2. About the Agency
Military Housing Overview
Canadian Forces Housing Agency
The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) is a Special Operating Agency established in 1995 to deliver the Defence Residential Housing Program. The Agency operates entirely within the Department of National Defence (DND), with authorities similar to a Level 1 granted under its Treasury Board approved Charter. The Agency’s strategic objectives and goals form the foundation for its operations, while a set of core values guide CFHA personnel in their commitment to customer service excellence, and to the achievement of its vision.
The program’s operational expenses, including routine maintenance and repairs, are financed by net rental revenue collected from occupants. Capital expenditures for new construction and renovations of the existing housing portfolio are funded by the department.
Mandate, mission, vision and values
Department of National Defence housing locations
Housing locations full text
CFHA maintains and operates military housing at 27 housing locations at Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) bases across Canada. The DND Crown-owned residential housing portfolio currently consists of over 11,650 residential housing units (RHUs), which accounts for 40% of buildings in DND’s Real Property portfolio.
Regional Reporting Structure, Location and Number of Units
Pacific and Western
- Cold Lake - 703
- Comox - 275
- Edmonton - 504
- Yellowknife - 109
- Iqaluit - 2
- Esquimalt - 709
- Masset - 6
- Moose Jaw - 171
- Dundurn - 28
- Shilo - 651
- Suffield - 175
- Wainwright - 185
- Winnipeg - 474
Central
- Borden - 675
- Kingston - 473
- Ottawa - 145
- North Bay - 182
- Petawawa - 1,621
- Trenton - 548
Quebec and Eastern
- Bagotville - 359
- Gagetown - 1,435
- Goose Bay - 231
- Gander - 70
- Greenwood - 562
- Halifax - 468
- Montréal - 190
- Valcartier - 710
CFHA operations and funding overview full text
The shelter charges collected from occupants funds all CFHA operations, while capital funding is needed for new construction and recapitalizations.
15% of eligible CAF members live in military housing
Defence Residential Housing Program
The Defence Residential Housing Program provides rental housing to CAF members at major military installations across Canada. This program is essential for CAF operations, offering members and their households with housing options that support military requirements in areas where private sector housing is unavailable.
In 2017, the Chief of the Defence Staff confirmed a need for military housing to support the unique lifestyle of CAF members, especially new entrants and those on extended training. Providing Crown-owned housing helps these groups transition to military life, supports professional and operational training, and lessens the stress on military families. Beyond operational needs, CFHA also supports isolated posts, designated residences, foreign military agreements, and areas with limited housing options.
The current housing portfolio is insufficient to meet the CAF’s needs, lacking the right number and mix of unit sizes in some locations. A 2018 analysis identified housing challenges for thousands of CAF members and recommended a layered response, including new construction, policy changes, compensation, and other supports.
Currently, over 15% of eligible CAF members live in DND residential housing, which offers proximity to work, amenities, and a supportive community. Most of the housing portfolio consists of three- and four-bedroom houses built in the 1950s and 1960s. Building more diverse housing options and maintaining the overall condition of the portfolio are key priorities.
CFHA integrates real property management with housing services delivery. Its operations include housing allocation, rent collection, asset maintenance, strategic planning, and real property project delivery. Operational expenses are funded through rental revenue, while capital expenditures for new construction and renovations are funded by the department.
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