This month's feature member is Maric Homes!

2023 marks Maric Homes' 35th year as a builder member with the MHBA!

MHBA membership has helped them grow and become a recognized brand in Manitoba through their public initiatives (the Parade of Homes), builder initiatives (Master Builder/Renovator Program), and government & industry relations.

Read the full interview with Peri Maric to learn more about the company, click HERE.

This profile was posted on MHBA's website and social media feeds! If you are interested in your company being featured on our Monthly Member Profile, please contact Amanda at aserediuk@homebuilders.mb.ca.

When: Tuesday, April 18th 1:00pm - 6:30pm

Where: Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre

Join us for the Construction Industry Job Fair, hosted by WCA, MCSC, MHCA and MHBA.

Booth registration is now open for employers seeking to fill roles from administration to trades, at any career level. 

Registration for this event is being administered by WCA on behalf of the partnering associations. 

Register for a booth at winnipegconstruction.ca/jobfair

Please click on the “Register” button and select “Skip and proceed as guest” option when registering.

When: April 13th - 16th, 2023

Where: RBC Convention Centre

The Winnipeg Home + Garden Show is the perfect place to make immediate sales, qualify leads and fill your sales pipeline to set yourself up for success all year long.

Nowhere else can you meet face-to-face with 25,000+ qualified shoppers in only 4 days! Our exhibitors know the value of our shows and use it as an instrumental marketing tool to increase sales and drive business all year long, and you can too!

The show is already over 92% sold out! 

Secure your space TODAY.

Click Here to request more information!

The 2023 Manitoba Home Builders' Association annual golf tournament will return May 24th to Elmhurst Golf and Country & Pineridge Golf Club. Stay tuned for more details!

2023 Spring Parade of Homes

February 25th - March 19th

Annual Curling FUNspiel

March 9th, 2023 - Heather Curling Club

2023 Spring Parade of Homes Reception

April 21st - Club Regent Event Centre

Renovation Awards Reception

May 18th - Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre

A Manitoba Home Builders' Association membership comes with many benefits. Hear what being a part of the MHBA means to our members here.

Topic: "Fall Protection

According to Manitoba's workplace safety and health legislation, working at height is a critical task, therefore extra precautions must be taken to protect workers from a fall hazard. This toolbox should assist in the efforts to properly train workers to complete their tasks at height.

Learn more about fall protection in CSAM's toolbox talk.

View the Toolbox Talk HERE

When you are using a travel restraint or fall-arrest system, your life depends on equipment. If your equipment is not certified by a recognized authority, or is not properly inspected and maintained, you risk injury and death.

View the safety alert HERE

Together with the Insulated Concrete Form Manufacture Association (ICFMA), Concrete Manitoba is holding a "Business Case for ICF" Lunch & Learn.

This presentation will consist of current examples in the market, how they perform, attract occupants, build under budget and on time.

Attending this event, you will receive a Certificate of Completion that can be put towards Professional Development Hours (PDH) *lunch included

For more information and to register click here.

When: May 25th & 26th

Where: RBC Convention Centre

Tickets for the Skills Symposium are now on sale! Join Skills Canada to bring together government, industry, and education to discuss important topics relating to this year’s theme, Embracing Adaptability: Navigating Change in the Skilled Trades and Technologies. Hear from experts on recruiting & retention, accessibility in the trades, sustainable building practices, and more. Check out the full agenda HERE!

What’s Included:

• Two full days of sessions
• Breakfast (each day)
• Lunch (each day)
• Networking Reception
• Access to Canada’s only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices!

Space is limited, get your tickets today HERE!

Register before March 31st to take advantage of our early bird rate (Discount Code: EarlyBird2023)

When:

March 16th & 23rd, 1:00-4:00pm (Zoom)

March 30th (St. Boniface Library - 101-131 Provencher Blvd.)

Sustainable Building Manitoba's annual gathering is an opportunity for our community to come together and learn from leading experts and each other.

The gathering will take place over 3 afternoons and will explore industry innovations and sector updates on important, relevant topics like building codes, financing and sector training

Topic Overview

Thursday, March 16th

• Federal Policies
• PACE & Project Financing
• Training for High Performance Buildings
• When and Whys of Energy Modeling

Thursday, March 23rd

• Geothermal and First Nations
• Manitoba and Building Codes
• Manitoba's Energy Future
• What's next for Sustainable Building?

Thursday, March 30th (Action Planning)

Action planning & connecting - what is needed to make these things happen in Manitoba and how do we do it together?

We'll gather together in person to develop a list of policy requests for the Province during this election year to help Manitoba's building industry thrive. This is a great time to connect and reconnect with people from the sector.

For more information and to register click here.

When:

March 16th, 9:00am - 12:00pm (1000 Waverly - Unit C)

March 23rd, 9:00am - 12:00pm (Zoom)

Workshop Overview

The intent of this workshop is to provide you with the tools to identify opportunities for increasing workplace diversity, equity and inclusion in your workplace. Topics covered include:

• Necessary elements for building respectful, innovative and collaborative workplaces.
• Manitoba legal framework supporting equity diversity and inclusion.
• Barriers that can affect the entry and advancement of tradeswomen in the construction industry.
• Self-assessment of your workplace inclusion readiness.
• Best practices for the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce.
• Action plan for increasing your organization's effectiveness in building a more representative workforce.

For more information or to register, please contact the MCSC office -

Phone: 204-272-5091 Email: info@mbcsc.com

Congratulations to Maric Homes for winning the CHBA National Award for 'Best Whole Home Renovation - over $800,000'!

The Manitoba government is launching a new online survey through EngageMB to gain industry feedback on regulated wage rates for apprentices as part of its plan to increase minimum wage to $15 by October 2023. In 2022, the Manitoba government announced its plan to increase minimum wage to $15 by October 2023 using a phased-in approach that includes consultations with small businesses on the effects of the change.

The new survey will gather feedback on current apprentice minimum wage rate structures. All industry stakeholder groups including employers, journeypersons, union/labour representatives, association representatives, apprentices and sector committee members are invited to provide feedback.

To take part in the survey, visit https://engagemb.ca. The deadline to respond is March 17.

Information on Manitoba’s minimum wage and other employment standards is available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/.

To view the Government press release, click here.

You probably use various systems for billing, scheduling and inventory. You likely handle information electronically or store them in a filing cabinet, and that means this data could be at risk – even if printed on paper. If any of your devices or documents are lost or stolen, or if your computer network is breached leading to stolen or ransomed data, business interruption or systems corruption, the consequences can be more severe than you may think.

• Small and medium sized businesses account for almost half of all Canadian cyber security incidents.
• 47% of small businesses are more concerned now about cyber attacks than before the pandemic.

While big company breaches tend to make headlines, the fact is that cyber criminals target businesses of all sizes. As you might not be familiar with invisible threats such as Cyber risks or how to be prepared, Federated Insurance cybersecurity experts have created a short video. With increased awareness and Cyber insurance, you can better protect your bottom line and reputation should a cyber attack or data breach occur.

The Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba have announced the launch of a new grant program using federal funding to help Manitoba municipalities with local and regional long-term infrastructure planning. The Municipal Capacity Building Fund is a new, application-based grant program that will help Manitoba municipalities undertake local and regional long-term infrastructure planning, such as the development of asset management plans. Funding is provided through Manitoba’s portion of the Canada Community-Building Fund, formerly called the federal Gas Tax Fund. Any grants provided under the Municipal Capacity Building Fund would be in addition to municipalities’ allocations under the Canada Community-Building Fund.

Eligible recipients for the Municipal Capacity Building Fund can be a single municipality undertaking its own project, municipalities collaborating on a joint project or a municipality sponsoring a non-municipal entity to launch a capacity-building initiative for the benefit of one or more municipalities. Municipalities can access more information about the program and the application form through Manitoba Municipalities Online at https://www.gov.mb.ca/mao/subscriber/login.aspx.

The government media release can be found here.

As our Spring Parade of Homes begins on February 25, the MHBA wanted to highlight steps you can take to help protect your Show Home from being targeted by thieves.  

We know our members are experiencing theft far more frequently, so here are some tips that can potentially help prevent your Show Home from being a target:

• Install bars on all basement windows;
• Ensure all exterior lights are on and potential entry points are as well light as possible;
• Lock your electrical panels and security system panels to prevent power being shut off;
• Report suspicious activity by visitors both inside and outside the home to your company; and
• Ensure security cameras are out of easy reach if possible.

Preventive steps can go a long way in dissuading a thief from targeting your home.

Did you know that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers? Health Canada states that approximately 3,200 Canadians die each year as a result of radon induced lung cancer.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is present in all the air we breathe. Outdoors, radon is diluted and of little concern, but indoors, radon can become concentrated and create an indoor air quality issue and significant health hazard. You cannot see, smell, or taste radon and as a result, elevated levels could be present inside a building and you would never know without testing for it.

Join the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba and Pinchin Ltd. for a webinar designed to educate you about radon, including the health effects; the misconceptions; what is involved in the measurement and mitigation of radon; and why all buildings must be tested.

Click here to register today.

The Province of Manitoba's proposed Permit Dispute Resolution Regulation and the proposed Performance Standards Regulation, have been posted for public consultation on the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal.

You can find the proposed Regulations via the following link: Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal (gov.mb.ca)

This project will be available for public comment until 11:59 pm on April 3, 2023.

The Building and Electrical Permitting Improvement Act received Royal Assent on May 20, 2021. In order to implement the changes in Schedules A and B of the Act, the Department of Labour and Immigration is proposing the creation of two new regulations:

• The Permit Dispute Resolution Regulation, under The Permit Dispute Resolution Act.
• The Performance Standards Regulation, under The Buildings and Mobile Homes Act.

The Permit Dispute Resolution Regulation

The proposed Permit Dispute Resolution Regulation will allow expert adjudicators to make binding orders respecting decisions made by a permitting authority about the technical requirements of building standards and complaints that inspections and decisions on permit applications were not conducted or made in a timely manner. The proposed Regulation lays out the processes to apply for a permit dispute resolution hearing, the timeframes for which a hearing must be held by an adjudicator-depending on the nature of the dispute-and the costs associated with the adjudication process (the adjudicator will bill parties directly for their services).

The Performance Standard Regulation

The proposed Performance Standard Regulation lays out the timeframes for which a permitting authority must notify the applicant if their application for a building or occupancy permit is complete, notify the applicant if their application for a building or occupancy permit is approved and, at the request of the applicant, conduct an inspection. This Regulation outlines a phased implementation to assist permitting authorities in meeting these new requirements and to allow them to make the operational changes required to meet more aggressive performance standards, to be phased in after one year.

Please submit your comments and feedback through the Portal and feel free share to this information with anyone else you think may like to provide feedback.  

Manitoba Housing has released a Negotiated Request for Proposals (NRFP) for the Development of Affordable Rental or Cooperative Housing in The Pas, Manitoba is now open. Manitoba Housing has issued this NRFP seeking proposals from community partners who want to develop new, affordable rental and cooperative housing for low-to-moderate income households in The Pas. The purpose of this NRFP is to solicit proposals from qualified proponents for the development of new affordable housing. Financial Assistance from Manitoba Housing is available to help offset the capital costs of the development of new affordable housing.

Information about the NRFP, the proposal submission requirements and the application form is available on the Manitoba Housing website.

The submission deadline for the NRFP is:

Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, in Winnipeg, MB

Please note that submitting a proposal does not guarantee financial assistance. All proposals will be reviewed for funding eligibility.

Contact the NRFP Administrator for more information on this NRFP:

Housing Delivery Branch

Manitoba Housing

200-352 Donald Street

Winnipeg MB R3B 2H8

E-mail: housingprograms@gov.mb.ca

ATTN: Sandra Oberdorfer, NRFP Administrator

Three courses delivered as part of Engineers and Geoscientists Manitoba’s Manitoba Climate Resilience Training (MCRT) Project are now available for registration.

Online 90-minute courses will take place on 'Infrastructure Climate Risk Assessment: Featuring the PIEVC Process', 'Natural Infrastructure Solutions to Enhance Climate Resilience' and 'Introduction to Climate Change Through Codes, Standards, and Regulations' on dates in February and March, with two dates offered to choose from for each.

Newly developed 3-hour in-person workshops will offer "deeper dives" into the topics through presentations, discussions and/or small group exercises.

Click on the course titles for further information and to register for these MCRT courses. To see other upcoming climate change training that has been identified by the project team, see Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba's events calendar. 

Winnipeg Jets owner True North considering purchase of Portage Place mall

The real estate division of True North Sports and Entertainment is considering a purchase of downtown Winnipeg's beleaguered Portage Place mall to redevelop it into a mixed-use building.

25th annual Parade of Homes highlights creativity and innovation in new home construction

The Parade of Homes that provides prospective buyers with an opportunity to see new trends in home building design, as well as in home décor.

Economic challenges in forecast

Higher interest rates mean steeper payments on mortgages and other loans

City to consider appeal on Wellington Crescent development

A city committee's decision to reject a controversial development on Wellington Crescent is being appealed.

It's not a good picture'

Manitoba performing poorly in economic indicators

Development promises vibrancy, renewal

The five-storey multi-use development at 198 Sherbrook St. expects to be completed this fall

'No cheap and cheerful allowed'

UM Properties has high hopes, standards for its housing development near university

Public largely opposes city's $30-million loan

Residents overwhelmingly opposed the City of Brandon’s proposed $30-million loan to facilitate construction of two new lift stations during a public hearing Monday evening.

Many councilors undecided ahead of public hearing

Days ahead of a second and final public hearing Monday about whether the City of Brandon should borrow $30 million to build two new lift stations in its southwest areas



Jo Aiello Returns to 92.1 CITI to join Former Co-Hosts

Joe Aiello rejoined his former co-hosts Phil Aubrey and Shalinda Kirby on Monday in a reunion of the popular morning show trio.

Tips to enjoy the Spring Parade of Homes

Over the past week, hundreds of people have been visiting the spectacular show homes on display in the 2023 Spring Parade of Homes

Spring Parade of Homes on Now

The 25th anniversary edition of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s Spring Parade of Homes has arrived! 

Spring Parade of Homes only a week away

Next Saturday, Manitoba's best home builders will begin a three week showcase of over 120 new show homes

Quality training never goes out of style

On February 14 and 15, the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba (CSAM) will again be hosting its annual Safety Conference at the RBC Convention Centre

Spring Parade of Homes only a month away

The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s Parade of Homes is the signature showcase event for Manitoba’s residential construction industry, 

Ask a Renovator at the Winnipeg Home and Renovation Show

The MHBA’s “Ask A Renovator” booth is a signature feature of this weekend’s 2023 Winnipeg Renovation Show 

Federal, provincial programs aim to help with home energy efficiency - MHBA

Increasing the energy efficiency of our homes has been a major focus for all levels of government as well as for Manitoba homeowners.

MHBA members embrace professional development - MHBA

Ongoing professional development is a key piece of what differentiates a Manitoba Home Builders’ Association member from other residential construction companies in Manitoba.

Building with MHBA members always your best bet - MHBA

MHBA members adhere to association-set standards, maintaining the highest level of industry knowledge, and ensuring a safe job environment for all.

Latest update dated: March 6, 2023

• Appointments in the North area are booked for the next day.
• Appointments in the East area are available for the next day.
• Appointments in the South area are available for the next day.

The Utility Billing Centre is currently responding to builder's webform requests within 2-3 business days.

The MHBA has been asked by the City of Winnipeg’s Water Services to provide the following reminder to our members:

Before a water meter installation appointment can be scheduled, a contact phone number is required. Please provide Water Services with a phone number where you can be reached during the day, evening or weekend.

To ensure customer’s and employee’s safety during the pandemic, you will receive a phone call, approximately 1 day prior to the appointment date, to ask you questions related to COVID-19. If the City is unable to reach you at the phone number you provide, your appointment will be cancelled.

When you respond to this email with a phone number, your appointment will be scheduled.

In a tight Canadian labour market, employee retention is more important now than ever. The largest barrier preventing most organizations from having better employee retention rates is an over-reliance on outdated methods and mindsets.

Learn more on how to build a successful employee retention strategy here.