3. Results

3.1.2 Reduce the Housing Portfolio’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

CFHA is working to align with the objectives outlined in the Government of Canada's (GoC’s) Greening Government Strategy. The Agency is taking action to improve the housing portfolio’s energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions by integrating these objectives into our maintenance, renovation, and construction programs.

CFHA, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan’s) CanmetENERGY-Ottawa research team, is working to develop strategies that will help us decarbonize our residential housing portfolio over the next three decades. 

The Agency has been working to incorporate net-zero ready principles into the newest version of the CFHA Design Standards and specifications for renovations. As part of our construction program, CFHA has continued the development of a net-zero ready 6-unit building. The final building design is expected in late 2023. This building design represents the beginning of a first phase of a larger construction program planned for many locations across bases and wings over the coming years. Apartment building construction will contribute to a denser, more sustainable housing portfolio.

Our participation in the GoC’s Two Billion Trees program continued its implementation in Wainwright, Alberta; Dundurn, Saskatchewan; and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, planting a total of 3,830 trees. Thousands of additional trees are planned in several locations, continuing in Dundurn, Moose Jaw, and Trenton, Ontario, in 2023 and beyond.

The lifecycle and renovation work completed this year contributes to CFHA’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, in line with the GoC objectives. Improvements to occupant comfort and lowered utility costs are added benefits to this important work. 

3.1.3 Reduce Gas Emissions from Fleet Vehicles

CFHA has allocated $450,000 each year to procure new vehicles as part of the greening government strategy. Most vehicle purchases involve replacing gas-powered cars with hybrids or plug-in hybrids. This aligns with the GoC greening policy. Only a very small number of gas vehicles are being replaced with other gas vehicles, and this is only done in special circumstances that support the policy’s environmental goals. There has also been a slight increase in purchases due to specific operational needs, but this remains a small portion of overall purchases. 

77 vehicles distributed across 24 sites: 

• 30 flex-fuel
• 16 mono-fuel
• 29 hybrids
• 2 plug-in hybrids

The previous online survey was conducted in 2020 in the period immediately prior to the pandemic. The results of this survey indicate CFHA has managed to weather the ongoing challenges of providing service delivery during the protracted pandemic period. Despite supply chain issues, shortages of contractors and rising material costs, occupants’ satisfaction with their housing, as well as their views about CFHA’s services and communications, have for the most part maintained the positive baseline position.

• Reasons for Satisfaction: The main reasons for satisfaction include the property itself (81%, consistent with previous years) and the location (31%, with a slight increase from 2020).

Condition of the RHU remains key to how occupants feel about their RHU and the CFHA’s service in general.

• Areas for Improvement: The primary concerns remain the condition of the units (83%) and repair/maintenance issues (58%). Additionally, one-third (33%) of occupants would prefer features like more storage space, additional bathrooms, or a garage/basement.
• Location Matters: Two-thirds (68%) find the location appealing, primarily due to its convenience (50%) being close to the base or wing.
• Limited Options: One-third (35%) felt they had limited alternatives, while another quarter (25%) appreciated the ease of not having to search for housing elsewhere.

Affordability remains the primary reason why people choose to live in DND housing, with a significant increase from 64% to 70% mentioning it unprompted.

The findings from the research will be used by CFHA to:

• Assess CFHA customer satisfaction with services provided;
• Identify areas for improvement; and
• Report on departmental performance.

The DND Housing Customer Satisfaction Survey is another example of CFHA’s commitment to achieving service excellence in responding to our customer needs by evaluating our performance.

The CFHA investment program continues to develop in response to the operational requirement for housing, secured baseline funding (supporting multi-year planning), and increased pressures in the Canadian housing market. The Defence Residential Housing Program (DRHP) experiences a profound strain when faced with insufficient lead time in securing funding, extended construction or renovation periods, and a shortage of contractors.

While the Agency continued its work improving housing for CAF personnel in FY 2022-23, the year was not without challenges that tested the ability of our personnel to quickly change course and adapt. The derecho storm, which was a significant tornado-like event, in the National Capital Region (NCR) in May 2022, damaged 48% of the portfolio in Ottawa, including electrical infrastructure, which necessitated forecast repair expenditures of over $100,000. The Ottawa housing site, including the site office, was without power for 11 days, and supply challenges necessitated the procurement of repair parts from outside the local area. Thanks to virtual work platforms developed during the COVID pandemic, staff were able to conduct repair administration remotely while the site power was out, and conducted daily site visits to oversee progress until it was restored.

Some of the damage to RHUs in Ottawa as a result of the derecho storm in the NCR in May 2022.

Planting Trees Across Canada

In FY 2022-23, CFHA partnered with NRCan to support tree planting at residential housing sites across Canada.

Tree planting is being completed as part of the larger GoC Two Billion Trees Commitment, a program that will help to mitigate climate change by investing in nature-based climate solutions. It is anticipated that this work will reduce GHG emissions by up to 12 megatons by 2050. It will also provide additional benefits to Canada by improving biodiversity, creating thousands of new jobs, and supporting human wellbeing through the creation of green spaces.

CFHA is contributing to this effort by developing planting projects across all

27 locations by 2029. It is estimated that this work will involve planting approximately 14,450 trees across CFHA’s portfolio over the next five to seven years.

Costs for these tree planting projects will be equally shared between CFHA and NRCan. Participation in this program will help CFHA:

• Contribute to greening targets established in the Greening Government Strategy;
• Achieve human well-being co-benefits for occupants of residential housing sites by fostering a sense of connection with nature;
• Reduce noise pollution;
• Reduce soil erosion and rainwater run-off;
• Provide a windbreak for residential housing units;
• Provide shade for occupants and buildings; and
• Improve aesthetics.

3,830 Trees Planted

The work kicked off in FY 2022-23 with 1,612 trees planted in Wainwright, 1,613 in Moose Jaw, and 605 in Dundurn. Plans were developed for FY 2023-24 to plant an additional 1,600 trees in Moose Jaw, 694 trees in Dundurn, and 916 in Trenton.