Petawawa, Ontario, is poised to see a significant increase in housing as the town’s garrison stands to benefit from a substantial investment in military accommodation, marking one of the largest such investments in decades.
Garrison Petawawa is anticipated to receive nearly $600 million for new homes and infrastructure as part of a $3.7-billion spending initiative announced by Defence Minister David McGuinty in February.
While military personnel in Petawawa welcome the investment as long overdue, the upcoming construction surge raises concerns among some in the broader community.
David Locke, a chef and former member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in Petawawa, expressed his anticipation for the potential housing improvements, citing the subpar conditions he encountered while residing on the base and the renovations he had to undertake. Locke emphasized the importance of providing top-notch housing for current CAF members who put their lives on the line.
The scarcity and quality of housing for serving CAF staff nationwide have emerged as a significant political issue as the federal government aims to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP. A recent auditor general’s report highlighted issues within military housing, including cramped living spaces, malfunctioning facilities, and instances of unsafe drinking water.
Locke, who personally witnessed issues like mold and asbestos in military housing, noted that these problems persist today.
The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA), which oversees around 12,000 residential units across Canada, is addressing the housing challenges by planning to construct thousands of new units. Petawawa, alongside Edmonton and Valcartier, Quebec, is expected to be a primary beneficiary of this initiative.
The CEO of CFHA, Paola Zurro, indicated that Petawawa’s acute need for additional housing support positions it as a key target for this program. The agency is considering factors such as demand, real estate market conditions, availability, and affordability in its efforts to expand housing options.
Currently, over 650 CAF members are on a waitlist for military housing at Garrison Petawawa, prompting CFHA to plan for the construction of more than 1,100 new units in the area. While Petawawa Mayor Gary Serviss welcomes the housing investment, he also recognizes the strain it may place on existing infrastructure and the community as a whole.
The town is assessing the capacity of its water and sewage systems to accommodate the increased demand, with plans to seek additional funding from the province for necessary infrastructure upgrades.
Despite potential challenges, residents of Petawawa, particularly military personnel and their families, are optimistic about the investment in the base, as it could enhance recruitment efforts and provide much-needed housing solutions for service members and their loved ones.