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184 new housing units at CFB Shilo to be built on $84M investment foundation

February 25, 2026

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition

CFB Shilo will see 184 new residential housing units constructed with an $84 million investment into CFB Shilo under the new Army modernization plan. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media

One hundred and eighty-four new residential housing units will build a stronger CFB Shilo base on an $84 million investment foundation under Phase 2 of Canada’s National Housing Construction Program, announced by the Minister of National Defence, David J. McGuinty, on Feb. 24.

CFB Shilo Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Nguyen said the new residential housing units coming to CFB Shilo enhance family stability and support Canadian Army modernization on the base.

“When families have reliable, modern housing, our soldiers are better able to meet operational requirements. This investment is a strong step forward for growth of our community, and we look forward to continued progress in this space.” he said.

The housing construction at CFB Shilo is part of a major expansion of military housing that plans to deliver 7,500 new residential units, primarily one and two-bedroom apartment buildings, across all 25 national locations where the Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) currently operates.

McGuinty said Canadian Armed Forces members and their families deserve safe, modern and affordable housing.
 
“This historic expansion … is one of the most significant investments in military housing in decades. By building at speed and scale across the country, we are strengthening operational readiness, supporting recruitment and retention, and giving military families the stability they need to thrive,” he said.
 
While Phase 2 of the program, announced in January 2025, is currently being rolled out, CFHA also continues to pursue alternative housing solutions, such as potential acquisitions, leases, referrals, and partnerships, as efficient ways to provide housing to CAF members and the Defence community when market conditions support these approaches.
 
“Phase 2 is our largest construction campaign since the creation of the portfolio in the post-Second World War era. The Canadian Forces Housing Agency will work with industry to deliver housing at an unprecedented speed and scale to support Canadian Armed Forces members and their families,” Chief ExecutiveOfficerof CFHA Paola Zurro said.
 
Through the CFHA the Department of National Defence (DND) will build on the accelerated progress of Phase One, which is already constructing 800 new units in nine locations experiencing significant housing pressures.
 
Five locations with the largest planned growth include Valcartier, Quebec; Petawawa, Ontario; and Edmonton, Alberta, with more than 1,000 units each. Kingston, ON., will receive 900 units, and Gagetown, NB. will see 500 new housing units.
The distribution of construction projects across all regions will stimulate local economies, generating work for contractors, suppliers and service providers. Economic benefits will be felt through increased demand for local trades, transportation services, accommodations, fuel, food services and other community-level spending associated with major construction programs, National Defence announced in a Feb. 24 press release.
 

Quick facts

  • Through Canada’s defence policy Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence, these new homes form part of an investment commitment of $1.4 billion over 20 years to modernize housing for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families. This work supports broader initiatives to enhance quality of life for those who serve Canada through the provision of housing and community services.
  • CFHA is launching its Phase 2 Construction Program as part of its Residential Portfolio Capital Investment Plan, which is a major component of the Residential Housing Response Plan.
  • The Residential Housing Response Plan provides site-specific solutions and services to meet housing needs. It includes renovation within the existing portfolio, a national housing construction program, acquisitions and alternative housing solutions such as the Dual-Use Pathfinder initiative, leases and service arrangements.
  • Phase 2 represents a significant, multi-year national investment in military housing infrastructure. Spanning 25 sites across six regions and valued at more than $3.7 billion, the program will stimulate sustained economic activity in design, construction, building systems manufacturing, and supporting services across Canada. Most of these projects are included in the advanced procurement notice that was released today.
  • CFHA currently manages over 11,700 RHUs across Canada. The expansion under Phase 2 of the national construction program represents a significant step in modernizing and growing the Defence residential housing portfolio to better reflect the current and future needs of the CAF.
  • In close collaboration with Natural Resources Canada and the National Research Council of Canada, Phase 2 advances the federal commitment to net-zero, climate-resilient, and energy-efficient infrastructure.
  • The distribution of construction projects across all regions will stimulate local economies, generating work for contractors, suppliers and service providers. Economic benefits will be felt through increased demand for local trades, transportation services, accommodations, fuel, food services and other community-level spending associated with major construction programs.

 

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