New Military Housing Takes Shape at CFB Kingston

 

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Wall framing has started on two six-unit apartment buildings at CFB Kingston, marking a key step in providing modern, energy-efficient homes for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families.

“The energy efficiency within the buildings is top notch, reducing the carbon footprint while enhancing comfort for residents,” says Lynn Tansey, DCC Team Leader, Program Management. Each 94-m² two-bedroom unit will feature electric heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling, replacing traditional heating-only, gas-fired systems.

Kingston is the first location in Ontario to use this new six-plex design. Initially developed for CFB Edmonton, the design meets the National Building Code’s Tier 4 Energy Performance Standards and has been tailored to fit Ontario’s site conditions.

This design also caters to changing family needs with larger, more functional layouts that include in-unit laundry, balconies, amenity spaces, and exterior storage.

The project is part of the Canadian Forces Housing Agency’s (CFHA) $1.4 billion Residential Portfolio Capital Investment Plan (RPCIP). Through Phase 1 of this program, CFHA aims to deliver over 800 new Residential Housing Units and renovate another 638 across Canada by 2030. This effort will help address housing requirements on base while relieving pressure in surrounding communities.

At CFB Kingston, utility and infrastructure upgrades along with initial site work have now wrapped up. Framing for exterior storage sheds is complete and work on the remaining buildings is moving quickly; completion is expected by October 2026.

“DCC is managing the design consultant and construction contracts and has been providing project management support to CHFA throughout this project,” explains Lynn, who was instrumental in developing the six-plex design as well as the broader RPCIP. “Essentially, we’re like the owner’s representative, bringing everything together.”

The same design will also be used in Borden, Valcartier, and Halifax where construction is expected to start soon. In Kingston, Phase 1 additionally includes four 12-unit apartment buildings that are set to begin construction this spring-part of a coordinated national initiative to renew and expand military housing.

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