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Military Moves


How to Connect with Other DND Families in Halifax

How to Connect with Other DND Families in Halifax

One of the realities of military life is constant change — new homes, new cities, new routines. But the good news? Halifax is one of the easiest places in Canada to connect with other DND families. People here are warm, welcoming and incredibly community-minded. Whether you're looking for playdates, social circles, support networks or just someone who understands the military lifestyle, you'll find it here.

If you're new to the area (or even if you've been here a bit), here are the best ways to meet fellow CAF families and build your own Halifax support network.


Start with the MFRC — It's the Hub

The Halifax & Region MFRC is hands down the easiest and quickest way to meet other families.

They host:

  • Welcome events for newcomers
  • Coffee mornings
  • Deployment support groups
  • Family activities
  • Youth programs
  • Holiday events
  • Special workshops for spouses

The MFRC is where friendships start — especially during those first few months when everything feels new.

Join Local Facebook & Community Groups

Halifax has a very active military presence online, and groups are easy places to ask questions, find events and meet people who understand the posting lifestyle.

Common groups include:

  • Halifax DND spouse groups
  • Shearwater-focused family groups
  • Buy/sell/trade groups geared toward CAF families
  • Neighbourhood Facebook groups in Bedford, Dartmouth, Eastern Passage and the peninsula

These spaces help you meet people before you even arrive.

Connect Through Your Neighbourhood

DND families are spread throughout HRM, but there are definitely hotspots where it's easier to bump into each other:

  • Eastern Passage (Shearwater proximity)
  • North End Halifax (Dockyard and Stadacona)
  • Downtown Dartmouth
  • Bedford & Bedford West
  • Cole Harbour
  • Sackville

Join neighbourhood groups, local events, block parties or community sports — it doesn't take long before you start recognizing familiar faces.

Military Kids = Instant Community

If you have children, the military community naturally forms around:

  • Schools
  • Playgrounds
  • Sports
  • MFRC youth programs
  • Base-specific children's events

Kids are the fastest icebreakers. Before you know it, you're setting up carpools, weekend outings and group chats with other parents.

Try Local Activities That Attract Military Families

Halifax has activities that naturally draw CAF members and their families:

  • Rec centre programs
  • Swimming lessons
  • Dance studios
  • Martial arts classes
  • Hockey, soccer and rugby leagues
  • Outdoor adventure groups
  • DIY and crafting classes

These activities attract lots of newcomers, so everyone is in the same “let's meet people” mindset.

Attend Community Events Around HRM

Halifax is full of free or low-cost events that are perfect for mingling.

Great places to connect include:

  • Seaport Farmers' Market
  • Alderney Landing events
  • Halifax Common festivals
  • Outdoor movie nights
  • Summer concerts
  • Waterfront celebrations
  • Holiday parades

Haligonians love being out and about — blend in and you'll meet people naturally.

Say Yes to Coffee — Halifax Runs on It

Halifax's café culture is strong.

You'll find CAF families meeting at:

  • Two If By Sea
  • The Nook
  • Java Blend
  • Café Lara
  • Cortado Tasting Room
  • Lucky Penny

It's easy to start with one casual meetup and walk away with two or three new friends.

Lean Into “Military Small World” Moments

CAF life has its own kind of magic. You meet someone at a Halifax event, realize you both lived in the same PMQs five years ago, or you know the same families from another base.

These small-world connections happen constantly here. Embrace them — they're part of the charm.

Volunteer or Get Involved

Volunteering is one of the best ways to build deep connections quickly.

You can volunteer with:

  • The MFRC
  • Local charities
  • School programs
  • Youth sports
  • Community events
  • Veteran support organizations

Halifax has a huge volunteer culture — you'll find purpose and people at the same time.

Don't Be Shy — Haligonians Aren't

People in Halifax talk to strangers everywhere.

In line at a bakery. At the dog park. Outside the school. On the ferry.

If you smile and say hello, you'll fit right in.

This is one of the easiest cities in Canada to make friends — truly.


Final Thoughts

Connecting with other DND families in Halifax is easier than you might think. Between the MFRC, neighbourhood groups, kids' activities, social events and good old-fashioned Halifax friendliness, it won't take long before you build a solid support network that feels like home.

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Andrea Davis

Comox Valley

Andrea Davis has come home to the Comox Valley for the lifestyle she loves. She started her successful Real Estate career in Ontario while her husband was posted there, Reaching top 6-10% in the regional market place.

Contact Andrea Today

Sales Representative at Royal LePage

Who is Andrea?

“When my husband retired, after 25 years in the Canadian Military, it was a short conversation to decide where to move with our family. Out of all the places we lived, the Comox Valley has always been the place we considered home.” For most people their home is the biggest investment of their life. Andrea knows the details that reduce the risk and understands the stress of moving. She focuses on finding clients the right home. Repeat business and referrals are the foundation of her business. She makes a donation for every sale to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Her work ethic will move you. In 2018 Andrea was excited to make Directors Platinum which is top 5% in her marketplace.

Jane Furter Broker, B.A. (HONS)

Kingston, Ontario.

RRP- REGISTERED RELOCATION PROFESSIONAL

Real Estate Broker Royal LePage

Contact Jane Today

Real Estate Broker Royal LePage

Jane Furter Approach

Welcome to beautiful Kingston, Ontario.  Buying or selling a home is a big decision and you need an experienced professional to guide you through the process. When you work with me, you can count on personal, attentive, patient service, excellent knowledge of the area, great negotiation skills and expert selling strategies.

Jennifer Turcotte

Petawawa

Real Estate Broker RE/MAX

Jennifer Approach

Jennifer brings to the table a strong background in sales, marketing and negotiation. Emphasis on extraordinary service producing outstanding results is the backbone of her business and this philosophy has served her clients well over the years. Because of the unparalleled service provided by Jennifer, clients return time and again and also are happy to refer their family and friends. You can always be assured that your real estate needs will be met and exceed when Jennifer handles your real estate transaction in Petawawa, Pembroke, Deep River, Chalk River and beyond!

Adam Mills

OTTAWA

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

4-3101 STRANDHERD DR, OTTAWA ON K2G 4R9

Who is Adam?

Adam Mills is an energetic, dedicated and approachable professional who strives to assist his clients in fulfilling their real estate dreams. He provides expert and timely guidance and aims to build long-lasting and professional relationships.
With an honours bachelor of commerce degree, specializing in marketing, Adam’s creativity and ingenuity create positive results. His goal is to maximize your return on investment in a timely fashion.
For Buyers: Adam’s comprehensive market knowledge and strong negotiating skills will ensure you find a home that meets your needs and wants at a great price.

Karen Syroid

GAGETOWN

The Real Estate industry is one big misunderstood paradox for most people. It's a Universal language; everyone speaks it - and yet there are still so many questions surrounding it. In my previous experience as a Real Estate consumer, not knowing what questions to ask I realized the process needed work.

Contact Karen Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

Who is Karen?

My career prior to choosing Real Estate was pretty darn awesome, spanning 10 years of people and relationship management in both Private and Public sectors. In my District Sales Management role I managed 6 talented leaders spanning 3 provinces and 160 sales staff, and was awarded Top District Manager and Top Talent Retention for Canada and the US. Travelling for a living was exciting but starting a family was a personal goal and priority. After proceeding to work in a Management role with the NB Government, including leading and negotiating a National contract on behalf of the Province, it was time to put my professional skillset to work in the Real Estate sector.
My friends and family would say I live life in the fullest way. An optimist by nature and always open to new experiences. Last minute trip? Concert tickets for tonight? I'm your girl I absolutely love spending quality time with my family, turning the TV off and playing board games, and I truly value the lost art of conversation over a gin or craft beer. I have a passion for home design and I believe in buying local, supporting and investing in our Community and growing our local market. And not to brag but pretty sure if there was a sommelier equivalent for nachos and poutine, I'd make Master level.
My husband would consider me a risk taker but I would argue a calculated one. Did I leave a fulfilling, Full Time, permanent and pensioned career with the Government for the unknown? I sure did but you'd better believe it was a 5-year move in the making and it came with a solid business plan - and as they say, with great risk comes great reward. Our daughter Kate was born in 2017 which has been the greatest reward of all, and I'm proud to be instilling in her the values I was taught growing up; that women are smart, powerful, resilient, independent, inspirational...they can have a strong work ethic and a fulfilling career, AND be the nurturing, soft place to fall that children need.
The recognition with Royal LePage has come quickly, reaching Diamond level (top 3%) and Top 10 individual agents in the Atlantics consistently since 2014. Selling Real Estate is a form of art. It takes good clear thought, strategy, planning and great instinct. My mission is to Re-define Real Estate, and I've been “doing it” for hundreds of clients since 2012.

Susan Horon

Edmonton

Real Estate Agent
Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate

Contact Susan Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate

Who is Susan?

Susan can be described as an energetic and caring professional. Her moral code is to treat every client as she would want to be treated. This means you can expect respect and attention to detail. Value for the time and effort you are investing with her. After 17 years as a full time real estate agent her wealth of knowledge in the industry is a valuable asset to any form of Real Estate, especially relocation. She is a lifelong resident of Edmonton and has a strong grasp of each community in and around Edmonton. She knows what these areas have to offer and how to translate that into a wise real estate investment for you. Your house needs to be a home, but also needs to be a smart choice for your future. As we know in relocations, tomorrow may bring more change and she is always thinking resale not just a quick sale. She has plenty of experience with Military relocations. These situations require dedication, sense of urgency, patience, a strong grasp of the protocols required and the ability to guide the client appropriately. She understands the stress a relocation has on a family and will make every effort to relieve as much of that stress as she can. Her goal as your agent is create long lasting relationships with you through trust and proven commitment.

Susan is a proud supporter of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation helping many women and children across Canada face life’s adversities. Susan was the past chair and governor of the Edmonton Realtors Community Foundation which has given back over $3 million to the grassroots charities in the area. She cares about her city and donates time and money to improve it. Susan is honored to be an educational trainer for Royal LePage Noralta, teaching new agents how to be successful in their career. Previously Susan worked 19 years in the dental industry. She has brought with her to real estate the strong ethics and high standard of service she learned in that previous career. This has all translated in to success as a top producing Real Estate professional.