Welcome to National Capital Region
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY
Useful Resources
- About the Region
- Connect with MFS-NCR
- Education & Employment
- Transportation
- Housing & Finances
- Medical & Other Services
- Holiday Crisis Resources
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 TourismWhy 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
- The Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)
- The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)
- Conseils des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO)
- Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE)
- 4 publicly-funded school boards serving Ottawa. Elementary and Secondary - Ottawa Insights
Gatineau School Boards
- Commission scolaire des Draveurs (Available in French only)
- Commission scolaire des Portages-de-l’Outaouais (Available in French only)
- Commission scolaire des Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais (Available in French only)
Employment
A dynamic economic hub with top employers in the government, high tech industries, healthcare, and education.Driver's License & Vehicle Registration
Vehicle Registration is required within 90 days of taking up residence in Ontario or Quebec.
- Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)
- General Inquiries: 1-800-268-4686
- Road Tests & Exams: (613) 731-3731
- Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec
- General Inquiries: 1-800-361-565-7763
- Road Tests & Exams: 1-888-667-8687
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).- OC Transpo: (613) 741-4390
- Société de transport de l’Outaouais: (819) 770-3242
Housing/Accommodations
- Canadian Forces Housing Agency
- (613) 990-2985 or (613) 521-2696
- After hours 1-800-903-2342
- PSP Housing (Self Help)
- 613-521-2696
- 613-521-2696
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
- Overview of child and family benefits - Canada.ca
- Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
- (613) 941-9300 or 1-800-387-1193
- Régie des rentes du Québec
- (819) 772-3049 or 1-800-667-9625
Financial Aid
- SISIP Financial Services (loans for military personnel)
- (613) 760-3406
- Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
- (807) 343-7260 or 1-800-465-3013
- TTY: 1-800-465-3958 within Ontario
Medical
- The Ottawa Hospital
- The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
- The Queensway-Carleton Hospital
- The Montfort Hospital
- The Royal Ottawa Hospital
- In addition to the hospitals, there are numerous medical clinics.
Government and Community Services
| RESOURCE | POINT OF CONTACT |
|---|---|
| CFSG-OG Base Ops After Hours | 343-543-0853 |
| NCR MPs Non-Emergency | 613-596-0124 / 613-995-0123 |
| NCR MPs Emergency | 613-820-0123 |
| Chaplain | 613-901-6632 / 613-998-3246 |
| Duty Chaplain | (Through MP Emergency) 613-820-0123 |
| Military Family Services | 613-998-4888 |
| Short Term Housing (Military) | Contact Chaplain (24/7) and/or PSP Military Housing (working hours only) 613-521-2696 |
| CF Health Services (CFSG-OG) Main Reception | 613-945-1111 |
| CFSU-OG Social Worker | 613-945-1060 |
| MFRC Social Worker | 613-998-4885 |
| CAF / PS Member & Employee Assistance Program | 1-800-268-7708 |
| Suicide Prevention Society of Canada | 988 |
| Hope For Wellness (Indigenous) | 1-855-242-3310 |
| Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa | 613-747-7800 |
| Direction de la protection de la jeunesse | 1-800-463-4834 |
| Ottawa Distress Centre | 613-238-3311 |
| Tel-Aide Outaouais (French) Ottawa | 613-741-6433 |
| Tel-Aide Outaouais (French) Gatineau | 819-775-3223 |
| Mental Health Crisis Line | 613-722-6914 |
| Centre d’aide 24/7 (QC residents) | 819-595-9999 |
| Kids Help Phone | 1-800-668-6868 |
| Jeunesse, j’écoute (QC residents) | 1-800-668-6868 |
| 24/7 Crisis Line / Mobile Crisis and Intake Services (Youth) | 613-260-2360 |
| Family Information Line (24/7) | 1-800-866-4546 |
| New Directions (for men) | 613-233-8478 |
| The Men’s Project | 613-230-6179 |
| Assaulted Women’s Helpline (ON residents) | 1-866-863-0511 |
| Fem’Aide | 1-877-336-2433 |
| SOS Conjugal Violence (QC residents) | 1-800-363-9010 |
| Cornerstone Housing for Women | 613-254-6584 |
| Distress Centre Ottawa – Call | 613-238-3311 |
| Distress Centre Ottawa – Text | 343-306-5550 |
| Distress Centre Ottawa – Chat | www.dcottawa.on.ca |
| 211 Ontario (Resource Directory Assistance) | 211ontario.ca |
| COS PPM Chief – CWO Lars Penniston | 613-297-7518 |
-
About the Region
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
CornwallAbout 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 GatineauWhat 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 -
Connect with MFS-NCR
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 & Employment
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
- The Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)
- The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)
- Conseils des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO)
- Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE)
- 4 publicly-funded school boards serving Ottawa. Elementary and Secondary - Ottawa Insights
Gatineau School Boards
- Commission scolaire des Draveurs (Available in French only)
- Commission scolaire des Portages-de-l’Outaouais (Available in French only)
- Commission scolaire des Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais (Available in French only)
Employment
A dynamic economic hub with top employers in the government, high tech industries, healthcare, and education. -
Transportation
Driver's License & Vehicle Registration
Vehicle Registration is required within 90 days of taking up residence in Ontario or Quebec.
- Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)
- General Inquiries: 1-800-268-4686
- Road Tests & Exams: (613) 731-3731
- Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec
- General Inquiries: 1-800-361-565-7763
- Road Tests & Exams: 1-888-667-8687
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).- OC Transpo: (613) 741-4390
- Société de transport de l’Outaouais: (819) 770-3242
- Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)
-
Housing & Finances
Housing/Accommodations
- Canadian Forces Housing Agency
- (613) 990-2985 or (613) 521-2696
- After hours 1-800-903-2342
- PSP Housing (Self Help)
- 613-521-2696
- 613-521-2696
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
- Overview of child and family benefits - Canada.ca
- Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
- (613) 941-9300 or 1-800-387-1193
- Régie des rentes du Québec
- (819) 772-3049 or 1-800-667-9625
Financial Aid
- SISIP Financial Services (loans for military personnel)
- (613) 760-3406
- Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
- (807) 343-7260 or 1-800-465-3013
- TTY: 1-800-465-3958 within Ontario
- Canadian Forces Housing Agency
-
Medical & Other Services
Medical
- The Ottawa Hospital
- The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
- The Queensway-Carleton Hospital
- The Montfort Hospital
- The Royal Ottawa Hospital
- In addition to the hospitals, there are numerous medical clinics.
Government and Community Services
-
Holiday Crisis Resources
RESOURCE POINT OF CONTACT CFSG-OG Base Ops After Hours 343-543-0853 NCR MPs Non-Emergency 613-596-0124 / 613-995-0123 NCR MPs Emergency 613-820-0123 Chaplain 613-901-6632 / 613-998-3246 Duty Chaplain (Through MP Emergency) 613-820-0123 Military Family Services 613-998-4888 Short Term Housing (Military) Contact Chaplain (24/7) and/or PSP Military Housing (working hours only) 613-521-2696 CF Health Services (CFSG-OG) Main Reception 613-945-1111 CFSU-OG Social Worker 613-945-1060 MFRC Social Worker 613-998-4885 CAF / PS Member & Employee Assistance Program 1-800-268-7708 Suicide Prevention Society of Canada 988 Hope For Wellness (Indigenous) 1-855-242-3310 Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa 613-747-7800 Direction de la protection de la jeunesse 1-800-463-4834 Ottawa Distress Centre 613-238-3311 Tel-Aide Outaouais (French) Ottawa 613-741-6433 Tel-Aide Outaouais (French) Gatineau 819-775-3223 Mental Health Crisis Line 613-722-6914 Centre d’aide 24/7 (QC residents) 819-595-9999 Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Jeunesse, j’écoute (QC residents) 1-800-668-6868 24/7 Crisis Line / Mobile Crisis and Intake Services (Youth) 613-260-2360 Family Information Line (24/7) 1-800-866-4546 New Directions (for men) 613-233-8478 The Men’s Project 613-230-6179 Assaulted Women’s Helpline (ON residents) 1-866-863-0511 Fem’Aide 1-877-336-2433 SOS Conjugal Violence (QC residents) 1-800-363-9010 Cornerstone Housing for Women 613-254-6584 Distress Centre Ottawa – Call 613-238-3311 Distress Centre Ottawa – Text 343-306-5550 Distress Centre Ottawa – Chat www.dcottawa.on.ca 211 Ontario (Resource Directory Assistance) 211ontario.ca COS PPM Chief – CWO Lars Penniston 613-297-7518