CFB Edmonton gets 36 new homes as part of $82B military housing boost

Canada's largest army base by population just received 36 new homes as part of an ambitious national military housing campaign, addressing 10 percent of the wait list at CFB Edmonton.

Official tours showcased homes complete with high-performance energy efficiencies and electric vehicle charging — all net-zero ready. Lt. Col. John Southen, commander of CFB Edmonton, said military families don't have the luxury of choosing when or where they move, making housing a matter of military preparedness. "The burden of relocation is among the leading contributors to attrition in our Canadian Armed Forces," he said. "When moves are disruptive, stressful, and uncertain, they exact a toll not only on our members and their families, but on the operational readiness and long-term capability of Canada's national defence."

The housing campaign was announced 18 months ago as the largest military housing construction program since post-Second World War. Paola Zurro, CEO of the Canadian Forces Housing Agency, said the agency will double CFB Edmonton's portfolio in the coming years. Later this summer, another 36 housing units will be posted. There are more than 2,000 applicants on the wait list for members posted at public expense, and another 2,000 across the country living on the economy who would like to access defence housing.

Phase one construction is underway at nine priority bases, with a contract at CFB Trenton just awarded. Phase two will construct more than 7,000 units across the country. Prime Minister Mark Carney's pledge to fortify Canada's military includes an $82-billion investment. Eleanor Olszewski, Liberal MP for Edmonton Centre, said building military housing eases pressure on Edmonton's existing housing market, freeing up other homes and making them more affordable for Edmontonians while supporting local construction jobs.