About the Canadian Forces Housing Agency
A Special Operating Agency within DND, delivering housing solutions for CAF members and their families nationwide.
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 increased authorities and administrative flexibilities, allowing for more responsive and tailored housing solutions.
Supported by approximately 390 staff across Canada, including its head office in Ottawa, CFHA manages, maintains, and allocates a housing portfolio of more than 11,700 residential housing units (RHU) spanning 27 locations nationwide, contributing to the resiliency of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families.
On this page
Mandate
CFHA performs an important role within DND, and it is accountable to the Deputy Minister and the Chief of Defense Staff as per our Charter, respectively, through its dual mandate, to:
Dual mandate full text
- Provide housing solutions to support the current and future needs of the Canadian Armed Forces.
- Ensure assets are well-maintained.
Mission
To meet the evolving housing needs of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and contribute to the quality of life of CAF members and their families.
Vision
To be a leader in the provision of diverse and sustainable Crown housing.
Values
Our values serve as fundamental beliefs shaping our organization’s culture, behaviour and decisions. They serve as a compass for ethical choices and goal achievement, establishing a strong foundation, building trust, and navigating the modern marketplace with integrity and purpose.
- Customer-centred
- Commitment
- Teamwork
- Respect
- Agility
More about CFHA’s mandate, mission, vision, and values, can be found in Building our Future: 2025-2029 Strategic Plan.
Our guiding principles
These principles are designed to complement our foundational corporate values and be the platform to enable the Canadian Forces Housing Agency to achieve its vision:
Innovation
We prioritize innovation as a core principle, encouraging employees to continuously explore creative solutions when facing challenges and opportunities. This comes with appropriate and informed risk-taking.
Leadership
We are dedicated to cultivating leadership at all levels, acknowledging its pivotal role in our organizational success, and fostering a supportive work environment.
Budget
CFHA uses revenue generated from shelter charges to fully fund its operations as per Vote 1 (operating expenditures). Additional funding is required through Vote 5 (capital expenditures) to support capital investments such as construction of new RHUs.
The future of military housing
Through Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence (ONSAF) and Budget 2024, more than $1.4 billion in capital funding has been allocated to CFHA to build 1,400 new RHUs and renovate 2,500 military housing across Canada over the next 20 years.
The first phase of the Residential Portfolio Capital Investment Plan (RPCIP) construction program was initially launched in fiscal year 2024-25 to deliver 668 units and will now deliver over 800 units at nine priority locations over the next five years.
Construction has now begun in Kingston and Edmonton, which includes the first net-zero ready apartment buildings in the Government of Canada. Valcartier and Borden are next on the list of scheduled construction starting in the fall of 2025.
RPCIP - Phase 1
| Location | Estimated new RHUs |
|---|---|
| Esquimalt | 244 |
| Borden | 120 |
| Edmonton | 80 |
| Gagetown | 40 |
| Halifax | 48 |
| Kingston | 60 |
| Petawawa | 80 |
| Trenton | 92 |
| Valcartier | 60 |
To supplement the housing requirement beyond brick-and-mortar solutions, CFHA is exploring alternative solutions through partnerships with the private sector and supporting other federal housing initiatives that will contribute to housing for CAF members, including exclusive lease agreements, acquisitions, and other pilot initiatives.
More information on the future of military housing can be found in Building our Future: Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
News and media
News
2025-10-16: The Department of National Defence Provides Updates on Canadian Armed Forces Housing Across Canada
Media
If you are a reporter with a recognized media organization, you may contact the DND Media Relations Office.