10/30/2026
The Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre is a new, purpose built, facility to support Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. The challenges of relocating families when service members are relocated, as well as supporting families while service members are deployed can have real effects on the health and well-being of family members. This facility brings together disparate services that were scattered across repurposed housing units or other buildings and provides a central, community-oriented, building. This includes licensed daycare space, after-school and drop in centre childcare, as well as counselling, support, and other services. The building also provides a home for the Petawawa Post, an award winning military newspaper that has served the community since 1944. A central multi-purpose space provides a reunification space for returning deployed personnel as well as a community room for events, gatherings and activities. The daycare and community room are supported by full commercial kitchens.
The building design is envisioned as a butterfly with wings providing the multifaceted support needed for the CAF community. A central public entrance welcomes visitors to the inclusive facility, providing barrier free access, gender-neutral washrooms, and passive way-finding throughout the building. The building design is on track to achieve LEED Silver Certification and is zero operational carbon, using no GHG in kitchens, HVAC or other systems.
