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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.

Contact Information

Family Network Volunteers:Yeonjin
Email:[email protected]
Facebook Group:HMCS Ottawa Family Network
HMCS Ottawa on Social Media:Facebook, Instagram, 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

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 during regular business hours at either:

  • Colwood Pacific Activity Centre MFRC location
  • Signal Hill MFRC location (*This location is currently closed.)
  • 443 Squadron

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 and Signal Hill MFRC locations. 
  • 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

Community Kitchen

Enjoy cooking delicious meals and connect with other military families in this facilitated and fun cooking program.
Register

Drop-In Morning Coffee Connections

Are you looking to meet other military-connected family members, or are you new to town? In December, we will be crafting holiday cards!
Learn more

Festive Family Pancake Breakfast

Are you connected to a military or veteran family? Join the MFRC for this FREE, family-friendly event!
Learn more

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

Fast Friends (Ages 8-15): Bookish Night

Calling all book lovers! Come join other bookworms to enjoy activities to celebrate our love of reading. 
Register

Fast Friends (Ages 8-15): Holiday Night with PSP!

Make your own holiday cards and other crafts with the MFRC team and bake holiday treats with the PSP team. 
Register

Casual Child Care

Try Casual Child for a few hours of respite or to get things done without your "little helper".
More information

Supporting Children Through Absence

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