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Ottawa Moves Are Back On

In a typical year, thousands of women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) move into and out of Ottawa. These moves are required for the Military Personnel System to allow members to have new opportunities, to replace members that have retired and allow for the promotion of Officers and Non-Commissioned Members. These moves are referred to as “posting” in the CAF. Recently, the CAF announced that there will be posting in and out of Ottawa this summer. Apparently, there were discussions about cancelling the entire posting cycle for this year. However, it will take place but with fewer moves than average.

Military Posting System

The Military Personnel System is based on an annual cycle. This culminates in the Active Posting Season (APS). That is when most families actually move. Moves usually occur during the summer months. Most people are posted with an effective date of 15 July. This summer there will be more flexibility about the actual dates

Shorter and Faster Military Sales Season

During normal years families will start thinking about their posting and moves in the late fall/early winter. By February and March, the “posting messages” will begin to be issued; these messages are the legal authority for the move, and no financial commitments can be made before this message is released. Some of these messages will be delayed this year. This means that the military will be buying and selling their homes in a shorter time frame than average.

Start The Planning

When families receive their posting message, they usually start researching on the internet for their new home and neighbourhood details. As the process of planning their move continues, a house-hunting trip to Ottawa will be arranged. Due to the changes made this year, many will be later than usual. This reinforces the importance of having the very best online virtual tours as possible. At this stage, the family will be going online to research housing opportunities. It is always a good idea to monitor the Family aspects of the CAF by checking the Canadian Military Family Magazine https://www.cmfmag.ca. and @CMFMag and Twitter  

Military Move West

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of Defence Department and CAF members working at the Carling Campus of National Defence Headquarters. This has seen a shift to buying in the west of Ottawa and Kanata. Other factors that make this area appealing to military families are future LRT line and the Kanata Park and Ride which will allow families to access downtown Ottawa

Get Ready for a very busy time helping CAF families sell and purchase their homes in the next few months.