BGRS / SIRVA Military Relocation Guide 2026: Moving to Ottawa with the Canadian Armed Forces

BGRS vs SIRVA: what's the difference?

If you've been around the CAF for a while, BGRS is probably still the name that comes out automatically. You'll hear “BGRS HHT,” “BGRS guide” and “BGRS relocation” even when people are talking about the current program.

For current CAF relocations, SIRVA Canada Limited is the contracted relocation service provider managing the CAF Relocation Program. That is why this guide uses both BGRS and SIRVA: BGRS remains a common legacy search term and piece of military vocabulary, while SIRVA is the name members will encounter in the current program.

The important part is simple: follow the instructions attached to your posting, use the current relocation system identified for your file, and rely on the current CAF Relocation Directive for entitlements. Don't assume a benefit works the same way because it did on your last posting.

You received your posting message. What should you do first?

Before you start saving 87 houses on your phone, get the relocation pieces organized. Confirm your relocation instructions, activate or register your file as directed, review your benefits with the relocation provider, and start planning the housing side of the move.

For an Ottawa posting, the first housing questions are usually: Where will I work? Are we buying or renting? Do we need to sell first? When can we conduct our HHT? How much commute are we willing to tolerate?

Your House Hunting Trip (HHT) to Ottawa

An HHT is a sprint. The goal should not be to arrive in Ottawa and begin figuring out the city from scratch. Before you land, narrow the search using your work location, budget, acceptable commute, housing type, school or family requirements, and your must-haves versus deal-breakers.

I like to build a ranked shortlist before the HHT so the first day is spent viewing genuine contenders — not driving from one end of Ottawa to the other because a listing looked nice online.

Read the Ottawa House Hunting Trip playbook →

Where will you be working in Ottawa?

NDHQ Carling — 3500 Carling Avenue

For personnel working at the Carling Campus, west-end communities such as Kanata, Stittsville, Bells Corners and parts of Nepean or Barrhaven may be worth investigating. The right answer still depends on budget, housing style and how much commuting you want to do.

CFS Leitrim and south Ottawa

For personnel working around CFS Leitrim, communities such as Findlay Creek, Riverside South, Barrhaven and other south-Ottawa areas can make practical sense. A home that looks farther away on a map can sometimes have the better commute, so test the route at the hours you expect to travel.

Best Ottawa neighbourhoods for military families

There is no single “military neighbourhood” I would recommend to everyone. The better question is: which neighbourhood fits your workplace, budget, family and posting?

• Kanata — established and newer west-end options, useful for many Carling Campus commuters.
• Stittsville — family-oriented west-end suburban living with plenty of newer housing.
• Barrhaven — a large south-west suburb with townhomes, detached homes and broad amenities.
• Riverside South — growing south Ottawa community with newer construction and good access to several employment areas.
• Findlay Creek — especially worth a look for members working near CFS Leitrim.
• Orléans — a major east-end suburb with extensive housing and amenities; consider the cross-city commute if you work in the west.
• Richmond — smaller-community feel and more space for buyers willing to accept a longer commute.

Compare Ottawa neighbourhoods by DND work location →

Should you buy or rent when posted to Ottawa?

Buying is not automatically the right answer just because you've been posted somewhere. Posting duration, finances, transaction costs, the current Ottawa market and your longer-term plans all matter.

If you're buying during an HHT, have financing organized before arrival and divide your wish list into must have, nice to have and absolutely not. That sounds simple, but it keeps a compressed home search focused.

If your posting may be short or your plans are uncertain, renting can be the smarter move. Ottawa offers everything from downtown condos to suburban townhouses and detached rentals. The same formula still applies: workplace + commute + budget + lifestyle.

Home inspections and new construction during a military move

When circumstances permit, discuss inspections before your HHT rather than after you have an accepted offer. Older homes, rural properties, wells, septic systems and other property-specific issues may require additional expertise.

New construction can also work well for CAF families, particularly in Ottawa's growing suburbs, but pay close attention to deposits, closing costs, construction timelines and possible delays. A builder's schedule does not automatically line up with your COS date.

What does SIRVA/BGRS cover?

This is where I don't want anyone relying on an old Facebook post, a buddy's move from three years ago, or even an older version of this website. Relocation rules and entitlements can change.

The current CAF Relocation Directive sets the benefits and expenses applicable to eligible moves, while the contracted relocation service provider administers the program and related services. Confirm your specific entitlement through your current relocation documentation and provider before spending money you expect to be reimbursed.

Can you choose your own REALTOR® during a military move?

Your relocation instructions may include requirements or processes for third-party service providers. Follow the current rules for your file. On the practical side, look for a REALTOR® who understands the compressed timeline of an HHT, military documentation, Ottawa commute patterns and the difference between a normal home search and a posting-driven move.

Ottawa military relocation FAQ

Is BGRS still used for Canadian military moves?

BGRS remains a very common legacy term among CAF members. The current CAF Relocation Program contract is with SIRVA Canada Limited, so use the current instructions for your individual relocation rather than relying on old BGRS procedures.

What is an HHT?

HHT means House Hunting Trip. Eligible members may be authorized to travel to the new location to secure accommodation. Your authorization, duration and eligible expenses should be confirmed through your current relocation file and the CAF Relocation Directive.

Where should I live if I work at NDHQ Carling?

Kanata, Stittsville, Bells Corners and parts of Nepean or Barrhaven are common starting points to investigate. Budget, housing needs and commute tolerance determine the better fit.

Where should I live if I work at CFS Leitrim?

Findlay Creek and Riverside South are obvious places to investigate, with Barrhaven and other south-Ottawa communities also worth considering.

When should I contact an Ottawa REALTOR®?

You do not need to wait until the HHT is booked. An early conversation can help you understand neighbourhoods, commuting and housing prices before you arrive, which makes the HHT far more productive.

Posted to Ottawa? Start planning before your HHT

Start with three questions: Where am I working? What do I want to spend? What kind of home and lifestyle does my family want? From there, Ottawa gets much easier to narrow down.