New Homes

Vibrant flourishes, deft floorplan set Yvonne II model apart

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CST

As a home builder, it can become all too easy to become complacent.

The reason for that is simple: after you find a formula that works, the tendency is to keep repeating it because buyers seem to like it.

Oftentimes, that formula involves employing soft earth tones — variations on taupe, beige, brown and white — to create a feeling of warmth. Or grey, white and even black tones are used to endow a home with a more modern feel.

The result is show homes can morph together in buyers’ minds because — as beautiful as they are — their finishes weren’t distinct enough.

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MHBA Parade show homes open to visit all winter

Lanny McInnes 4 minute read Preview

MHBA Parade show homes open to visit all winter

Lanny McInnes 4 minute read Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

Manitoba’s spring and fall Parade of Homes events are a spectacular showcase for Manitoba’s residential construction industry.

The parades showcase the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s home-building members, offering new-home buyers a chance to see cutting-edge home technology, and visitors also get a great opportunity for an up-close look at the latest trends in residential style and design.

These three-week events take place in March and September each year.

Most people aren’t aware Manitoba’s Parade of Homes events are the largest organized anywhere in Canada. Over 32,000 people visited the new show homes on display during the MHBA’s 2025 Spring Parade of Homes earlier this year.

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Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

MHBA photos

Show homes featured in the MHBA Parade of Homes are not only open to visit during the spring and fall events. Winter is also a great time to check out the dwellings to see features like heating systems and outdoor lighting in full operation.

MHBA photos
                                Show homes featured in the MHBA Parade of Homes are not only open to visit during the spring and fall events. Winter is also a great time to check out the dwellings to see features like heating systems and outdoor lighting in full operation.

Two-storey Prairie Pointe home makes most of every square foot

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Two-storey Prairie Pointe home makes most of every square foot

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

Designing a single-family detached home to fit a 26-foot-wide lot is no easy task.

That being the case, it’s critically important for designers to use their imagination to come up with a plan that maximizes every square inch of space in the home. In short, they must possess a mindset that’s at once practical and creative to design a home that deftly balances function and flair.

The design team at A & S Homes walked that line smartly with the Belmont, says Adam Virgilio, of Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate, sales representative for A & S’s new show home at 481 Ken Oblik Dr. in Prairie Pointe.

“This home is a must-see to appreciate its design — the quality and detail throughout is impressive, as it its overall livability,” he says. “I think a key to its livability is the fact our design team managed to squeeze out some extra square footage. The home is 1,517 sq. ft. and the difference between that square footage and a home that’s 1,400 sq. ft. is quite noticeable.”

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Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

Todd Lewys / Free Press

The Belmont — a well-thought-out, family-friendly design by A & S Homes — is loaded with style, livability and value.

Todd Lewys / Free Press
                                The Belmont — a well-thought-out, family-friendly design by A & S Homes — is loaded with style, livability and value.

Two-storey’s dwelling’s distinctive design balances practicality and panache

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Two-storey’s dwelling’s distinctive design balances practicality and panache

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025

As hard as builders work to design show homes with unique “personalities,” the reality is some such houses can blend together in a buyer’s mind once they’ve viewed three or four.

That’s because as much is done to differentiate display-model dwellings from others down the street, it’s impossible to re-invent the wheel. Consequently, it’s often difficult for prospective homeowners to decide which house stands out, because design features can be so similar.

Bearing this in mind, the design team at Kensington Homes sought to craft a two-storey abode that truly stands apart. The result is the company’s brand-new show home at 7 Broda Dr. in Sage Creek, says Renee Ranson of Qualico Realty Services, who is marketing the home with her Qualico associate Shelly Rozon.

“The designers really did an amazing job with this home,” Ranson says of the Heartstone, a two-storey, 2,195-sq.-ft. model, which comes equipped with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. “It’s a beautifully designed home that’s filled with some very unique and functional design features.”

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Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025

Todd Lewys / Free Press

The 2,195-sq.-ft., two-storey Heartstone is a well-conceived, family-friendly design from top to bottom.

Todd Lewys / Free Press
                                The 2,195-sq.-ft., two-storey Heartstone is a well-conceived, family-friendly design from top to bottom.

Spacious, stylish Sage Creek abode all about family functionality

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Preview

Spacious, stylish Sage Creek abode all about family functionality

Todd Lewys 6 minute read Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

While most people would think designing a king-sized home is easier than planning out a mid-sized dwelling, it’s exactly the opposite.

That’s because it’s all too easy to take that space for granted.

When that occurs, the result can be a big home lacking purpose and livability — two things large families badly need.

Thankfully, Avanti Homes’ design team didn’t lose focus when designing their new show home at 98 Butterfly Way in Sage Creek, says Warren Moran, sales representative for the two-storey, 2,314-sq.-ft. residence.

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Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

Todd Lewys / Free Press

The ensuite’s centrepiece is a five-foot walk-in shower with rain shower head and two-tone, floor-to-ceiling tile surround.

Todd Lewys / Free Press
                                The ensuite’s centrepiece is a five-foot walk-in shower with rain shower head and two-tone, floor-to-ceiling tile surround.

Prairie Pointe two-storey packs in perks at great price point

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Prairie Pointe two-storey packs in perks at great price point

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025

For whatever reason, some new home designs punch well above their price point, while others — quite disappointingly — punch well below.

The New Haven — Discovery Homes’ new 2,268-sq.-ft., two-storey show home at 305 Granite Grove in Prairie Pointe — is one design that resides firmly in the former category, says David Van Benthem, sales associate with the Moore Group.

“This is a home that offers great value from start to finish,” he says. “It feels like a home that’s more expensive than it is. You’re getting a well-designed, beautifully finished home for just over $850,000.”

In fact, the home looks and feels like it should come with a heftier price tag.

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Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025

The 2,268-sq.-ft., two-storey home offers a great combo of style and functionality.

The 2,268-sq.-ft., two-storey home offers a great combo of style and functionality.

Westwood infill condo project all about livability and location

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Westwood infill condo project all about livability and location

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

When Karma Developments’ Myles Kraut saw the plot of land he’d purchased at 130 Allard Ave. in Westwood (formerly the site of Allard School) he had an immediate vision.

“I knew the condo market across Canada was very slow,“ he recalls. “Apartment-style condos weren’t moving well, so I visualized putting up a combination of bungalow- and townhome-style condos to buck the trend.“

He says there were three reasons why he decided to go the bungalow and townhome condo route.

“First, people — in this case down-sizers — need a home that’s livable and that offers plenty of storage. Apartment-style condos often lack the livability and storage space of a single-family home. Second, people can age comfortably in place in bungalows.”

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Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

Supplied

Townhomes will feature elegant exteriors and beautiful landscaping, front and back.

Supplied
                                Townhomes will feature elegant exteriors and beautiful landscaping, front and back.

Luxurious bungalow condo project set for prime land on Wellington Crescent

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Luxurious bungalow condo project set for prime land on Wellington Crescent

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025

Back in the day, a large tract of land on the 600-block of Wellington Crescent was home to the Khartum Shriners Hospital.

Opened in June 1949, the hospital — which specialized in the treatment of children with physical disabilities or serious illnesses — operated under the Shriners moniker until it was turned over to the provincial government in 1977 and renamed the Rehabilitation Centre for Children.

The centre finally closed in 2016, and the buildings stood vacant until October 2022, when the structures were demolished.

As it turns out, someone was watching the goings-on at the choice plot of land — developer Marc Kipnes of Crystal Ionics.

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Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025

SUPPLIED

Each detached bungalow condo will come with an elegant exterior and a double attached garage.

SUPPLIED
                                Each detached bungalow condo will come with an elegant exterior and a double attached garage.

Bungalow seamlessly melds style, function

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Bungalow seamlessly melds style, function

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

When a builder is given licence to build a luxury home on a huge, countrified lot, it can be difficult for them to contain their excitement.

Little wonder.

With all that space to work with — in this case, a 77-by-165-foot lot — it’s all too easy to design a home that’s visually exciting but lacking in functionality.

Artista Homes’ design team didn’t make that mistake with their new bungalow show home at 19 Ash Cove in Headingley, says the home’s sales representative, Phil Amero of Royal LePage Prime Real Estate.

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Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

The 1,916-sq.-ft. bungalow is filled with light, understated style and functionality.

The 1,916-sq.-ft. bungalow is filled with light, understated style and functionality.

Generous two-storey is great for large families

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Generous two-storey is great for large families

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025

As anyone who’s part of a large family will attest, space matters.

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Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025

Todd Lewys / Free Press

This 2,712 sq. ft. two-storey home is designed to meet the needs of a king-sized family.

This 2,712 sq. ft. two-storey home is designed to meet the needs of a king-sized family.

Show homes still open for visitors after the parade

Lanny McInnes 3 minute read Preview

Show homes still open for visitors after the parade

Lanny McInnes 3 minute read Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025

While the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s 2025 Fall Parade of Homes comes to an official close on Sunday, Oct. 12, that doesn’t mean your chance to visit Manitoba’s newest and finest show homes will end.

Almost all the show homes that have been part of this fall’s event will remain open for viewing well after the Parade of Homes ends.

MHBA builders have continued to see outstanding crowds at the 135 new homes in this year’s parade. The homes certainly don’t disappoint, offering an amazing array of design, style, quality, craftsmanship and choice for viewers.

Our Fall and Spring Parades of Homes are showcase events hosted by the MHBA that demonstrate the best that the new home building industry has to offer. Whether you’re in the market for a new home, considering a change or just looking for ideas for your current home, no other Parade of Homes in Canada provides the opportunity for people to experience such an extensive collection of new home concepts, features and decor.

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Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025

Supplied

Visiting a Manitoba-built show home is a great way to get ideas for the dream home you’d love to have.

Supplied
                                Visiting a Manitoba-built show home is a great way to get ideas for the dream home you’d love to have.

Stately home in Oak Bluff West has all the space you need

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Stately home in Oak Bluff West has all the space you need

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025

As important as it is that a house be functional, it also needs to be inviting. If the design is too clinical, and function trumps livability at every turn, the home will lack personality and style.

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Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025

TODD LEWYS PHOTOS / FREE PRESS

The 1,753 sq. ft. bungalow boasts plenty of space for a family.

TODD LEWYS PHOTOS / FREE PRESS
                                The 1,753 sq. ft. bungalow boasts plenty of space for a family.

Rave reviews: two-storey offers flex space galore

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Rave reviews: two-storey offers flex space galore

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Sep. 27, 2025

While large families need ample space to function properly, that space must be well-ordered.

The reason is simple: a logical layout allows a family to live in a more organized and orderly fashion and to have different zones that allow for separation when private time is required.

Randall Homes’ new 2025 Fall Parade of Homes show home at 109 Mill Rock Road was designed to be exceptionally family friendly, says the sales representative for the 2,027 sq. ft., two-storey design, Davinder Thind of Century 21 Advanced Realty.

“People who went through the home on the first weekend of the Fall Parade loved the home’s layout,” he says. “It really works well for a large family.”

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Saturday, Sep. 27, 2025

TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS

Designed specifically for a large family, this 2,027 sq. ft., two-storey has space and style.

TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS
                                Designed specifically for a large family, this 2,027 sq. ft., two-storey has space and style.

Sophisticated bungalow in Sage Creek has it all

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Sophisticated bungalow in Sage Creek has it all

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025

One of the biggest challenges a builder faces when creating a modern, open-concept home is to also make it warm and inviting.

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Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025

The thoughtfully designed bungalow combines style, function and warmth.

The thoughtfully designed bungalow combines style, function and warmth.

Fall Parade of Homes celebrates 45 years

Lanny McInnes 3 minute read Preview

Fall Parade of Homes celebrates 45 years

Lanny McInnes 3 minute read Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025

Today’s the day — the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s 2025 Fall Parade of Homes officially opens at 12 noon, showcasing 135 new show homes built by 32 of Manitoba’s best home builders. The MHBA is proud to present the biggest and best Parade of Homes in Canada.

Show home hours in Winnipeg and surrounding areas are Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Each parade show home is also available for private viewings outside of the regular hours, and on Fridays. Private viewings are a great way to take additional time and have a more in-depth discussion with the sales staff. Contact the show home builder to book your appointment.

During parade hours, each parade show home will have staff ready to explain the special features of that home. Be sure to ask them about the builders, suppliers and materials used in the home. MHBA new home builders pride themselves on building the best new homes in Canada.

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Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025

Supplied

The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s 2025 Fall Parade of Homes is the perfect opportunity to find the home of your dreams.

Supplied
                                The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s 2025 Fall Parade of Homes is the perfect opportunity to find the home of your dreams.

Style and function go hand in hand in this home on Ruth Crossing

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Preview

Style and function go hand in hand in this home on Ruth Crossing

Todd Lewys 5 minute read Saturday, Sep. 13, 2025

Even though it’s something prospective homebuyers may not dwell upon, flooring can greatly influence the look and feel of a house.

That’s certainly the case with the main living area in Randall Homes’ new two-storey, 1,433 sq. ft. show home at 176 Ruth Crossing in Bison Run.

The instant you walk in, you can’t help but notice the upscale look of the wide plank flooring.

“I’d have to say that the flooring is my favourite design feature in the main living area,” says the home’s sales representative, Jay Gajjar of Coldwell Banker Elite Realty. “Even though it’s laminate plank, it looks like engineered oak flooring. It really gets the area off to a great start with its rich look.”

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Saturday, Sep. 13, 2025

Todd Lewys / Free Press

The 1,433 sq. ft. home at 176 Ruth Crossing in Bison Run home is well-laid out and beautifully finished.

Todd Lewys / Free Press
                                The 1,433 sq. ft. home at 176 Ruth Crossing in Bison Run home is well-laid out and beautifully finished.

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