The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are set to receive a significant boost in housing infrastructure, with 668 new residential housing units (RHUs) planned for construction and over 600 existing units slated for renovation. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of National Defence (DND) through the Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA), represents a major investment in on-base accommodations to better support military personnel and their families.
“We are focused on delivering 668 residential housing units across the country. These much-needed military houses will contribute to the quality of life of CAF members and their families,” said Paola Zurro, Chief Executive Officer, CFHA.
During a recent visit to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, provided an update on the ongoing efforts to enhance living conditions for CAF members across multiple bases and wings nationwide. The new housing units will feature a variety of styles, including multi-unit buildings, row houses, and semi-detached homes. The aim is not only to provide comfortable living spaces for military personnel but also to ease the housing pressures in surrounding communities by increasing on-base accommodations.
“The work of the Canadian Armed Forces is only possible because of its people. With Our North, Strong and Free, we are investing in a suite of supports for our service members and their families. The construction of 668 new housing units will help house more military families in affordable homes near bases across the country,” said the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.
In addition to announcing the new RHUs, Minister Blair toured the newly completed accommodations facility at CFB Borden. This five-storey, 15,600-square-metre structure offers 350 modern sleeping quarters, along with communal lounge spaces, study areas, laundry facilities, storage rooms, and office spaces. Designed with the needs of recruits in mind, the facility ensures that students—who spend roughly two-thirds of their time in residence—have access to an improved living and study environment.
The new facility also includes 300 parking spaces and additional bus stops, reinforcing the base’s commitment to accessibility and public transit use. It forms part of a larger redevelopment strategy at CFB Borden, which seeks to consolidate various buildings and centralize student accommodations, classrooms, and essential amenities within close proximity to training areas.
“As Borden is the largest training base in the CAF, with 35 different military units, and more than 5,000 personnel working on the base at any given time, these new accommodations and planned residential housing units will contribute to our members’ success. By improving the living accommodations, we are creating an environment that better supports our members’ well-being and ability to perform their duties,” explained LGen Lise Bourgon, Commander Military Personnel Command.
This ambitious housing initiative aligns with Canada’s renewed Defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free, which outlines a broader $1.4 billion investment over two decades to improve housing for CAF members. Beyond housing, the government is also focusing on other key aspects of military life, such as enhancing childcare services on bases and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare access for personnel moving between provinces and territories.
With these new projects underway, the government aims to enhance the quality of life for CAF members, ensuring they have stable, modern, and convenient living arrangements while serving their country. As construction progresses, these investments will play a crucial role in both attracting new talent to the military and supporting the well-being of those already in uniform.