Defence Minister Bill Blair officially opened CFB Borden’s newest accommodations building
On 30 January 2025, Defence Minister Bill Blair took to the grounds of CFB Borden to announce the Department of National Defence’s (DND) initiatives to erect over $50 million in accommodations for CAF members, including the new Cambra Accommodation Building and an additional 120 new residential housing units (RHUs).
The five-storey high Cambra Accommodation Building features 350 modern sleeping quarters, common lounge areas, study rooms, laundry and storage facilities and office spaces for recruits training at CFB Borden.
According to Blair, the Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) and DND are aiming to build 668 new residential units and renovate over 600 additional units across the country.
“We all know too well that [being a military member] comes with a unique set of challenges, like frequent moves, the struggle to find a new place to live often in an unfamiliar community,” Blair said. “To ensure that members of the CAF can do the critical work that we ask of them, they must be well supported throughout their entire military career, and that means making sure that they have safe, affordable and comfortable housing, no matter where they are posted, and today marks an important and necessary step forward on that front.”
Due to the high influx of incoming members to specific bases, this national construction project will also take place in Halifax, Valcartier, Trenton, Kingston, Petawawa, Edmonton, and Esquimalt.
CFB Borden is home to 35 military units and more than 5,000 stationed personnel, with nearly 20,000 members and students on base every year.
Lieutenant General Lise Bourgon, Commander of Military Personnel Command (MPC) addressed rising concerns of the imbalance of work and home life for CAF members, reiterating that housing is a cornerstone of well being.
“It’s about creating space where our personnel can thrive,” LGen Bourgon said, “where family feels supported, and where the stability of home life allows a service member to focus on their demanding role without unnecessary distraction or worry.”
Following the ribbon cutting and grand opening, all in attendance were given a tour of living spaces inside Cambra Accommodation Building, highlighting the commitment to an evolving approach to the readiness and effectiveness of the CAF.
“The commitment to improving housing is part of a larger effort to enhance every aspect of the military experience. From the facilities that we provide, to the benefits that we offer and the support system in place for their families, the well being of our personnel is essential to ensure that those who serve this nation are fully supported,” LGen Bourgon said.
