About 9 Wing Gander
9 Wing Gander is a Royal Canadian Air Force base adjacent to Gander International Airport. Home to 103 Search and Rescue Squadron, operating CH-149 Cormorant helicopters on 24-hour standby covering Newfoundland and Labrador, northeastern Quebec, the eastern Arctic, and the western North Atlantic.
The wing also hosts:
• CFS Leitrim Detachment Gander (signals intelligence)
• 5 Canadian Rangers Patrol Group
• 29 Military Police Flight
• 9 Air Reserve Flight
The base is a 5-minute walk from Gander International Airport terminal to the main gate, making family arrivals seamless.
Your IRP Relocation — Step by Step
Last reviewed: 2026-10-08. This is general guidance. What you are entitled to depends on your posting message, your member status and the date your relocation file was authorized; the Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (1 April 2026) and your relocation provider decide what applies to you.
Receive Posting Message
Register with SIRVA, which now handles all CAF relocations (BGRS closed on October 1, 2026), and contact us immediately — even before HHT dates are confirmed.
Select Turner Realty as Your TPSP
Find us in your relocation provider's Third Party Service Provider listings in SIRVA.
House Hunting Trip (HHT)
A standard HHT is up to 5 days at the destination, with travel time of no more than 1 day each way. You can extend by up to 4 more days and nights on paid leave. We'll have properties pre-screened before you land.
Choose Your Home
We guide you through offers, inspections, and conditions — all within your IRP timeline and COS date.
Move & Close
We coordinate with your relocation provider, your lawyer, and the seller to ensure closing aligns with your posting timeline.
Post Out? We Handle That Too
The real estate commission on the sale of your residence is reimbursed from your Core Account, up to the pre-negotiated corporate rates. We list and sell your home when you post out.
Want the full day-by-day breakdown, from posting message to unpacking the last box? Read our complete 9 Wing Gander relocation timeline →
House Hunting Trip (HHT) Entitlements
At Destination
Up to 5 days at destination (standard HHT)
Travel Time
No more than 1 day each way
Extension
Up to 4 additional days and nights, on paid leave
Additional HHTs
Allowed when the first HHT is unsuccessful
Movement Grant
$650 non-accountable Movement Grant
DIT Alternative
Up to 3 days, instead of an HHT (not both)
SIRVA now handles all Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP relocations; BGRS closed on October 1, 2026, and its registered providers, including our team, moved to SIRVA. You get your own SIRVA contact numbers when you sign up.
Neighbourhoods Near 9 Wing Gander
Airport Heights
Closest to 9 Wing. Quiet streets, established bungalows 1970s–90s. Price range: $200K–$350K. Perfect for military families wanting a short commute.
Elizabeth Drive & Town Centre
Walkable to shops, schools, and services. Mix of character homes and updated properties. Price range: $250K–$400K.
Cooper Blvd & Steele's Hill
Newer development, modern two-storeys. Popular with young professionals and growing families. Price range: $350K–$550K.
Bennett Drive & New Builds
Newest construction zone with energy-efficient designs and secondary suites. Price range: $400K–$600K+.
Schools & Education
Gander Academy
K–3
English and French Immersion tracks. Airport Heights catchment.
Gander Elementary
4–6
English and French Immersion tracks.
St. Paul's Intermediate
7–9
Bennett Dr / Steele's Hill / Cobb's Pond catchment.
Gander Collegiate
10–12
Serves all of Gander.
College of the North Atlantic
Post-secondary education and trades training.
Childcare & Daycares
Peter Pan, New Fun Land, and 10+ registered home-based daycares.
Rent vs. Buy on a Posting
Quick Facts
- Average posting to Gander: 2–4 years
- Average home price (2025): $359K — well below national average
- Rental market: Tight, $1,200–$1,400/month for 2-bed
- CAF directive covers: The real estate commission on the sale of your residence (up to pre-negotiated corporate rates); check your file for purchase-side costs
- Sale-to-list ratio: 97.95% — strong resale when you post out
Why Buying Often Makes Sense
- With the departure-sale commission reimbursed, owning through a posting can cost less than it first looks
- Postings of 2+ years: Buying typically beats renting
- Build equity instead of paying landlord
- Strong Gander market = confident resale
- Stable, military-friendly community with family services
- No landlord approval needed for renovations or pets
Cost of Living: Gander vs. Other Postings
| Expense | Gander, NL | Halifax, NS | Ottawa, ON |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Bed Home (Average Price) | $265K | $450K | $625K |
| Monthly Mortgage (5% dn, 5yr rate) | ~$1,380 | ~$2,350 | ~$3,260 |
| Property Tax / Year | $2,200 | $3,800 | $5,100 |
| Groceries (Family / Month) | $950 | $900 | $950 |
| Utilities (Average / Month) | $350 | $280 | $250 |
| Childcare (1 Child / Month) | $800 | $950 | $1,100 |
| MONTHLY TOTAL (Housing + Utilities + Daycare) | ~$2,530 | ~$3,380 | ~$4,610 |
Bottom line: Save $1,500–$2,000+/month on housing vs. Ottawa. Gander offers both affordability and quality of life.
Base Amenities & Support Services
9 Wing Recreation Centre
Open to associate members.
Pool, weight room, cardio equipment, sauna, and gymnasium. Hours: Mon–Thu 1–9:45pm, Fri 1–8pm, weekends 8:30am–6pm.
Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC)
Full support for families.
Deployment support, relocation assistance, employment programs, children's and youth programs, and community events.
Housing Services Centre
On-base housing support.
127 Sullivan Ave. Phone: 709-256-1703 ext 1291. Email: [email protected]
CANEX On-Base Shopping
Military retail. CANEX collects the applicable sales taxes (PST, GST and/or HST) on sales in Canada.
Grocery, pharmacy, clothing, and general merchandise with military pricing and benefits.
Your Relocation Team
Office: 709-256-7999
Military Family Reviews
"Ashley was incredibly helpful throughout the process. Before I arrived for my HHT, we were in communication regarding options. During the search she was quick to reply, get answers and showing set up."
"We had an exceptional experience with Ashley from Royal LePage. Her market knowledge and proactive communication ensured a successful sale."
"We were blessed to have Crystal as our Realtor for the purchase and sale of our home. She is a pleasure to work with."
Quick Links
Your Posting. Our Priority.
Contact us as soon as you receive your posting message — the earlier we connect, the more we can do.