibly doomed plans to renovate the site for the Portrait Gallery of Canada, said yesterday: "Why in the world can't a portrait gallery serve a double purpose - what's the matter with you guys?" Last week, an access-to-information request showed that the Prime Minister's Office has asked the Department of Public Works to study "the use of 100 Wellington as a centre d'accueil for the Prime Minister." In March, Public Works produced a plan that reconfigured the building for private meeting rooms and dining facilities, off limits to the public for security reasons. This seemed an odd use of prime public space, as Harper has held very few state dinners. Besides, he already has venues such as Rideau Hall, the parliamentary precincts and 24 Sussex Dr. for such events.