So, you just received your posting message to Ottawa. First off: Welcome to the Capital. Whether you’re heading to NDHQ Carling, Leitrim, or Uplands, an Ottawa posting is a major milestone. But before you start dreaming of skating the Canal or exploring the Gatineau Hills, you have to navigate the BGRS (Brookfield Global Relocation Services) machine.
Navigating the Integrated Relocation Program (IRP) can feel like learning a second language. This guide breaks down exactly what to do first, how your benefits work, and how to ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table during your home purchase.
I just received my posting message—what’s the first thing I do?
The clock starts now. Once you have your official message, follow these three steps immediately:
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Register with BGRS/SIRVA: As of 2026, relocation services are transitioning, but your portal remains your “Source of Truth.” Register within 21 days of receiving your instruction to activate your file.
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Book Your Planning Session: Do not skip this. Your 5-day priority status begins upon registration. This session helps you understand your specific envelope of funding.
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Secure Your Team: Before you even book your flights for a House Hunting Trip (HHT), you need a Realtor and a Lawyer who are already registered in the BGRS/IRP third-party service provider (TPSP) directory.
What does BGRS actually cover when buying in Ottawa?
The IRP is designed to make your move “cost-neutral,” but it’s divided into different buckets. Understanding these is the difference between a stressful move and a seamless one.
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Core Benefits: These cover the essentials—think of them as “must-haves.” This includes your HHT (travel, meals, and 6 nights of lodging), real estate commission on your sale, and legal fees for your purchase.
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Custom (Flex) Dollars: This is a calculated pool of money you can use to “upgrade” your move. Want to extend your HHT? Need to cover a bridge loan? This is where that money comes from.
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Real Estate Incentive (REI): If you choose not to sell your home at your origin and instead rent it out, you may be eligible for an incentive of up to $12,000 (80% of the commission saved).
Can you choose your own Realtor—or does BGRS assign one?
Yes, you can (and should) choose your own Realtor. BGRS does not “assign” an agent to you. However, there is a catch: your Realtor must be familiar with the Integrated Relocation Program (IRP).
When buying in a fast-moving market like Ottawa, you need an agent who understands that an HHT is a “sprint,” not a marathon. You need someone who can:
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Clear their schedule for your 5–7 day window.
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Coordinate home inspections and document uploads directly to the BGRS portal.
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Provide the three comparable sales required by the IRP to justify your purchase price.
Pro Tip: Your Realtor should have a network of IRP-approved home inspectors and lawyers ready to go. If they don’t know what a “substantiating document” is, they aren’t the right fit for a military move.
Moving to Ottawa?
Don’t navigate the BGRS maze alone. We specialize in DND relocations and have helped hundreds of families turn a stressful posting into a successful investment. Contact us today to start your Ottawa home search.
