Parade of Homes | Spring 2017

Parade of Homes March 4 to 26 • 2017

Presented by

Published by

All Builder Participants are Proud Members of The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association

Exclusive Lots Now Available

A Step Above

Set the new standard for the way you live in Devonshire Park, where the character and values of Transcona blend with the benefits of innovative community design. Step up into Transcona’s prestige community, by Genstar – bringing land to life in Transcona for over 60 years.

REGENT AVE.

devonshirepark.ca

Visit the show homes on Larry Vickar Drive East in Devonshire Village.

CONTACT A PARTICIPATING BUILDER

For more information visit the show homes or contact Genstar Development Company at 204-488-6537 or visit genstar.com

Parade of Homes March 4 to March 26 2017 2017

Presented by The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association

Excitement builds for the Parade of Homes Rite of Spring

Welcome to the 2017 Spring Parade of Homes, the largest and best Parade of Homes anywhere in Canada. The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association is proud to present this year’s version of our annual showcase of new homes. We all get excited in March because it means that spring and warmer weather are getting closer. We’ve been waiting for the opportunity to get out after a long winter and the various new neighbourhoods throughout our city and province come to life with these fabulous new homes. What better way to get rid of those winter blues? We are proud and delighted to showcase 38 different builders who will be presenting 131 homes in 36 unique and different neighbourhoods. These selections represent the absolute best in design and construction in Manitoba and, for that matter, Canada. The skilled craftsmanship that goes into each new home will be evident during your visit. We take great pride in the statement that Manitoba new homes are the best built homes in the country.

MHBA member builders appreciate the importance of your decision to purchase a new home. That is why they encourage Parade visitors to look carefully at each detail, talk to the sales agents and return for additional visits. Our builders want to ensure that you are matched with the home that is perfect for your life situation and family for years to come. We believe that this year’s selection of new homes offers the right design and the right location for everyone. Be sure to visit as many homes as possible to take full advantage of the Parade. Manitoba’s new home construction industry is strong and vibrant. Mortgage rates remain at extremely low levels. MHBA member builders and suppliers keep abreast of the latest technology, trends and techniques to ensure that your new home offers affordability, quality and choice. It’s a great time to purchase a new home. Enjoy the 2017 Spring Parade of Homes and thank you for visiting.

We take great pride in the statement that Manitoba new homes are the best built homes in the country.

Mike Moore, President — Manitoba Home Builders’ Association

SHOW HOME HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 3pm - 8pm, Sat & Sun: Noon - 6pm, Fri: By Appointment Only

Parade of Homes Spring 2017 3

Live the lifestyle that only Bonavista can offer. Bonavista captures the art of modern suburban living within a landscaped community of parks and lakes including the breathtaking prairie vista within the scenic Fraipont Park. Built on a foundation of modern design and environmental sustainability, Bonavista offers homes to fit every lifestyle.

livebonavista.com

Rendering is for graphical representation only. Subject to change at any time.

CONTACT A PARTICIPATING BUILDER

A&S Homes Artista Homes Broadview Homes

Discovery Homes Eagle Custom Homes

Gino’s Homes Hilton Homes Kensington Homes

Maric Homes Randall Homes Signature Homes

Ventura Custom Homes

For more information visit the show homes or contact Genstar Development Company at 204-488-6537 or visit genstar.com

Designed with your family at heart.

Rooted in the values of work-life balance and inspired aesthetics, Amber Gates is ideally located and close to everything that matters most: services, amenities, schools and religious institutions. Within a 5-minute drive of the perimeter and 10 minutes from downtown, Amber Gates has everything your family needs to live a prosperous and vital life together. Build your dream home today!

CONTACT A PARTICIPATING BUILDER

For more information contact Genstar Development Company at 204-488-6537 or visit genstar.com

Parade 2017

of Homes

March 4 to March 26 • 2017

Publisher Bob Cox Editor Pat St. Germain Vice President Sales Grant Suderman Manager of Niche Products Barb Borden Design & Colour Services Corinne Ball/Coral Enterprises Contributing Writers Bob Armstrong Wendy King Geoff Kirbyson Todd Lewys

Celebrating 80 Years of Innovation

Jennifer McFee Holli Moncrieff David Schmeichel Pat St. Germain Jim Timlick Photography Darcy Finley Numerous Supplied

Kensington Homes — 10 Del Monica Road

MHBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Spencer Curtis, Chairperson Hilton Homes Brian Arnold, Past Chairperson Trikor Builders Andrew Reimer, 1st Vice Chair All-Fab Building Components Inc. Tanya Maric, 2nd Vice Chair Maric Homes Dave Eggerman, Secretary/Treasurer Qualico Ltd. Alan Gray Vacuflo Manitoba Janet Milne Milne Homes Ltd. Laurence Rosenberg The Accurate Technology Group

You’ve come a long way, builders.

By Pat St. Germain

“There have been so many innovations over the years. I think that’s what brings people out a lot of times to the Parade every year.”

When the Manitoba Home Builders’ As sociation (MHBA) was conceived in 1937, its founders — Frank Lount, Henry Borg er, Walter Senicki, Henry Pehrson, Frank Mager and A. W. Hagg — were ahead of the curve. The first such provincial associa tion, it even preceded the Canadian Home Builders’ Association by six years. MHBA members are still breaking new ground 80 years later, and showcasing the latest and greatest home designs each spring and fall during the Parade of Homes. “There have been so many innovations over the years,” says MHBA president Mike Moore. “I think that’s what brings people out a lot of times to the Parade every year. There’s always something new that they look at and go, ‘What a great thing.’ ”

Mike Carruthers Ladco Homes Sean Phillips All Weather Windows Robert Brosi Odessy Homes

Cont’d on page 6

4 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

Kensington Homes — 10 Del Monica Road

Celebrating 80 Years Cont’d from page 4

Precursors to the modern Parade drew crowds who would even pay admission. In 1957, Quality Homes — now Qualico — added some razzle dazzle by taking on a National Home Week challenge to build a house in 24 hours. The basement was built in advance, and according to a story in the Winnipeg Free Press, about 200 men com pleted the job with time to spare. The two-bedroom house on Cher ry Crescent was finished and landscaped in 19 hours, 10 minutes. Ultra-fashionable trends over the years have included features like pink bathroom fixtures, floor-to-ceiling sheets of faux wood wall panelling and harvest gold appliances. Some old ideas have come back again, in new-and-improved form — Formica and Arborite countertops, rustic wood wall features and wood-look panelling made from ceramic tile to name a few. “I’m surprised to see wallpaper coming back again,” says Kensing ton Homes marketing manager Ryan Alby. “But the quality has im proved so much.” Master bedrooms might have textured wallpaper, and Alby says bold feature walls and custom paints are more popular, particularly in children’s bedrooms. In 2005, KDR Homes made a bold move by introducing stainless steel details in a Parade of Homes show home. Company president Diego Vassallo says he also used automobile paint to get a perfect shine on cabinetry — a look that’s easy to get today with new acrylic finishes.

‘I’m surprised to see wallpaper coming back again. But the quality has improved so much.’

Cont’d on page 8

6 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

Your DREAMS are within reach in these exciting COMMUNITIES!

Living in a peaceful community just outside the perimeter offers your family the ability to afford more. You have the space to build a sprawling bungalow, add a third car bay to your garage or simply enjoy your own piece of paradise in an oversized yard.

Know Your Neighbours

q Choose Your Own Builder q Lower Property Taxes q Larger Lot Sizes q Safe Communities 3 3 3 3

q Fully Serviced Lots q Large Lakes, Parks & Paths q Minutes to the City q Great Schools & Daycares 3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3

q New Recreation Centre q Quiet Rural Lifestyle

q Huge Rear Yards q Wider Side Yards

FOR COMMUNITY INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 204.942.7744 | info@venturadevelopments.ca NO CITY OF WINNIPEG GROWTH FEE

Foxridge Homes — 6 Camira Way

Celebrating 80 Years Cont’d from page 6

‘It was really interesting watching people walk through the house. All of a sudden they’d pause and you could see that they were counting rooms and going, ‘Where’s the living room?’’

Vassallo says that show home was also among the first with laminate hard wood flooring. “We were laughed at as a custom builder, but people would come back,” he says. Huntington Homes president Rob Swan recalls that the company’s first Pa rade entry, in 1993, won a gold award with a new feature that’s now ubiqui tous in show homes — the great room. “It was really interesting watching people walk through the house,” he says. “All of a sudden they’d pause and you could see that they were counting rooms and going, ‘Where’s the living room?’ ” Open to the kitchen and typically located at the rear of the house, a great room is, essentially, an oversized combination of family and living room.

Cont’d on page 12

8 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

Come home to

Charleswood

Now’s your chance to build a new home in Charleswood, one of Winnipeg’s most treasured neighbourhoods. RidgeWood West is the perfect place to share familiar memories from your younger days and build new ones with your own family. With a strong sense of community, an abundance of lush forest nearby and quick access to the renowned Harte Trail, it’s easy to fall in love with this new community.

Harte Trail

SHOW HOMES OPEN YEAR-ROUND! To learn more about living in RidgeWood West, contact us at 204.254.9225 or info@ridgewoodwest.com.

ridgewoodwest.com

Heating your home and water account for 75 per cent of your energy bill, so you’ll want a heating system that gives you the best value over its lifespan. Some types of heating systems cost less up front, but will actually cost more to run each year. It’s important to consider both the purchase price and the operating cost when choosing a heating system for your home. Know before you buy. Discuss your options with your home builder or contractor. Here are some important questions to ask: • What type of heating systems are available now? • How much will each cost to operate? • What are the annual maintenance requirements and cost to maintain the system? • How energy efficient is it? • Will an electrical upgrade be required? Replacing an existing heating system? Manitoba Hydro can help. We offer a variety of financing options that can help spread the cost of buying a new furnace or water heater over time. Power Smart * Pay As You Save (PAYS) financing uses the money you save on energy to pay for your new heating system. The Power Smart Residential Loan offers convenient financing with various loan terms. The Power Smart Affordable Energy Program helps qualifying homeowners make their home more energy efficient with free insulation and a new high efficiency natural gas furnace for only $9.50 per month for five years.* Building or renovating? Save over $14,000 with natural gas.

*This offer is subject to change at anytime.

NATURAL GAS

ELECTRICITY

Cost to buy & install $ 3,500 TO $ 5,500

Cost to buy & install $ 2,000 TO $ 3,000

ELECTRIC FURNACE

NATURAL GAS FURNACE

$ 15,425 25-YEAR COST TO RUN

$ 32,925 25-YEAR COST TO RUN

Cost to buy & install $ 1,700 TO $ 1,900

Cost to buy & install $ 800 TO $ 1,200

60 GALLON ELECTRIC WATER HEATER

POWER-VENTED NATURAL GAS WATER HEATER

$ $1,110 10-YEAR COST TO RUN

$ 3,000 10-YEAR COST TO RUN

TOTAL INVESTMENT: $24,000 OR LESS

TOTAL INVESTMENT: $38,000 OR MORE

The cost to buy, install and run indicated above is an average and will vary depending on your home, specific heating needs, and other conditions. This average cost to run is based on a February 1, 2017 natural gas rate of $$0.2572/m 3 and an electricity rate of $0.0793/kWh.

For more information visit hydro.mb.ca/heating or call 204-480-5900 (Winnipeg) or 1-888-624-9376 for a brochure.

Available in accessible formats upon request.

*Manitoba Hydro is a licensee of the Trademark and Official Mark.

Hearth Homes — 14 Camira Way

‘The island is big enough that it has a wine fridge, a garbage recycling pullout, a microwave, a dishwasher, extra cabinets, all that sort of stuff.’

Celebrating 80 Years Cont’d from page 6

SPRING COLLECTION 2017 bring spring home

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12 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

“It does feel great, but that’s not the reason why it’s called that,” Swan says. Over the years, kitchen islands have taken root, and they’re growing to accommodate social gath erings, with large seating areas set apart from the workspace. Hearth Homes design and marketing manager Liam Millne says the company’s show home at 14 Camira Way has a 12-foot island that seats five or six people comfortably, with plenty of room to spare. “The island is big enough that it has a wine fridge, a garbage recycling pullout, a microwave, a dish washer, extra cabinets, all that sort of stuff,”he says. Swan says the super-sized islands are just one of many features that have evolved to accommodate modern lifestyles. Huntington’s show home at 141 Rose Lake Court has a fitness room on the lower level, which is a lot more convenient than driving to a gym. Main- and second-floor laundry rooms are another convenience, and the needs of multi-generation households are dictating additions like second “ex press” laundry rooms and master suites for aging parents — and, more recently, for adult children who are moving back into the parental home.

Huntington Homes — 141 Rose Lake Court

At least they don’t have to live in the basement. Lower levels with walk outs are increasingly luxe. “Every home now is unique in its own way,” Moore says. “And if you want an adaptation of an existing style or drawing or architectural form, it can be done. The consumer really has their choice of anything.”

Parade of Homes Spring 2017 13

>> You might have noticed something new in north Win nipeg. Just off of McPhillips Street and Murray Avenue a new community has been taking shape. Welcome to Aurora at North Point. Winnipeg has always had a history of creating quality neigh bourhoods and Aurora continues the same level of quality one has come to expect. A joint venture between Daytona Land and Sunrex, Aurora is a 221-acre mixed-use development and blends modern conveniences with natural vibrance that stands out from other communities. Aurora will continue to grow and in its development it will fea ture apartment condominiums, street-oriented townhomes, duplexes, single family homes with detached or front attached garage, and executive single family homes on amenity home sites. A diverse mix of product for an ever-changing market. The community’s vision includes a focus on architectural dif ferentiation and home exteriors will feature distinct colour pal ettes, textures and finishes for a design-driven neighbourhood. Bold hues of red, blue, green, and caramel siding with dynamic details that combine traditional and contemporary styles. Aurora at North Point: A Community That Shines Profile — For Parade of Homes Magazine —

“Vibrant living” is the theme of the community and Aurora finds balance with nature with tree-lined streets, a park, and stormwater lake. The community aims for recreational diversity with walking paths that connect the neighbourhood to central amenities and promotes community interaction. A future commercial site is located at the community’s entrance, keeping conve nience steps away, while the neighbourhood is just minutes from amenities and shops like the Garden City Shopping Centre, grocery stores, Cinema City North gate and several schools, ensuring it fits and accommodates all types of life. Aurora at North Point features several trusted builders, including Broadview Homes, Daytona Homes Master Builder, Kensington Homes, and Sunrex, all committed to making Aurora at North Point the neighbourhood for your new home. With show homes opening summer 2017, there’s a lot to look forward to. For more information and to register for development updates, visit Aurora at North Point online at auroralife.ca .

14 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

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Seeing is Believing

KDR Homes — 101 Rose Lake Court

By Pat St. Germain

>> Virtual Reality (VR) is making its debut in the Spring Parade of Homes. KDR Homes president Diego Vassallo is inviting visitors to drop by the com pany’s show homes to get a 360° view of current and future designs. VR goggles provide a unique viewing experience. Look up to see the ceiling fixtures. Look down for a closer look at the flooring, or turn around to get a full-circle view of any room. Vassallo says the company has worked with 3D renderings of home designs for some time. VR adds an extra dimension, allowing home buyers to put themselves in the picture to see what their new custom-built home will look like when it’s completed. If they want to make alterations to a plan, it’s a snap to alter the virtual model. “I sat down with one of my designers and said, ‘This is what I want to do,’ and it works with apps,” he says. During the Parade, staff in show homes at 101 Rose Lake Court, 20 Cle arspring Rd. and 200 Bonaventure Drive East will help guests don goggles to see a virtual library of home models.

During the Parade, staff in show homes at 101 Rose Lake Court, 20 Clearspring Road and 200 Bonaventure Drive East will help guests don goggles to see a virtual library of home models.

energy efficient The building practices of MHBA members make Manitoba’s new built and renovated homes the most energy efficient in Canada.

Now is a great time to build!

16 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

Gently moving water ripples through rolling terrain, connecting with stretches of wetlands and trails that lead back to the banks of the Assiniboine River. This rich and attractive land was among the first to be homesteaded in Manitoba. Now its abundant appeal will make you want to call Taylor Farm your home too.

CITY REACH, COUNTRY EASE Taylor Farm offers a truly progressive approach to country living. Located within minutes of Winnipeg in the municipality of Headingley, its wide ranging landscape and expansive lots create unparalleled opportunities to design a distinctive custom home with incredible access to nearby amenities.

HOME SITES AVAILABLE NOW!

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND CUSTOM HOME BUILDER DETAILS VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

TAYLORFARM.COM

Profile

helps home buyers and sellers take more to the bank

— For Parade of Homes Magazine —

>> In recent years, you might have noticed more and more green “FOR SALE” signs popping up on the lawns of your neighbours. That’s because Winnipeggers are realizing that ComFree Commonsense Network offers re liable, effective real estate services that can save home sellers thousands of dollars in commission fees. In fact, the ComFree network has emerged as a forerunner in a changing in dustry. For simple flat fees, ComFree Commonsense Network offers home owners everything they need to successfully sell their properties, including an MLS® listing advertised on REALTOR.ca, pricing assistance based on local market data, and coaching from a team of dedicated REALTORS®. Sellers can even leave their offers, negotiations and paperwork in the hands of experi enced ComFree agents when they use the offerAssist service. It’s a win-win: sellers receive the guidance and support of industry experts, without pay ing up to 5% of their selling price.

But it doesn’t stop there: ComFree Commonsense Network has recently broadened their services to benefit home buy ers, as well. ComFree’s local REALTORS® provide all of the services you would expect when searching for a home, including house hunting, preparing offers, and handling the negotiations. But, instead of keeping the commission received from the seller’s broker, ComFree Commonsense Network splits it with the buyer* – it’s what they call “cash back.” As many happy clients will tell you, that can amount to thousands of dollars that you get to take to the bank. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, consider the benefits of using the company your neighbours trust. Visit ComFree.com to learn more or to schedule a free in-home consultation.

The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services pro vided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license. REALTOR®. Member of the Canadian Real Estate Association and more. * ComFree Commonsense Network will reimburse the home-buyer any portion of the remuneration received by ComFree Commonsense Network from a listing brokerage or seller which exceeds the flat fee of $5,000. Available in Winnipeg-serviced regions only.

A Home Buying Service that gives you

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*How it works: ComFree Commonsense Network keeps a flat fee of $5,000 from the commission it receives from the seller’s broker and gives the buyer the rest of the commission as cash back. No cash back if the commission received is lower than $5,000 or if it’s a ComFree seller. Available in Winnipeg serve regions only. REALTOR®. Member of the Canadian Real Estate Association and more.

18 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

• Meandering pathway • Diverse selection of house designs • Homes backing onto green space • Lookout lots on the lake FABULOUS ENTRANCE WITH HUGE LAKE • Meandering pathway • Diverse selection of house designs • Homes backing onto green space • Lookout lots on the lake FABULOUS ENTRANCE WITH HUGE LAKE • Meandering pathway • Diverse selection of house designs • Homes backing onto green space • Lookout lots on the lake

J E F F E R S O N A V E N U E

(FUTURE CHIEF PEGUIS TRAIL EXTENSION) (FUTURE CHIEF PEGUIS TRAIL EXTENSION)

J E F F E R S O N A V E N U E J E F F E R S O N A V E N U E

J E F F E R S O N

A V E N U E

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Jefferson Ave.

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Building homes, not houses Spotlight on History

Qualico founders’ legacy continues

By Geoff Kirbyson

COME VISIT OUR SHOW HOMES!

204-488-2581

• 31 Homes Sites in Phase 1 Now Available • Connected to the Harte Trail • Walk Out Lots Available 204-229-9365 204-489-3456

CHARLESWOOD

General lot inquiries: 204-890-6230 scotswoodmeadows.ca

20 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

>> When David and Katherine Friesen built their first home 66 years ago, they likely never dreamed that their company would be among the top builders in Canada one day. And making it on a list in the U.S.? Good one. But in one of the most remarkable growth stories that

Winnipeg has ever seen, Qualico — or Quality Construction as it was known in the 1950s — is now one of the biggest 100 builders south of the 49th parallel. From humble beginnings, the company has grown to employ 1,900 employees, in Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmon ton, Calgary, Fort McMurray, Surrey — and Austin. That’s Austin as in the state capital of Texas. A decade ago, Qualico was introduced to a reputable but undercapitalized builder in Austin and bought into the company. Four years later, Qualico bought the partner out and over the last three years in particular, the business has taken off, says Qualico vice-president Kevin Van.

Qualico — or Quality

Construction as it was known in the 1950s — is now one of the biggest 100 builders south of the 49th parallel.

“It’s going gangbusters in Austin and we’re looking to ex pand there,” he says. “It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.”

Cont’d on page 22

Take control of your home’s air quality and save energy Your home’s heat recovery ventilator (HRV) replaces stale indoor air with fresh outside air. Advanced HRV controls will help your HRV do its job even more effectively. Save now with a $150 rebate on the purchase of an advanced HRV control.

Visit hydro.mb.ca/powersmart for more information. Available in accessible formats upon request.

*Manitoba Hydro is a licensee of the Trademark and Official Mark.

Parade of Homes Spring 2017 21

Building homes Cont’d from page 21

The Friesens didn’t start their work ing careers with the idea of found ing a housing company, but like many entrepreneurs, when they saw their chance, they jumped. Following their marriage in 1943, they each pursued separate ca reers. Katherine was earning $50 per month as a school teacher while David was a lawyer who would sometimes be paid with chicken or pie in lieu of cash, but they also dipped their toes into real estate, building two houses. They lived in one and sold the second. By 1951, they saw a void following the Second World War and realized there was a great need for afford able housing. They hired five work ers and built seven houses in River Heights in Quality Construction’s first year. The following year, they built 13.

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22 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

So, Qualico is much more than a place to go to work; it’s also a place to play and socialize. Every fall, the company puts on a three week-long ball hockey tournament, which gets plenty of

Their vision was to “build homes, not houses,” pro viding affordable shelter for families and creat ing communities where people could put down roots, raise their kids and pursue their dreams.

coverage in a newsletter featuring player pro files. It hosts barbecues in the summer, some of which are sponsored by trade partners who come in and flip burgers, and earlier this year it hosted its annual dinner and dance for more than 500 people at the Fort Garry Hotel. In the broader community, every Qualico em ployee gets a day off with pay each year to volunteer for the charity of their choice, and employees can apply to have a $1,000 dona tion made to their favourite charity through the company’s “acts of kindness” campaign. Today, Qualico is a fully integrated company. Its activities include residential land acquisi tion and development, single- and multi-family home divisions, commercial and industrial de velopment, property management and build ing supply and manufacturing divisions. David Friesen died in 2007 at the age of 95 after

They hired five workers and built seven houses in River Heights in Quality Construction’s first year. The following year, they built 13.

That vision helped drive Winnipeg’s first condominium development, Lakewood Village, conceived in 1969 to alleviate a housing shortage and put home ownership within reach for lower-income families. But they didn’t stop at building. In 1952, they started Rancho Realty and Katherine — most people called her “Kay” — became the broker and sales person, starting an affiliation with the local real estate association that would last for more than 30 years. There are many female real estate agents today, but Kay Friesen led the way. One of Qualico’s mottos is “building

64 years of marriage. Kay Friesen passed away eight years later at the age of 97, but their legacy lives on through the continued work of the company they founded.

to a higher standard” but Van knows those words will ring hollow if employees don’t feel a sense of pride and ownership in what they do.

Imagine ... your family gathered around the kitchen, in your new, modern home.

Preview our show homes at kensingtonhomesltd.com or call 204-224-4243

Scan here to go to our show home directory

Parade of Homes Spring 2017 23

Communities

Down on the Farm Sowing seeds for new housing crop

PHASE 4A NOW AVAILABLE

PHASE 3A, 3B

SELLING OUT FAST

24 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

By Geoff Kirbyson — Photos by David Lipnowski

>> The RM of Headingley is going to need a bigger piggy bank. Taylor Farm, a massive $350-million development, has started rising out of the ground to the west of Winni peg, and when it’s completed over the next 12 to 20 years, as many as 700 tax-paying families

More than 50 lots in Phase I were serviced last year, and six custom builders will have show homes ready for viewing this fall, when the first residents are expected to move in. The fact that there’s a big change of grade be tween the Portage Avenue elevation and the river provides Qualico the chance to have a little “fun,” says Eric Vogan, the company’s vice- president of community development for Win nipeg. Along with other adjacent landowners, Qualico has put together a plan that involves sharing the costs of creating a riverbank forest. The ex isting drainage works diagonally through the land and presents the opportunity to not only enhance drainage but create wetlands as well as preserve and enhance the forest. Vogan says the company is working with the RM of Headlingley to put something together that would be impossible within the Perimeter Highway. “In a city that grows as slowly as Winnipeg, we only get to catch every seventh wave,” he says.

The project, which was given the green light last June, is being spearheaded by Qualico.

could be calling the new neighbourhood home. The project, which was given the green light last June, is be

ing spearheaded by Qualico, the Winnipeg-based de veloper that previously launched projects in River Park South, Sage Creek, nearby Oak Bluff West and many other neighbourhoods. Set along the banks of the Assiniboine River and sur rounded by rolling terrain, a basswood forest, winding trails and wetlands, residents could be excused if they forgot for a moment that they lived in an urban setting. (If you need a local landmark, iconic eatery Nick’s Inn is literally right around the corner.)

Cont’d on page 26

Open Sat. & Sun. Noon-6 pm & Mon.-Thurs. 3-8 pm: Fridays by appointment Choice lots available in Headingley, South Pointe, Oak Bluff West or will build on your lot too! SHOWHOME LOCATIONS PROVIDING A PERSONALIZED CUSTOM BUILDING SERVICE IN WINNIPEG & SURROUNDING AREAS Family Living & Entertaining Designed Specifically For You 224 Deer Pointe Drive, Headingley New Oak Bluff Showhome Under Construction

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Parade of Homes Spring 2017 25

Down on the Farm Cont’d from page 25

“Our job is to achieve the highest and best use. Taking advantage of what the landscape gives us is important to us. The landowners and municipality said the best uses for this land include the riverbank piece. It turned out our land was a good piece of the ideal park site. We said, ‘You other owners chip in a piece of riverbank so we’re not singled out, so we’re providing to gether a better park than would oth erwise be possible.’ It results in a bet ter neighbourhood and municipality and we’re going to string together an active non-vehicular corridor. We like pulling stuff like that off.” The neighbourhood was named in honour of John Taylor, the local pioneer, teacher and politician who bought land fronting on the Assini boine River from the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1856. Vogan believes home buyers will be attracted to Taylor Farm for its loca tion close to the city as well as its rural feel. The land use plan is generally for single-family residential units. “The municipality doesn’t want to have a whole bunch of little houses here. We pushed the density up to provide a variety of lot sizes and hope fully more diversity in house type,” he says. “We also steered the focus toward the junction of Bridge Road and Portage to offer the possibility of commercial services and slightly higher density closer to Portage.”

“When you’re trying to create a neighbourhood, you want to create reasons to come together, places to go and things to do other than drive into your ga rage. What we’ve achieved is a diagonal park system that ends at a riverbank park and continues north west right up to the commercial area opposite Nick’s Inn. You have the potential of having a park-pedes trian link that ties together a future neighbourhood service area with a riverbank feature,” he says. Phase I lies directly off Bridge Road just north of the Taylor Bridge. Taylor Farm Road runs west off Bridge Road and will connect the entire development along its south side. A portion of Phase II, which will include river lots, is located between Taylor Farm Road and the Assini boine River. “This isn’t going to be a monolithic development. We’re doing it with a number of different builders and some adjacent commercial,”Vogan says.

‘Our job is to achieve the highest and best use. Taking advantage of what the landscape gives us is important to us.’

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26 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

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Come visit our show home during the Parade at 115 Blahnik Drive (directions can be found at www.the-grande.com)

Dream Home

Take a chance on a dream home >> There are a million reasons to tour some of Winnipeg’s most luxurious show homes during the Spring Parade of Homes. Four of the display homes are among the top five grand prize options in the St. Boniface Hospital Mega Million Choices Lottery, in support of St. Boniface Hospital patient care and Albrechtsen Research Centre initiatives. The grand prize winner can choose to have the show home of their choice built in a new location, or opt for a $1.1 million cash prize. Options are:

Huntington Homes — 141 Rose Lake Court

Huntington Homes show home at 141 Rose Lake Court in Bridgwater Trails With 2,496 square feet of living space on the main floor, and another 1,875 square feet in the walkout lower level, this sprawling bungalow boasts a deluxe master suite, a gourmet kitchen, fitness room and a glass-enclosed deck overlooking the lake. Hearth Homes show home at 14 Camira Way in RidgeWood West A four-bedroom, 3.5-bath luxury home that’s ideal for entertaining, with a massive kitchen and a lower-level bar outfitted with refrigerated keg storage and two draft taps. Artista Homes show home at 34 Dovetail Cres. in Oak Bluff West Artista has a reputation for delivering the wow factor in its custom homes, and this prize also comes with a vacation getaway home, a beachfront condo in Osoyoos, B.C. StreetSide Developments display suite at 206-10 Hill Grove Point in Bridgwater Forest A beautiful condo with all the extras, including a spacious balcony, near the Bridgwater Town Centre. This prize also has an extra component — a snowbird condo in Arizona.

The deadline to buy tickets is midnight on Thursday, March 23

The grand prize draw will be held on April 13 at the St. Boniface Hospital Everett Atrium. Visit the lottery website at www.stbmegamillionchoices.ca for more information.

28 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

THANK YOU FOR CARING! Mega Million Choices 2017 is not just a lottery. It’s a community coming together to say it cares.

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Spotlight on History

Home Economics Making change in the Canadian housing landscape

30 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

By Pat St. Germain — Photos courtesy of Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp.

>> Back in 1937, owning a new home was a pipe dream for many working-class Canadians. Mortgages typically required a 40% down pay ment, and even if a family could scrape up that kind of cash during the Depression,

War, and veterans returned home to find the situation had gone from bad to worse. Created in 1946 as the Central Mortgage and Housing Corp., the Canada Mortgage & Hous ing Corp. (CMHC) played a pivotal role in re versing Canada’s housing fortunes. Founded to administer the NHA, improve living condi tions and, initially, to supply housing for vet erans, the CMHC has had far-reaching impact. In 1947, it issued a booklet of free home plans, 67 Homes for Canadians, in which it declared, “Home building signifies many things — a lasting source of happiness, a kindly environ ment in which to raise children, a closer tie with community life, a new stake in the land.” The organization kept faith with that view, raising housing standards and spurring inno vation, addressing social housing needs and urban renewal and, most significantly, mak ing home ownership accessible to a wide swath of Canadians. 15Y 60K 0C 6M 0C 100M

‘Home building signifies many things — a lasting source of happiness, a kindly environment in which to raise children, a closer tie with community life, a new stake in the land.’

there were few new homes to buy. For the poor, living conditions were routinely described as deplorable, with families sharing overcrowded, di lapidated homes that lacked even basic services and comforts.

The National Housing Act (NHA) of 1938 was meant to kickstart new-home construction and address the housing shortage. But even fewer houses were built during the Second World

12Y 31K 100 K

Cont’d on page 32

www.ginoshomes.ca 204-488-2581

Visit Gino’s Exquisite Homes in these great neighbourhoods

Amber Trails 97 Massalia Dr. Bonavista

209 Bonaventure Dr. E. Bridgwater Lakes 34 Del Monica Rd. Bridgwater Lakes 39 Del Monica Rd. Ridgewood West 10 Camira Way Sage Creek 54 East Plains Dr. Scotswood Meadows

381 Glenbush St. South Pointe 32 Stan Bailie Dr. ShowhomeS are open: mon-ThurS 3pm-8pm / SaT & Sun 12 noon-6 pm See you at the Parade! Your Custom Builder — Since 1968

Parade of Homes Spring 2017 31

Home Economics Cont’d from page 31

Mortgage loan insurance is available from both CMHC and pri vate insurers and is backed by the federal government. In the ’70s, CMHC introduced the Assisted Home Ownership Program

Until 1954, mortgages were issued by life insurance and trust and loans companies, often over rela tively short terms, and they could be hard to come by in rural areas. When the NHA was amended in 1954 to allow chartered banks to is sue mortgages, CMHC introduced mortgage loan insurance that let buyers qualify for mortgages with a 25% down payment. Today, mortgage insurance is normally required when a down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, and since 1999, first-time buyers may qualify with a 5% down payment on homes costing less than $500,000. “The Canadian housing finance sys tem has benefited over the years from the simplicity and stabilizing effect of mandatory mortgage loan insurance,” says CMHC media rela tions officer Karine LeBlanc.

for low-income home buyers, and when interest rates were sky high in the 1980s, CMHC’s Mortgage Rate Pro tection Program essentially allowed homeowners to insure themselves against rising interest rates. On the construction front, CMHC has collaborated with builders and other government agencies to improve air quality, energy efficiency and materi als. New building methods that incor porated prefab components drasti cally reduced the time it took to build a house, from seven months in the 1940s to just eight weeks by the mid- 1960s. On the design front, CMHC home

‘The Canadian housing finance

system has benefited over the years from the simplicity and stabilizing effect of mandatory mortgage loan insurance.’

plans have shaped the Canadian housing landscape. It’s easy to date development in neighbourhoods dominated by the one- and-a-half storey designs of the 1940s, the split levels of the 1950s and the 1960s bungalows that ushered in a new era of

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32 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

ticipate future needs through age-in-place or FlexHousing plans. Today, Canadians may find it a challenge to choose among the wide range of housing options — although online mortgage calculators can help in the final decision — but we can aspire to home ownership with confidence.

lifestyle-enhancing features — ubiquitous carports, patios and above-grade main floors that left plenty of space for basement rec rooms. In recent years, the corporation has developed or em braced newer concepts to increase accessibility and to an

204-949-3870

SHOW HOME: 141 Rose Lake Court - Bridgwater Trails Parade Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 3 - 8 pm Sat. - Sun 12 - 6 pm

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Condos

Life in the Fast Lane

Condos take root along rapid transit lines

By Jim Timlick

>> Winnipeg’s burgeoning housing market is help ing breathe some new life into an old idea. Transit-oriented development (TOD) has been around in one form or another since the develop ment of New York City’s boroughs in the late 1890s.

Although TOD might still be an unfamiliar concept to some Winnipeggers, it’s quickly gaining popularity, says Shannon Goodwin, a realtor for Rancho Realty Services, the company handling sales for StreetSide’s Metro and Parkline develop ments. “Most of our buyers are people doing the commute to down town and want to leave their car at home because of downtown parking. The other half would be students and people who are going to either of the campuses,” says Goodwin. “There’s a real desire among these people to not fight for parking or pay for parking and they’re willing to use the public transit system.” Location has been a major selling point for the two develop ments, Goodwin says. A short bus ride from downtown and popular destinations like MTS Centre and The Forks, they’re in the heart of a mature neighbourhood and close to popular amenities such as bars and restaurants. “It’s all about location and accessibility without long drives and parking. Everybody sees that as a positive,” she says. “It’s also about the fact you are in an older, established neigh bourhood. You have mature trees, older houses and a sense of community.”

The basic premise of TOD is to provide higher den sity, pedestrian-oriented residential development within a five- to 10-minute walk of a transit station. StreetSide Developments is helping to pioneer the concept here in Winnipeg with two new TOD proj ects in the heart of South Osborne: The Metro con dominiums and Parkline

‘It’s all about location and accessibility without long drives and parking. Everybody sees that as a positive.’

townhomes on Hugo Street South, adjacent to the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor and a stone’s throw from the Osborne Transit Station.

Parkline Metro Streetscape

34 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

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