3. Results
Portfolio projects full text
- 18 RHUs built in Shilo and Comox
- 167 new kitchens
- 278 new flooring
- 101 recapitalized RHUs
- 207 new bathrooms
- 162 electrical panel upgrades
- 357 roofs replaced
- 364 new sheds or fences
- 124 interior renovations completed
3.1.2 CFHA’s energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction initiatives
CFHA has been focusing on reducing the portfolio’s carbon emissions in line with the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy. The Agency continues to work towards a net-zero-emission, climate-resilient portfolio to meet the government’s 2050 target.
In partnership with Natural Resources Canada CanmetENERGY-Ottawa research team, CFHA is taking action to improve the housing portfolio’s energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by integrating net-zero-emissionsready principles into its maintenance, renovation, and construction programs as outlined in the newest version of CFHA’s Design Standards and specifications for renovation.
Changes to improve building performance, in line with the National Building Code of Canada 2020:
The Tiered Energy Efficiency Code in the National Building Code of Canada 2020 introduces progressively stringent energy performance levels. CFHA has adopted targets that provide a clear, incremental pathway for improving building energy efficiency, and support the reduction of energy consumption and emissions in new construction and renovations.
New net-zero-emissions-ready apartments design finalized:
Through a collaborative effort between CFHA, the Department of National Defence (DND) and other industry stakeholders, the first net-zero-emissions-ready apartments built by a federal organization will be site adapted and used as needed across the portfolio. The net-zero project will reduce energy consumption and monthly utility costs. The net-zero apartment design was finalized in fiscal year (FY) 2023-24, with the first construction project in Edmonton planned to start in 2024-25. In total, six net-zero-emissions-ready buildings, each with six two-bedroom units, will be built. The construction program moving forward will be focusing on building apartment buildings across the country, contributing to a denser and more sustainable housing portfolio.
Efficient renovations for carbon reduction:
CFHA has advanced on implementing projects that meet the Tier 3Footnote 1 Energy Efficiency Code in several locations, including Valcartier, Montreal, Ottawa, Trenton, Kingston and Esquimalt. These Tier 3 projects contribute to energy efficiency and carbon reduction through:
- Improvements to building envelope:
- Insulation
- Windows and doors
- Airtightness, reducing air leakage
- Installation of efficient, electrified systems:
- Domestic water heaters
- Heating and cooling
- Ventilation
These improvements will improve occupant comfort, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and the durability and resiliency of the portfolio, while reducing carbon emissions.
Apartment and and rowhouse complexes will be renovated through long term investment, aimed upgrading to meet current codes and standards, including Tier 3 energy efficiency. These 75-year-old apartment buildings require significant investment and impact hundreds of units in Windsor Park, Halifax (158 units), Valcartier (102 units) and Winnipeg (94 units).
As part of the upgrades in Windsor Park, Halifax, plans to remove two 25,000 litre heating oil tanks were developed this year, with removal set to begin in April 2024. The removal of these tanks and the replacement of the heating systems will reduce carbon emissions and monthly utility bills for occupants.
Energy efficiciency upgrades full text
- 839 hot water tanks replaced
- 471 exterior renovations completed
- 526 heating systems replaced
DID YOU KNOW?
A net-zero emissions, climate-resilient building is one that is located, designed, built, and operated to minimize the impacts of a changing climate; highly energy-efficient; and fully powered from on-site and/or off-site clean energy sources. Starting in 2025, these buildings will have at least 30% less embodied carbon in major construction materials.
A net-zero-emissions-ready building is one that could operate as a net-zero- emissions building in the future.
3.1.3 Reduce gas emissions from fleet vehicles
In response to the updated zero-emission vehicle classifications mandated by the Treasury Board and DND, CFHA is committed to transitioning its fleet to plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicles. Implementing these new standards is not without challenges and constraints, including extreme climate conditions and limited dealer networks in some locations.
80 vehicles distributed across 24 locations:
- 28 flex-fuel
- 32 hybrid
- 16 mono-fuel
- 4 plug-in hybrid vehicles
Manufacturing years range from 2016 to 2024.
To modernize its fleet, CFHA fulfilled outstanding orders, delivering three hybrid vehicles to Gagetown, Borden, and Petawawa, and initiated new vehicle procurements, placing orders for seven additional vehicles. Delivery is expected early FY 2024-25, due to challenges posed by supply chain disruptions.
CFHA remains committed to modernizing its fleet and to ensuring that employees have access to efficient transportation. The organization will continue to monitor supply chain conditions and adjust its procurement strategies accordingly.
Vehicle category purchases for CFHA's Greening Government Strategy full text
45% of hybridization
5% of zero-emission vehicle
- 35% flex-fuel
- 5% plug-in hybrid
- 40% hybrid
- 20% mono-fuel
3.2 Customer service and personnel
Customer service
CFHA has made significant strides in enhancing services and accessibility. Following its last Customer Satisfaction Survey in 2023, where 29% of occupants reported a slow response or difficulty reaching the Emergency After Hours Service, CFHA implemented a new integrated 24/7 phone system to provide better customer support during peak times. Additionally, the successful rollout of mobile workplace technology at all locations has empowered the Agency to improve overall service delivery.
CFHA’s online services have continued to gain popularity, with a steady increase in usage. The Agency has introduced two new key forms, the Notice of Intent to Vacate and a comprehensive Complaint/Enquiry form.
Based on the results of the 2023 Customer Satisfaction Survey, which provides insight into the occupant experience, an action plan is being developed for the Agency to focus on areas for improvement. CFHA’s ongoing goal is to continue making meaningful improvements that benefit CAF members and their families.
Personnel
Promoting diversity and inclusion
Effective July 1, 2023, significant amendments to the Public Service Employment Act were enacted to foster a more diverse and inclusive public service. These changes align with our ongoing commitment to address systemic biases and barriers that disproportionately affect equity-seeking groups. To ensure fairness and equity in our hiring processes, all staffing assessments are now rigorously evaluated to identify and mitigate potential limitations within merit criteria and assessment methods.
Transforming service delivery
CFHA embarked on a comprehensive organizational review of our Housing Services Centre technical positions. This initiative, impacting approximately 25% of our workforce, redefined how maintenance, repairs, and project services are delivered across the country. By streamlining processes and optimizing resource allocation, we aim to enhance service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and create a more adaptable and responsive workforce.
Investing in leadership development
To cultivate a culture of excellence and empower our employees to navigate change effectively, CFHA actively participated in the Certificate of Leadership Excellence program and Leading Change Management training, offered by Excellence Canada. These initiatives equipped our leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to inspire and motivate their teams, foster innovation, and drive organizational success.
DID YOU KNOW?
If you live in DND housing and have a serious maintenance problem that is not fixed within 30 days of reporting it in writing, and it is outside of your control, you can ask to have a temporary rent reduction.
- You can start this process by letting your CFHA site office know about the problem in writing.
- The rent reduction will end once the problem is fixed.
3.3 Departmental Results Framework
The Policy on Results sets out the fundamental requirements for federal accountability for performance information and evaluation, while highlighting the importance of results in management and expenditure decision making, as well as public reporting. The Departmental Results Framework details the strategic view of DND’s mandate, displaying its core responsibilities and performance targets. It helps Canadians and parliamentarians understand what we do, what we seek to achieve, and how we will determine if we have achieved it.
The Agency reports on the following performance indicators:
- Number of residential housing units that were assessed as being in the below average condition assessment category
This indicator measures the success of component life cycle replacements, disposal and demolition, or renovation of older homes in improving the overall condition of the DND military housing portfolio.
The number of units in below average condition decreased between 2023 and 2024, from 1,695 to 1,445 RHUs.
- Degree to which residential housing was maintained
An average condition assessment rating demonstrates that the overall condition of the housing portfolio is satisfactory and that routine maintenance and life cycle replacement work is being implemented as needed. The national rating for the DND residential housing portfolio has improved from 3.18 in 2023 to 3.25 in 2024 (see table on page 15). This positive trend indicates that CFHA’s ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade housing units are yielding results. It is important to note that condition is only one indicator of progress and does not always account for activities related to improved functionality, compliance, and energy efficiency.
Ultimately, the Agency strives for average condition (between 3.00 and 4.00), where the overall condition of the portfolio, both new and existing units, can be sustained by routine and regular maintenance activities. This achievement is a testament to CFHA’s commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and well-maintained housing to CAF members and their families.
- Net occupancy rate
The net occupancy rate is a key performance indicator that reflects the overall utilization of housing units. This year marked the inaugural measurement of net occupancy as part of the Defence Results Framework. With a net occupancy rate of 90% for 2023-24, CFHA set a new benchmark and will continue annual monitoring, to ensure that a high proportion of units are available for occupancy. Formal reporting to the department will begin FY 2024-25.
Adapting to challenges
While the Agency continued its work to improve housing for CAF members, the year was not without challenges that tested the ability of its personnel to quickly change course and adapt.
In August 2023, the City of Yellowknife was forced to evacuate due to devastating wildfires. CFHA’s Yellowknife team was temporarily relocated to various locations, where they maintained business operations through virtual means for three weeks. The swift implementation of CFHA’s Business Continuity Plan ensured uninterrupted services and minimized disruptions to clients during this challenging time.
Following a significant flood that damaged CFHA’s Esquimalt office in May 2023, extensive repairs were necessary. While the sprinkler system failure initially disrupted operations, staff successfully transitioned to a remote work arrangement. The team continued to execute projects, maintain operations, conduct move-in and move-outs, and onboard new employees throughout this period. By October, staff were able to gradually return to the renovated office space.
CFHA Housing Condition Assessment Summary - April 2024
| Site | Units – Below Average | Units – Average | Units – Above Average | Units – New or Like New | Assessed* | 2023 Average Condition | 2024 Average Condition | Change 2023-2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bagotville | 1 | 254 | 71 | 33 | 359 | 3.29 | 3.38 | ↑ |
| Borden | 112 | 483 | 46 | 34 | 675 | 3.21 | 3.21 | ↔ |
| Cold Lake | 81 | 537 | 65 | 20 | 703 | 3.16 | 3.24 | ↑ |
| Comox | 1 | 181 | 64 | 6 | 252 | 3.27 | 3.34 | ↑ |
| Dundurn | 3 | 19 | 0 | 6 | 28 | 3.31 | 3.42 | ↑ |
| Edmonton | 18 | 411 | 59 | 17 | 505 | 3.25 | 3.29 | ↑ |
| Esquimalt | 0 | 656 | 42 | 9 | 707 | 3.21 | 3.27 | ↑ |
| Gagetown | 186 | 1,012 | 193 | 44 | 1,435 | 3.20 | 3.26 | ↑ |
| Gander | 2 | 53 | 8 | 8 | 71 | 3.45 | 3.45 | ↔ |
| Goose Bay | 89 | 122 | 10 | 12 | 233 | 3.10 | 3.16 | ↑ |
| Greenwood | 2 | 517 | 17 | 27 | 563 | 3.21 | 3.24 | ↑ |
| Halifax | 78 | 362 | 25 | 0 | 465 | 3.13 | 3.13 | ↔ |
| Kingston | 11 | 450 | 11 | 0 | 472 | 3.08 | 3.10 | ↑ |
| Montreal | 5 | 178 | 8 | 0 | 191 | 3.15 | 3.24 | ↑ |
| Moose Jaw | 10 | 127 | 28 | 7 | 172 | 3.30 | 3.31 | ↑ |
| North Bay | 17 | 149 | 10 | 6 | 182 | 3.25 | 3.27 | ↑ |
| Ottawa | 15 | 124 | 3 | 3 | 145 | 3.10 | 3.12 | ↑ |
| Petawawa | 97 | 1,247 | 178 | 99 | 1,621 | 3.23 | 3.31 | ↑ |
| Shilo | 89 | 433 | 87 | 44 | 653 | 3.23 | 3.30 | ↑ |
| Suffield | 2 | 164 | 3 | 6 | 175 | 3.16 | 3.23 | ↑ |
| Trenton | 47 | 450 | 62 | 19 | 548 | 3.21 | 3.25 | ↑ |
| Valcartier | 374 | 323 | 5 | 0 | 702 | 2.95 | 2.95 | ↔ |
| Wainwright | 6 | 134 | 28 | 18 | 186 | 3.37 | 3.41 | ↑ |
| Winnipeg | 199 | 241 | 19 | 16 | 475 | 2.98 | 3.07 | ↑ |
| National total | 1,445 (12.5%) |
8,597 (74.6%) |
1,042 (9%) |
434 (3.8%) |
11,518 | 3.18 | 3.25 | ↑ |
* Note: The assessed units includes emergency houses, but excludes heritage units, leased units, trailer pads, HSC offices and storage spaces,units with a CA rating of 0, and non-residential properties.
3.4 Feature project
Edmonton net-zero-emissions-ready apartments
CFHA, along with partners and stakeholders, worked throughout the year to finalize designs for net-zero-emissionsready apartment buildings in Edmonton. Supporting both its long-term construction plans to increase housing availability, as well as a need to develop designs that can be adapted for use at multiple locations, the project marked an important milestone along CFHA’s path to portfolio sustainability.
The designs were developed in conjunction with Defence Construction Canada, DND, Natural Resources Canada and private sector design consultants, and their implementation will be noted as the first residential, net-zero-emissions-ready buildings in the federal government. Each building will be highly energy efficient, with reduced energy consumption and monthly utility costs for occupants. The design includes electric vehicle plug-ins for each apartment, along with capacity for the future installation of solar panels, among other energy reducing measures.
A construction contract was awarded to Bird Construction in March 2024, with site work to begin in May 2024. In total, six buildings will be constructed, resulting in a meaningful impact to CAF members in Edmonton.
First net-zero-emissions-ready buildings in the federal government
In total, six buildings will be constructed, resulting in a meaningful impact to CAF members in Edmonton.
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