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This is not a typical military community with a single base. Several communities are spread out throughout the National Capital Region (NCR).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY

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Military Family Services -National Capital Region

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Quick Facts

About Ottawa

Ottawa is split into neighbourhoods in the center, east, west and south. Ottawa has many public and private universities, colleges, and professional schools. Attractions include many cultural institutions, national museums, national archives, the Parliament Buildings, and Parliament Hill, along with nearby Sparks Street, a designated historic street that was the first outdoor pedestrian mall in Canada. 
City of Ottawa
Carleton Place
Cornwall

About Gatineau

Gatineau is a city in western Quebec, Canada. It is the fourth-largest city in the province after Montreal, Quebec City and Laval. It is located on the northern bank of the Ottawa River, immediately across from Ottawa, together with which it forms Canada's National Capital Region. The Canadian Museum of History is based there as well as Gatineau Park which has many beautiful parks to enjoy. 
City of Gatineau

What does it feel like to live in the NCR? 

  • It is a family-friendly area. 
  • City style options with a small town feel. 
  • It is a richly diverse and multicultural. 
  • There’s a vibrant francophone community in Ottawa and beyond.  
  • Many residents are fluent in French and English. Many services are available in the official language of your choice, and also in other foreign languages. 

What does Ottawa have to offer? 

  • Over 1,000 city parks. 
  • 170 kms of bike paths. 
  • 4 beaches. 
  • 7 museums and galleries, monuments including Parliament Hill. 
  • 200 square metres of protected greenspace. 

The world largest skating surface, and more! There is something to do for all in all 4 seasons whether you prefer the indoors or outdoors.  

Ottawa Tourism 
Why choose Ottawa | City of Ottawa 
Learn More about Ottawa
Learn More about Gatineau

How can I find information and stay up-to-date on the local military family services?

  • In order to serve families wherever they live in the broad NCR, your local MFS-NCR Team offers hybrid programs and services. The whole family can benefit from the comfort of the home or join us at various locations across the region!
  • Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook. All updated information on current programs and services are accessible there. Military Family Services - NCR

What is MFS-NCR and what do they offer?

  • First, know that our team does not operate as an MFRC anymore, but as Military Family Services (MFS-NCR). So, you’ll see a change in the way programs and services are delivered to you and your family. But don’t worry! Your local MFS-NCR is here to support you every step of the way!
  • We support families in 6 main key areas of their lives. Feel free to contact our team of Program Specialists - Meet Our Team 

Does the MFS-NCR Team only serve military families living in Ottawa?

Military families live all over the NCR, all the way from Arnprior in the west, Maniwaki in the north, Brockville in the east, and Cornwall in the south. That’s about 100 kms in each direction, and our catchment area keeps expanding as a direct result of the housing market. Your MFR-NCR Team strives to serve all military families wherever they are through the delivery of remote and in-person programs and services. 

Education

There is a variety of top quality education with notably the University of Ottawa (the largest bilingual university in the world); Carleton University; La Cité (the largest French-language college in Ontario), and Algonquin College, which offers programs and services catered to support CAF community.

Ottawa School Boards

Gatineau School Boards

Employment

A dynamic economic hub with top employers in the government, high tech industries, healthcare, and education. For information on employment in NCR, please contact Karen Hamilton. 

Driver's License & Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Registration is required within 90 days of taking up residence in Ontario or Quebec.

Public Transit

Regular bus service on fixed routes, a rapid transit bus system with high frequency service on a Transitway, a light rail transit system – the O-Train – operating on a north-south route, a Para-Transpo service for people with disabilities and the light-rail transit system (LRT).

Housing/Accommodations

Where can I find up-to-date information on the NCR real estate market? 

The Ottawa real estate market is strong. While it is more expensive than in Quebec, resale has historically been easier. It can be tricky to find reliable information on the current real estate market. The Ottawa Real Estate Board and the Canadian Real Estate Association can provide valuable information. To know more, please visit 
Ottawa Real Estate Board | CREA Statistics 

***Disclaimer: the resources shared are for information purposes only. You are responsible for vetting those resources to make sure they are suitable to your needs and those of your loved ones. 

Financial Support

Family Allowance

Financial Aid

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