Homes Website News – Winnipeg Free Press

The Skye design manages to pack in tons of style and livability.

Family-friendly two-storey has small footprint, loads of functionality

Todd Lewys 5 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

Over the past few years, builders have been constructing two-storey homes on smaller lots to make dwellings more affordable for prospective buyers.

It goes without saying that building a residence on a narrower lot is a challenging task.

That’s because the utmost precision is required to come up with a home that feels spacious and welcoming. Every detail of its design must be considered to maximize functionality and livability.

Broadview Homes’ 2026 Spring Parade of Homes show home at 168 Ruth Crossing is a shining example of a well-considered house design, says Lisa Castro of Coldwell Banker Preferred Real Estate.

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TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS
Families will love the West End home’s wonderful blend of modern functionality and timeless styling.

Character-filled starter home checks all the boxes for families

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Character-filled starter home checks all the boxes for families

Todd Lewys 6 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

When it comes to ranking oxymorons, the term, “move-in-ready starter home” has to be close to the top of the list, or at least in the top five.

That’s because it’s very rare to find a starter abode that’s truly in move-in-ready condition.

However, there are exceptions.

A character-filled one-and-three-quarter-storey home found at 635 Ashburn St., in the city’s West End is as close to turn-key as you’ll find, says Eric Neumann of Real Brokers.

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2:00 AM CDT

Be smart with basement ceilings

Marc LaBossiere 7 minute read Preview

Be smart with basement ceilings

Marc LaBossiere 7 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

Of all the lower-level and basement full-gut and remodels achieved throughout the years, only a handful have been finished with drywalled ceilings — and there’s a good reason for that.

In most homes, services mapped throughout the structure originate from the basement. And due to this, many of the joist cavities throughout the lower-level ceiling contain controls or supply lines for ventilation and water and often even electrical junction boxes, all stemming from a variety of scenarios and for specific reasons. Permanently covering these features is a big mistake.

At one job site in the Sage Creek area, the dwelling was considered a new build, only a few years old and the lower level had not been addressed at all. The bare-lumber staircase led to an entirely empty space with concrete walls along the perimeter.

Eventually, the interior wall configuration was designed, and the project began to take shape. Unlike most basements that showcase shorter wall heights, this new home’s lower level boasts nine-foot ceilings. And for the most part, the services were confined to the utility and furnace rooms, thereby allowing with ease the installation of drywall along the ceilings.

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2:00 AM CDT

Aubin Nurseries photo
Expect high demand for Always Together Rose, new for 2026. Sale royalties help support the Never Alone Cancer Foundation.

Woody plants make bold, distinctive statements

Colleen Zacharias 7 minute read Preview

Woody plants make bold, distinctive statements

Colleen Zacharias 7 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

We’re on the cusp of a new season in the garden. As the snow begins to retreat over the coming weeks, gradually revealing your garden, it’s an opportunity to study the woody framework.

Will your garden be a blank slate until perennial plants start emerging from the ground? Or are there enough sculptural elements to make the spring garden look interesting even without perennials? Shrubs, with their distinct shapes — round, spiky, columnar, pyramidal, weeping, vase-shaped or ground-hugging — add structure, nuance and character to the garden.

If you’re shopping for shrubs this spring, there are endless options to choose from that will do the job beautifully. But there are also some unusual newcomers to look for this spring.

Quirky, but elegant

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2:00 AM CDT

R. Kato photo
The annual orchid show and sale is always an exceptional opportunity for stunning photography.

Take in rare species and incredible hybrids at annual orchids show and sale

Colleen Zacharias 6 minute read Preview

Take in rare species and incredible hybrids at annual orchids show and sale

Colleen Zacharias 6 minute read Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

It will be a blooming paradise today and tomorrow as the Manitoba Orchid Society hosts its annual orchid show and sale at Breezy Bend Golf and Country Club in Headingley from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

With hundreds of orchids for sale, including rare species and hybrids from expert orchid growers from across the country, this event is the place to be for orchid lovers and anyone who wants to learn more about how to grow and care for unique plants.

“Our members have many methods for successfully nurturing orchids from around the world and adapting them to growing conditions in our Prairie homes,” says Denise Fortier, longtime member of the MOS and one of the event’s organizers. “We can provide reliable growing tips and tricks that work here in Manitoba. If you grow an African violet, you can grow an orchid.

“The educational talks held daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., are really popular,” says Fortier. The talks are free with show admission ($10).

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Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

The home’s living room is huge, and flows into both the kitchen and dining area.

Transcona bi-level offers up potential and value

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Transcona bi-level offers up potential and value

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

It would be an understatement to say these are very challenging times for homebuyers, especially young families.

Just a few short years ago, a solid, relatively contemporary starter home could be purchased for somewhere around $300,000. That is no longer the case today due to two factors.

First, homes have naturally appreciated in value over the last three years. And second, home inventory is very low.

This second factor has created bidding wars. Homes — whether move-in-ready or in need of work — are routinely selling for as much as $80,000-$100,000 over list price, leaving many young families licking their wounds after losing out on listing after listing.

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Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

Todd Lewys / Free Press
A fabulously family-friendly design, the 1,859-sq.-ft., two-storey Hazel is an efficient, elegant design from top to bottom.

Clever use of space elevates Prairie Pointe two-storey

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Clever use of space elevates Prairie Pointe two-storey

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

While a home’s square footage matters, what matters most is the efficiency of its layout.

When a home’s layout has been engineered to maximize its efficiency and utility, chances are it will feel that much more livable. At the same time, such dwellings will feel significantly bigger than the listed square footage.

That’s the case with the Hazel, Hilton Homes’ 2026 Spring Parade of Homes show home at 301 Granite Grove Rd. in Prairie Pointe, says the abode’s sales representative, Soren Frederiksen of Re/Max Executives Realty.

“This is one of our more popular plans,” he says of the two-storey, 1,859-sq.-ft. home. “I think that’s because it’s so thoughtfully designed. As is always the case, our design team’s main priority is functionality. Then, they put in the style once the floor plan is established. The use of space is excellent; it feels much larger than its listed square footage.”

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Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

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MHBA photo
The MHBA will again be on site with its ‘Ask a Renovator’ booth at the Winnipeg Home and Garden Show next month, where professional renovators can provide you a free 15-minute consultation to help steer you in the right direction on a home project.

Home and garden show nearly ready to go

Lanny McInnes 4 minute read Preview

Home and garden show nearly ready to go

Lanny McInnes 4 minute read Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s 2026 Spring Parade of Homes is in full swing now, providing Manitobans looking to build their new dream home with a multitude of examples and choices of home designs, layouts and neighbourhoods to consider.

The Parade of Homes is also a great way to see what’s new and exciting in terms of home décor trends, finishes, fixtures and home technology being used in Manitoba’s best new show homes.

For those who may not be looking to build a new house but want to improve their existing residence through a renovation project, you’re only a few weeks away from an opportunity to hear from HGTV celebrities and local renovation experts at the upcoming 2026 Winnipeg Home and Garden Show, set for April 9-12 at the RBC Convention Centre.

The Winnipeg Home and Garden Show provides consumers the chance to visit hundreds of home and garden suppliers, all under one roof. This year’s show again features some of Canada’s most popular designers, gardeners and home-improvement specialists on The Main Stage presented by Home Network Canada.

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Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

Marc LaBossiere / Free Press
With ceiling tiles fastened to joists, it was impossible to know the vent hose had come away from the vent housing.

Home renos can turn up fascinating artifacts

Marc LaBossiere 6 minute read Preview

Home renos can turn up fascinating artifacts

Marc LaBossiere 6 minute read Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

The first few weeks of any major lower-level renovation and remodel will likely entail a whole lot of demolition, due to the reorganization room configurations as well as removal of old esthetic sheathing on walls and ceilings. As such, it is always intriguing to unveil what may have been concealed within wall cavities and between ceiling joists for many years, if not decades.

I began a large basement remodelling project last week. The entirety of the lower space boasts of a rec-room which will retain a laundry area that will be expanded to include more storage and house large aquariums that will be serviceable from within the laundry space while showcasing the various fish and turtles through openings into the rec-room.

An existing bathroom will decrease in size slightly to allow for more space in the adjacent office for an upright freezer, a fair-sized bedroom and an expanded utility room which is unfortunately located in the centre of the basement footprint.

As the old wall panelling was removed from the interior walls, the impending new wall layout quickly began to reveal itself, heralding improvements in both look and functionality.

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Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026

The stately 2,861-sq.-ft. luxury home — which backs onto a picturesque lake — is the epitome of practical luxury.

Subtle elegance, well-thought-out floor plan elevate Headingley abode

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Subtle elegance, well-thought-out floor plan elevate Headingley abode

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Mar. 7, 2026

In any business, innovation is the key to long-term success.

And that axiom applies even more to new-home builders.

The reason is simple: maintaining a constant commitment to innovation keeps residential design fresh while adding style and functionality.

However, there’s a catch. When it comes to new dwellings, innovation needs to be strategic and practical. If it isn’t, chances are good a home will lack practicality due to an overly elaborate design.

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Saturday, Mar. 7, 2026

Norfolk Healthy Produce photo
The genetically modified seeds of the Purple Tomato are the first GM seeds to be marketed to home gardeners in Canada.

Seedy Saturday

Colleen Zacharias 8 minute read Preview

Seedy Saturday

Colleen Zacharias 8 minute read Saturday, Mar. 7, 2026

Seedy Saturday is set to sprout today at the Millennium Library.

Organized in partnership with the Spence Neighbourhood Association, the event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the downtown library located at 251 Donald St.

“We have a really great mix of vendors for this year’s event,” says Stephen Kirk, environment and open spaces co-ordinator for the SNA.

“This year’s event is shaping up to be our largest one to date at Millennium Library,” says Laura Rawluk who has been involved in organizing Winnipeg Seedy Saturday events for more than 25 years.

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Saturday, Mar. 7, 2026

Composite decking is used to decoratively sheathe an existing balcony deck and staircase, with glass railings to be installed.

Never too early to start planning a new backyard hub

Marc LaBossiere 6 minute read Preview

Never too early to start planning a new backyard hub

Marc LaBossiere 6 minute read Saturday, Mar. 7, 2026

After submitting my weekly Reno Boss columns for roughly one year, I asked my editor out to lunch to voice a few concerns regarding my subject-matter choices.

Over the course of that first year, I noticed similarities from column to column, especially when elaborating the step-by-step process to build a deck. Other than the actual design layout, most decks follow the same procedure. And when I’ve listed those steps, it feels like I’ve told the same story repeatedly.

My editor smirked, and simply said Reno Boss readers may not get to every week’s column, and also said completion photos of varying completed decks showcase a variety of designs, no matter the similarities they may possess beyond esthetics.

Although these comments did somewhat alleviate my worries during our lunch, I still sometimes feel my concern from back then is somewhat relevant, even today, as though déjà vu is playing a cruel joke.

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Saturday, Mar. 7, 2026

A rare find, the three-bedroom, two-bath condo is situated in a quiet, two-storey concrete and steel building in one of Charleswood’s best and prettiest spots.

Apartment-style condo offers spacious livability with a view

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Apartment-style condo offers spacious livability with a view

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Mar. 7, 2026

The decision to down-size around the age of 55 is never an easy one.

There are several reasons for this, the first that it can be a highly emotional time.

After living in a single-family home for 30-plus years, it can be difficult to leave a familiar residence that’s served as the anchor point where you raised kids and hosted countless family gatherings.

Second, there are the financial implications associated with making the move. The reality is, not all 55-plus couples have unlimited budgets after selling their home. In many instances, it may have been a modest but functional residence that sold for a good, but not massive price.

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Saturday, Mar. 7, 2026

MHBA photo
The 2026 Spring Parade of Homes event opens at noon today and runs until March 22, showcasing 119 new show homes crafted by our province’s best builders.

Start your dream-home journey at the Spring Parade

Lanny McInnes 4 minute read Preview

Start your dream-home journey at the Spring Parade

Lanny McInnes 4 minute read Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s Spring Parade of Homes has arrived!

The spring 2026 edition of the event opens at noon today and runs until Sunday, March 22, showcasing 119 new show homes crafted by Manitoba’s best builders. Once again, the MHBA is proud to present the biggest and best Parade of Homes event in Canada.

Show home hours in and around Winnipeg are: Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 5 p.m.; Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays by private appointment only.

Parade Show homes are also available to visit by booking a private appointment with the builder outside of the Parade’s regular hours. We encourage you to book a viewing by appointment to give yourself plenty of time to ask the show-home agent questions about the dwelling and its neighbourhood.

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Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

MARC LABOSSIERE / FREE PRESS
Although the existing shell of the space dictates cupboard placement potential, design changes greatly improve functionality.

Final days of project inspire welcome awe in homeowners

Marc LaBossiere 6 minute read Preview

Final days of project inspire welcome awe in homeowners

Marc LaBossiere 6 minute read Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

Nothing is more satisfying than a homeowner’s smile when entering a newly remodelled space upon completion, along with the subsequent moments of silence as the desired fresh new look is taken in for the first time.

Kitchen renovations are very satisfying to a contractor, as well. Not only can you greatly improve functionality with an updated design, but the esthetics are also primarily based on the homeowners’ colour and style preferences, chosen well before the project begins.

Once a kitchen begins to show signs of wear and tear, both functionality and esthetics begin to suffer greatly. In this instance, the old Arborite countertops were ready to crumble in certain areas due to persistent water infiltration. And because the counter along the peninsula area was level to the far side, whatever was placed on the countertop had a very good chance of landing on someone’s head in the sunken TV room, while sitting on the couch adjacent to the backside of the lower cupboards.

Most of the cupboard doors were loose on hinges, and the drawer-fronts were slightly off-level. And do get me started with what was evolving below the sink area, due to a variety of minor leaks!

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Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

Photos by Niki Jabbour For
Niki Jabbour, shown here in her Halifax garden, says the drought and heat of 2025 has made resilience the biggest lesson for food gardens.

Some like it hot

Colleen Zacharias 8 minute read Preview

Some like it hot

Colleen Zacharias 8 minute read Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

In more ways than one, Niki Jabbour won’t forget last year’s gardening season.

The author of four bestselling books on vegetable gardening, Jabbour lives and gardens in Halifax, N.S. In 2025, the province experienced a “one-in-50-year” drought. According to the Canadian Drought Monitor (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), Halifax recorded its third-driest three-month period (July, August and September) on record.

The year 2025 was one of significant and widespread drought across Canada. Environment Canada ranked drought as the No. 2 weather story of the year, second only to the country’s record-breaking wildfire season. At one point last year, Jabbour also had to evacuate from her home for a week as wildfires threatened parts of Halifax.

Earlier this year, Environment and Climate Change Canada released its annual global temperature forecast, predicting 2026 will likely be among the four hottest years on record.

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Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

March 21, 2026

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