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
Receive Posting Message
Register on bgrsguide.bgrs.ca, complete your Preliminary Relocation Assessment (PRA), and contact us immediately — even before HHT dates are confirmed.
Select Turner Realty as Your TPSP
Find us in the BGRS Third Party Service Provider directory. We invoice BGRS directly — no out-of-pocket cost to you.
House Hunting Trip (HHT)
You're entitled to 5 days + 5 nights at destination, plus 2 travel days. Can extend up to 4 additional days with CO approval. 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 BGRS, your lawyer, and the seller to ensure closing aligns with your posting timeline.
Post Out? We Handle That Too
Your departure sale commission is also covered through Core funding. We list and sell your home when you post out.
House Hunting Trip (HHT) Entitlements
At Destination
5 days + 5 nights at destination
Travel Days
2 travel days included
Extension
Up to 4 additional days with CO approval
HHT Incentive
$250 savings incentive if you shorten your trip
Movement Grant
$650 non-taxable Movement Grant
DIT Alternative
3 days + 3 nights if inspection only
BGRS Contact: 1-800-266-9675 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm Eastern)
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–6
English and French Immersion tracks. Airport Heights catchment.
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
- IRP covers: Real estate commissions on BOTH purchase AND departure sale
- Sale-to-list ratio: 97.95% — strong resale when you post out
Why Buying Often Makes Sense
- With IRP covering commissions, the real cost of buying drops significantly
- 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: cfha-alfc.gander@forces.gc.ca
CANEX On-Base Shopping
Tax-free military retail.
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.