DND announces $3.7B for new military housing

We don’t have many details, but The Chamber welcomes yesterday’s announcement that the Department of National Defence is expanding military housing across Canada. Defence Minister David J. McGuinty said $3.7 billion has been set aside to build 6,000 more housing units.

The Chamber led the charge across our national chamber network in 2024, penning a policy resolution that called for investment in military housing.

Though CFB Esquimalt was not explicitly mentioned in the announcement, DND said construction of primarily one- and two-bedroom unit apartment buildings is planned at 25 locations. The work will support the construction industry and create demand for Canadian lumber, steel and concrete as well as mechanical and electrical systems. Procurement targets are also designed to help Indigenous businesses.

“By investing in thousands of new homes for members of the Canadian Armed Forces across the country, we are strengthening communities, easing pressure on local housing markets and building quality housing that Canadians need,” McGuinty said.

“This national expansion is an important step in building more affordable homes, supporting good jobs and ensuring that the members who serve our country have housing that meets their needs today and into the future.”