The federal government is unlocking six surplus properties in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and St John’s, NL for residential development, including affordable housing.

The dispositions will create 2,800 new homes, said the government in a news release.

Canada Lands Company, a Crown corporation that specializes in real estate development, will facilitate the construction. Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos pledged more dispositions for residential development.

The disposed properties include parts of decommissioned military bases and former research facilities. In Calgary, disposed lands will be used for 516 homes at Currie. In Edmonton, 711 homes, including 93 affordable housing units, will be constructed at the Village at Griesbach.

The feds are also developing 307 homes at Wateridge Village, 600 suites at Carling Avenue, and 710 homes on Booth Street in Ottawa. And, 34 homes are slated for Pleasantville in St. John’s, NL.

With the sell-off, the government is on track to support the construction of 29,200 new homes over the next six years, according to the news release. In future, projects in Canada Lands Company’s pipeline will have an affordable housing target of 20%.