OTTAWA – Defence Minister David McGuinty has unveiled a significant investment into housing for Canada’s military, announcing a $3.7-billion plan aimed at constructing additional residential units across various military communities. This initiative highlights the government's commitment to improving living conditions for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and their families.
The new funding will be utilized to create 6,000 additional housing units in 25 communities where the Canadian Armed Forces operate. This effort is part of a broader strategy to address housing shortages that have been underscored by recent reports. The initiative comes on the heels of the 800 new units that are already in the works, indicating a proactive approach to meet the growing needs of military personnel.
A report from Canada’s auditor general released last year raised serious concerns regarding the state of military housing. It noted that many existing units are aging, poorly maintained, and inadequate in number to meet the demands at multiple bases. This has prompted the government to take decisive action to rectify these issues and enhance the quality of life for service members.
Specific plans have been outlined for several key military installations: CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick is expected to receive 500 new housing units, while Kingston, Ontario, will see an addition of 900 units. Notably, Valcartier, Quebec, Petawawa, Ontario, and Edmonton are projected to each receive more than 1,000 new units, thereby significantly bolstering the available housing stock in these regions.
McGuinty emphasized that improving housing is not merely a matter of infrastructure; it plays a crucial role in military recruitment and retention. Since the beginning of the year, the Department of National Defence has reported a 13 percent increase in recruitment numbers over the past eight months, suggesting that better living conditions may positively influence prospective recruits’ decisions.
The announcement was made during a press conference held on February 24, 2026, where McGuinty reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting the Armed Forces by addressing one of the most pressing issues affecting personnel today—adequate housing. The commitment to these enhancements seeks to foster a more supportive and appealing environment for those serving in the military.
As the Canadian government moves forward with this significant expansion of military housing, it aims not only to provide better accommodation for service members but also to establish a foundation for future growth and stability within the Canadian Armed Forces.
