DND adds 189 residential housing units in Yellowknife to its portfolio

November 12, 2024 - Defence Stories

On November 1, 2024, after years in the making, the Department of National Defence (DND) acquired Crown-owned housing from Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) in Yellowknife. The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA), the managing authority for residential accommodation at DND, will operate and maintain the units on behalf of the Department. Of the 189 residential housing units (RHUs) acquired, CFHA will manage 186 units for occupants. The other three units will serve different purposes: one will be used as a DND quarters, one as the local Military Family Resource Centre office, and one as the local CFHA office. These three units will be managed by ADM(IE)’s Real Property Operations.

The goal was, and remains, to ensure a seamless transition and uninterrupted housing services to members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and their families already living in the RHUs. The housing services provided in Yellowknife will be consistent with those offered at CFHA’s other sites across Canada, ensuring high standards of maintenance, repairs, and overall living conditions.

Evelyn Keeping, Manager of the CFHA Housing Services Centre (HSC) in Yellowknife, built a strong team who have been instrumental in preparing for this transfer, ensuring all housing services were ready for November 1, and beyond. Leading up to the transfer, DND had been leasing on average, 110 RHUs annually, from PSPC in Yellowknife, and as such, was already providing housing support and services through CFHA to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families in these units. Now with direct control and management of the residential housing units, HSC Yellowknife will be able to provide an even higher level of service to all occupants.

This transfer would not have been possible without the support of various partners and stakeholders, including the ADM(IE) Director General (DG) of Portfolio Requirements, DG of Environment and Sustainable Management, DG of Indigenous Affairs and their teams, the Joint Task Force North command team and the Office of the DND/CF Legal Advisor.

This acquisition represents an important step in DND’s long-term commitment to supporting the North, including its role in supporting CAF operations related to NATO and NORAD. With this transfer, CFHA will continue to prioritize service excellence and support to the military community in Yellowknife.