Thursday, July 16, 2026
The Department of National Defence unveiled the Government of Canada’s first net-zero-emissions-ready apartments for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families at CFB Edmonton.
The 36 new apartments mark the first delivery of military housing under Phase 1 of the Department of National Defence’s (DND) national housing construction program. Led by the Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA), this phase is delivering more than 800 new Residential Housing Units (RHUs) at nine CAF installations facing significant housing pressures.
“Military readiness begins with supporting the people who serve. By investing in safe, modern, and energy-efficient housing, we are improving quality of life for Canadian Armed Forces members and their families while strengthening our ability to attract, support, and retain the talent needed to meet Canada’s defence commitments for generations to come,” said David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence.
In February 2026, Minister McGuinty announced Phase 2 of the program, expanding construction to all 25 locations where CFHA has permanent housing services centres. This investment will strengthen the CAF’s ability to recruit and retain members by improving access to safe, modern, and energy-efficient housing. It will also support local economies through construction activity in communities across Canada, while reducing pressures on surrounding housing markets.
The national construction program responds to identified military housing needs by accelerating construction, increasing housing capacity and supporting CAF members and their families in locations where demand is greatest.
“Today we celebrate the completion of the first apartment buildings of the Residential Housing Program announced in 2025. These highly energy efficient apartments will provide much needed housing for the Canadian Armed Forces members and their families in Edmonton with the added benefit of reduced utility costs,” said Paola Zurro, CEO, Canadian Forces Housing Agency.
Valued at approximately $22.5 million, the Edmonton project marks a significant milestone for both DND and the Government of Canada. The apartments are the first net-zero-emissions-ready residential housing development in the federal portfolio and were delivered through collaboration among DND, CFHA, Natural Resources Canada, Defence Construction Canada and the Centre for Greening Government at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.
These new homes form part of a $1.4 billion commitment to modernize housing for CAF members and their families. This work supports broader defence policy initiatives to enhance quality of life for those who serve through the provision of housing and community services.
Through the Residential Housing Response Plan, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton is expected to receive approximately 1,100 new RHUs by the mid-2030s. These first 36 apartments are part of a major expansion that will nearly double the Alberta portfolio, which currently includes more than 1,500 RHUs.
The 36 net-zero-emissions-ready apartments were developed in collaboration with Defence Construction Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and private sector design consultant Republic Architecture. The construction contract was awarded to Bird Construction.
“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when strong partners work toward a common goal. Through close collaboration with the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Forces Housing Agency and industry partners, Defence Construction Canada helped deliver high-quality, net-zero-emissions-ready housing that will serve Canadian Armed Forces members and their families for decades to come,” said Derrick Cheung, president and CEO, Defence Construction Canada.
Featured image: (Government of Canada)
