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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.

Canada Post: Holiday Postal Service

You will be able to send care packages free of charge from any Canada Post Retail Outlet to designated overseas locations from October 15, 2024 to February 28, 2025.
Learn more

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.

During Deployment & Absence Resources and Services

Currently experiencing a deployment or work-related absence? Discover the resources and services available to you and your family.
More information

Monthly Information Session for HMCS Ottawa (January 2025)

Here is the recording from the Monthly Information Session for HMCS Ottawa (minus operational security information) that was held on Saturday, January 18th, 2025. 

HMCS Ottawa Pre-Deployment Brief Recap

Here is the recording from the HMCS Ottawa Pre-Deployment Brief (minus operational security information) that was held on Thursday, September 5th, 2024. 


 The slideshow from the session can be found below.

Morale Mail Information for HMCS Ottawa

Drop off your care packages for free until February 6th, during regular business hours at:

  • Colwood Pacific Activity Centre MFRC location
  • 443 Squadron
  • Fleet Mail Office (Dockyard)
  • Naden Mailroom
  • MFRCs across the country

  • Canada Post

The mailing address for this deployment is:

RANK / LAST NAME / INITIAL
SHIP NAME, MESS #   
PO BOX 17000 STN FORCES
VICTORIA  BC  V9A 7N2

Important Notes: 

  • Wrapping supplies (i.e. tape, paper, scissors) are available at our Colwood MFRC location. 
  • International customs forms will be available. 
  • Due to the use of international mailing carriers, mail may arrive out of order. Numbering your parcels or marking them with “open on this date” may be helpful to ensure they are opened in the order you intended. 
  • If you are mailing from out of area, we suggest adding 10 days to the advertised cut-off date to allow for parcel travel to Victoria.  
      

For more information on mailing guidelines and restrictions, check out our postal page.

Care Package Collection Box for Deployed Members 

Did you purchase too much for your care package? We will be accepting items at the Colwood MFRC location to create care packages for deployed members not receiving them. Please consider contributing your extras to help uplift the spirits of members currently deployed onboard HMCS Ottawa. Care packages will be sent to the ship throughout their deployment.  

 A few ideas of items that could be contributed are: individually wrapped snack items (ie. chips, granola bars), microwave popcorn, candies, and puzzle books. 

Programming at the MFRC

Monthly Information Session for HMCS Ottawa

HMCS Ottawa’s Command Team will provide a live update to friends and family members about what the ship has been up to and what the future holds.
Register
Person rolling out a yoga mat on the floor.

Wellness Wednesday: Mindful Movement

In January, we invite you to join our Wellness Team member and nourishing movement leader Kaitlyn for an evening of gentle movement.
Register
Four hands holding coffee mugs in a toast.

Drop-In Morning Coffee Connections

Are you looking to meet other military-connected family members, or are you new to town? In February, we will create and enjoy some simple Valentine’s Day crafts together.
Learn more
Three people sitting and chatting with communicative hand gestures.

Mental Health First Aid

Help understand, identify, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use concerns. Registration deadline: February 14th.
Register
Top-down view of three bowls of soup on a wooden table.

Community Kitchen

Enjoy cooking delicious meals and connect with other military families in this facilitated and fun cooking program. The theme for February is comfort food!
Register

Return and Reintegration Workshop

Learn a bit about what you can expect, be introduced to some resources that may aid you and your family, and have a chance to connect with other military family members anticipating a homecoming.
Register

Banner Making Event & Pickup Kits

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. 
Learn more

Growing Parents

A supportive and educational group for new and expecting parents. Guest Speakers and topics related to pregnancy and parenting babies up to 12 months of age.
Register

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

People playing a card game at a table.

Fast Friends (Ages 8-15): Board and Card Game Cafe

Join us in January for an evening of board and card games for all abilities.
Register
People holding rolled-up yoga mats.

Fast Friends (Ages 8-15): Self-Care and Yoga Night

Check out some fun ways to be kind to yourself this February! Try a self-care craft and some gentle yoga with the Fast Friends team.
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