Housing
There are a variety of housing options in Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island. However, there is a very low vacancy rate for rental units and the cost of buying a home can be expensive. If you are interested in buying a home, housing prices vary depending on the area of town you chose to live in. Prior to moving, research the different areas of Greater Victoria to see which area is the right fit for you.
Quick Links
Resources
Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA)
CFHA is the managing authority for the Department of National Defence (DND) housing portfolio. There are 709 housing units in eight different locations. All housing units are located within a 25 kilometer radius of Naden. Belmont Park is the largest housing location which is located in the West Shore approximately 8 kilometers from Naden.
Brookfield Relocation Services
Brookfield is the relocation specialist for Canadian Forces members. On their website, there are a variety of tools and self-help guides to assist families during their move such as the smart move guide (tips, planning calendar, checklists and tips for moving with a family member with special needs) and other resources.
Base Accommodations
Single Quarters are also offered at CFB Esquimalt. The following is a list of rooms available according to rank:
- Officers: 134 single rooms
- Chief and Petty Officers (sergeant and above): 74 single rooms
- Master Seaman and below (Master Corporal and below): 282 spaces (including, single and double occupancy)
- Junior Officers: 254 spaces
- Transient members of all ranks: 68 single rooms
The quarters available to CAF members are divided amongst the following locations located in the Esquimalt community: Dockyard, Naden, and Work Point. For more information, please contact the Base accommodations at 250-363-4087.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Tools and information to help you buy a house or condominium in Canada plus rental rules and processes for landlords and tenants.
Victoria Real Estate Board
Greater Victoria is one of the most expensive places in Canada to buy a home. As a result, a large number of military families live in Colwood, Langford and Sooke. The Victoria Real Estate Board has information on upcoming open houses, a listing of realtors and the latest statistics for the Greater Victoria area.
View Municipalities
Greater Victoria consists of thirteen municipalities. View a gallery of maps that compares the location of CFB Esquimalt as it compares with those communities.
Community Links for Greater Victoria
| Community | Notes |
|---|---|
| Central Saanich | Known for rich agricultural heritage. Close to 443 Squadron. |
| Colwood | Home to the Belmont Park Housing Units, the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre (CPAC), Fleet Dive Unit, and the Damage Control School. 11% of military families live in Colwood. |
| Esquimalt | Home to the Work Point Housing Units, Dockyard, Naden and the Naval Officer Training Centre (NOTC). 20% of military families live in Esquimalt. |
| Highlands | Known for quiet rural setting. |
| Langford | Growing community with a wide range of services and amenities. 15% of military families live in Langford. |
| Metchosin | 9% of military families live in Metchosin. |
| North Saanich | Home to 443 Squadron. Also home to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and Victoria International Airport. |
| Oak Bay | Known for its Tudor style homes, tearooms and picturesque gardens. |
| Saanich | Largest municipality on Vancouver Island. |
| Sidney | Close to 443 Squadron, Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, and Victoria International Airport. |
| Sooke | 8% of military families live in Sooke. |
| Victoria | Capital city of British Columbia and home to the provincial government. |
| View Royal | Location of Victoria General Hospital. |
