A message from the Chief Executive Officer

I am thrilled to share Building our Future, the Canadian Forces Housing Agency Strategic Plan 2025-2030. This plan lays out our path to becoming a leader in the provision of diverse and sustainable Crown housing solutions.

These are unprecedented times. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is focused on recruitment and retention, while Canada is facing a housing crisis that is also affecting CAF members across the country. To highlight and detail the department’s commitments to addressing these challenges, the Chief of Defence Staff issued a reconstitution directive in September 2022 with significant financial commitments to improve affordability and accessibility of housing for CAF members through the Canadian Forces Housing Differential, salary increases, and long-term housing baseline funding starting in 2021/22.

Through Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence and Budget 2024, an additional $1.4 billion in funding has been allocated to build 1,400 residential housing units (RHU) and renovate 2,500 across Canada, enabling the Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) to accelerate the construction of new RHUs.

In the short term, CFHA is working with private and public sector partners to design and construct 668 RHUs and renovate another 638 by 2029/30. To supplement brick-and-mortar solutions, the Agency is also exploring alternate acquisitions through partnerships with the private sector and supporting other federal housing initiatives that will contribute to housing for CAF members and Canadians. Building more on-base housing will not only help meet the housing needs of military personnel but will also help address housing demand in surrounding communities.

Military housing is in the political and public spotlight like never before. In July 2024, the Government of Canada announced that it expects to increase defence spending to reach two percent of its gross domestic product, in line with commitments from its NATO allies. The Standing Committee on National Defence recently released their report on Lack of Housing Availability on or Near Bases for Canadian Armed Forces Members and their Families and Challenges Facing Members and their Families When they are Required to Move Across the Country. Following this study, the Office of the Auditor General announced an audit on Housing Canadian Armed Forces Personnel.

This uncertain and evolving landscape requires CFHA to be more agile than ever. Our revised mission statement ensures we will provide housing solutions that meet the evolving needs of the CAF and contribute to the quality of life of CAF members and their families.

We have revised our strategic priorities and established four key pillars: meet current and future housing needs of the CAF, elevate the customer experience, enhance the employee experience, and modernize the business. Significant efforts will be made to achieve these goals over the next five years. Our strategic priorities will drive every decision and action, and will align the organization through its business plan, annual work plans, and performance objectives. Our corporate values—customer-centred, commitment, teamwork, respect and agility—will serve as the foundation for our behaviours and actions. Special emphasis will be placed on our new guiding principles—leadership and innovation—as they will be the key to unlocking our vision to be a leader in the provision of diverse and sustainable Crown housing.

Access to safe and affordable housing is challenging for many. While our primary focus is on supporting CAF members and their families, we cannot lose sight of our contribution towards larger government goals. We will strive to advance Indigenous reconciliation commitments through our work and explore opportunities to assist other government departments with their housing challenges.

Our unyielding dedication to continuous improvement will help us better support our occupants and employees. We are renewing our commitment to excellence through our partnership with Excellence Canada, as well as exploring, developing, and nurturing new partnerships with other government organizations and industry. Finally, connecting with our military allies and Five Eyes partners will help us learn from their experiences and avoid unnecessary mistakes.

The goals we have set are ambitious, yet they provide a clear roadmap to learn, evolve and ultimately thrive in the years ahead. Our team of passionate and committed people are our greatest strength. As we embark on this journey, let us come together around our shared vision to deliver on our mandate with excellence, ensuring that CAF members’ needs are met now and in the future.

With anticipation and gratitude,

Paola Zurro, ing., P.Eng,
Chief Executive Officer

PAOLA ZURRO
Chief Executive Officer,
Canadian Forces Housing Agency

Building 668 RHUs and renovating another 638 by 2029/30.

Through Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence and Budget 2024, an additional $1.4 billion in funding has been allocated to build 1,400 RHUs and renovate 2,500 RHUs across Canada.