Government of Canada unveils first net-zero-emissions-ready apartments for Canadian Armed Forces members at CFB Edmonton
Press Release
July 14, 2026 – Edmonton, AB – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development, visited Canadian Forces Base Edmonton on behalf of the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, to unveil the Government of Canada’s first net-zero-emissions-ready apartments for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families.
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.
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.
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.
Quotes
“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.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“The women and men who serve Canada deserve safe, modern homes for themselves and their families. These new housing units at CFB Edmonton will help military families put down roots, stay connected to their community, and live in homes that is built for the future. These are the first net-zero-emissions-ready residential development in Canada, and we are so proud to have there right here in Alberta and in Edmonton. This project is creating lasting benefits for our community by supporting local workers and businesses and setting a new standard for sustainable housing.”
The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development
“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.”
Paola Zurro, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Forces Housing Agency
“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.”
Derrick Cheung, President and Chief Executive Officer, Defence Construction Canada
Quick facts
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.
Each building is highly energy-efficient and uses high-efficiency heat pumps and heat recovery units to reduce energy consumption and monthly utility costs for occupants. The design includes electric vehicle plug-ins for each apartment, capacity for future installation of solar panels and other energy-saving measures. The buildings were also constructed using key building materials with at least 30% lower embodied carbon.
Supported by approximately 390 staff across Canada, including those at its head office in Ottawa, CFHA manages, maintains, and allocates a housing portfolio of almost 12,000 RHUs spanning 27 locations nationwide.
The first phase of the construction program was launched in fiscal year 2024-25 to deliver 668 RHUs and has since been expanded to deliver more than 800 units at nine priority locations by 2030. The focus is on one and two-bedroom units in a mix of houses and medium-density apartment buildings.
Defence Construction Canada is the contracting authority for DND’s infrastructure and environment requirements.