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MFRC Family Networks

HMCS Ottawa Family Network

Connect with others going through the same experience, participate in social activities, and get the latest updates on deployments and work-related absences.

Contact Information

Family Network Volunteers:Yeonjin and Sheila
Email:[email protected]
Facebook Group:HMCS Ottawa Family Network
HMCS Ottawa on Social Media:Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter)


When you join the Family Network for HMCS Ottawa, you will receive important updates on deployments and work-related absences, information on social activities, and have the opportunity to connect with others going through the same experience.

Register with us to receive deployment and work-related absence support by becoming a part of your Family Network, connecting with the MFRC local to you, and/or receiving support in French.

Return and Reintegration Resources and Services

Prepare for homecoming and beyond with these resources.
Learn more

HMCS Ottawa Homecoming Information 

Welcome Home HMCS OTTAWA and GRIFFIN! 

HMCS OTTAWA and their helicopter GRIFFIN will be coming home from deployment on Monday, March 24th, 2025. 

 

For Dockyard (B Jetty): 

*You must be listed by your homecoming military member as a guest to enter Dockyard. Ensure you confirm with them that you are on the access list. 

 

7:00am: Shuttles from the parking lot to B Jetty commence for HMCS OTTAWA guests 

9:30am: HMCS OTTAWA passes Duntze Head 

10:00am: HMCS OTTAWA comes alongside B Jetty 

Shuttles back to the Canteen Rd. parking lot commence 

*If you have limited mobility and require assistance, please be sure your military member makes note when adding your name to the access list. 

  • Parking will be available at the parking lot located on Canteen Road (see purple start on map here). No special DND parking pass is required. 

  • Government issued photo ID is required for guests aged 18 and over to access Dockyard. 
  • Dress for the weather – it’s colder than you think on the Jetty. 
  • Tents will be in place to provide shelter in the event of inclement weather. 
  • Breakfast sandwiches and beverages will be available. 
    Please note, unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate all dietary preferences and allergies. 
  • Portable toilets will be available. 
  • Bring strollers for the smaller children; there will be room on the buses for these and people on hand to assist. 
  • There is no smoking permitted on the jetty. 
  • Dogs will be authorized to access Dockyard for the homecoming. Your dog must be listed on the access list by your homecoming military member as a guest to enter Dockyard. Please read through these directions on attending with a dog.  

Media Disclaimer 

Photography will be taking place and the images could appear on social media (no names will be attached). If you do not wish to be included in any images, please let us know and we will do our best to notify any photographers. Please bear in mind that everyone has a phone/camera and we can only control our own official photographers. 

 

Questions? 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the MFRC at 250-363-2640 or [email protected]. 

Monthly Information Session for HMCS Ottawa (March 2025)

Here is the recording from the Monthly Information Session for HMCS Ottawa (minus operational security information) that was held on Saturday, March 8th, 2025. 

Morale Mail Deadline for HMCS Ottawa

 
The morale mail deadline for this deployment is Thursday, February 6th, 2025.  

Care Package Collection Box - Thank You

Thank you to those who contributed items for the creation of care packages for members not receiving mail. Approximately 497 care packages have been created and sent to HMCS Ottawa during their deployment. We have received extremely positive feedback from those onboard, and they thank everyone for their support. 


Watch the Family Network pages for information on this initiative for future deployments! 


Banner Making Pickup Kits

Did you miss out on registering for Banner Making? We’ve extended the deadline for pickup kits until Friday, March 21st!

Let the MFRC assist you in preparing for your loved one’s homecoming by supplying you with all the materials needed to make welcome home banners and decorations. To reserve your kit, email [email protected] and let us know how many adults and children will require materials. Kits can be picked up from our Colwood MFRC location during regular business hours.

Programming at the MFRC

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Drop-In Morning Coffee Connections

Are you looking to meet other military-connected family members, or are you new to town? Join us for an informal coffee connection and welcome. 
Learn more
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Wellness Wednesday: Rest and Restore (Esquimalt)

In this month's session we are offering guided meditation, gentle movement and sound bath will be offered to cultivate and support deep relaxation.
Register
Adult and child reading a book together.

Tiny Tales with Story Studio (Ages 3-5)

Discover the fun of being a storyteller, and create your very own picture book with your child to take home! Registration closes March 24th.
Register
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Parent & Child Programming

The MFRC offers several in-person options for parents to meet other parents, and for children to connect.
Stay & Play 123 Music & Me

Programming for Children and Youth

A child sits by a large open book, with letters and symbols glowing in a night city scene.

Fast Friends (Ages 8-15): Write with Story Studio - Strange Characters!

Spend an evening with Story Studio, an award-winning charity that inspires, educates and empowers young writers. Create vivid characters who will be the foundation for epic stories to come!
Register

Supporting Children Through Absence

Help your child(ren) adjust to a parent being away on a deployment or work-related absence.
Learn more

Respite Child Care During Absences

Available at no cost when a military parent is deployed or away for work-related reasons for 21 consecutive days or more. 
More information

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