On July 19, UDI and MHBA representatives met with Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham. Topics discussed with Mayor Gillingham included improving the City of Winnipeg’s development permit application process, the permit reserve fund, and the 2024 city budget. UDI and the MHBA thank Mayor Gillingham for meeting with us to discuss these topics important to Winnipeg’s residential construction and land development industries.

The Manitoba government is implementing legislative and regulatory changes to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of building permitting processes in Manitoba. Changes include establishing an independent technical adjudicative process for building permitting disputes and performance standards for building permitting processes. These changes will come into force on March 1, 2024 and are aimed at supporting the consistent application of building codes across the province and ensuring that permitting decisions are made within predictable and reasonable time frames. The Manitoba government is moving forward to proclaim sections of the Building and Electrical Permitting Improvement Act, the Permit Dispute Resolution Regulation, and the Performance Standards Regulation. 

The Performance Standards Regulation, under the Buildings Act, specifies the time periods that permitting authorities have to respond to applicants, make decisions on applications, and conduct inspections.

The Permit Dispute Resolution Regulation, under the new Permit Dispute Resolution Act, establishes the appeal process for disputes related to building permitting decisions. Permit applicants will now have a formalized appeal mechanism for cases where they believe a permitting authority is wrong in withholding a permit or issuing an order on code matters.

To view the Province’s press release click here.

The Manitoba government has released its Opportunities for Economic Growth Action Plan, a new long-term economic action plan for Manitoba with targeted initiatives to meet the province’s vision for sustained growth, increased trade, a skilled workforce with good paying jobs, and continued progress toward economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities. The plan will evolve and adapt to changing economic conditions and priorities. An interactive website has been developed so Manitobans can learn more about each of the actions and monitor the plan’s progress.

To view the Opportunities for Economic Growth Action Plan, click here.

To view the Work in Manitoba job portal connecting job seekers to employers, click here.

To view Manitoba’s Labour Market Outlook for 2022-26, visit click here.

For more information on Manitoba’s economic advantages and opportunities, click here.

The Manitoba government has announced that effective January 1, 2024, Manitoba will be adopting and enforcing the 2020 editions of the national model building, plumbing, energy and fire codes published by the National Research Council. Permitting and inspections authorities responsible for adopting and enforcing the Manitoba Building Code, Manitoba Plumbing Code and Manitoba Energy Code for Buildings will be required to approve building and plumbing permits based on the 2020 national model codes starting January 1, 2024. Inspections based on permits approved before January 1, 2024, must ensure compliance with approved plans based on the previous codes.

The MHBA’s Technical Research Committee worked closely with provincial officials and our recommendations on the 2020 Model Code adoption and implementation are reflected in the province’s announcement. 

The 2020 editions of the national codes have numerous updates, including:

National Building Code 2020

• Technical requirements for large farm buildings are added, which address fire protection, occupant safety, structural design and heating, ventilating and air-conditioning.
• Encapsulated mass timber construction is introduced, enabling the construction of wood buildings with up to 12 storeys.
• Accessibility requirements are updated to reduce barriers related to anthropometrics, plumbing facilities, signage, entrances and elevators.
• Design requirements for evaporative equipment are revised to minimize the growth and transmission of Legionella and other bacteria.
• A home-type care occupancy is introduced to allow safe and affordable care in a home-type setting.
• Energy performance tiers are established to provide a framework for achieving higher levels of energy efficiency in housing and small buildings. Manitoba is initially adopting the baseline Tier 1, and is working with the federal government to develop a road map and build capacity in Manitoba for higher tier adoption in the future.

National Plumbing Code 2020

• Fibrocement pipe and fittings are included as alternatives to asbestos-cement materials, which were removed from the National Plumbing Code 2015 as an interim change.
• Other new plumbing materials are added as options, including polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT) tube, cellular core polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe and their fittings.
• The maximum temperature for water discharging from shower heads or into bathtubs is reduced in health-care facilities and seniors' residences to prevent scalding.
• Gate valves and screw caps, which require manual intervention, are removed as options for backflow protection to reduce the risk of basement flooding.
• Design requirements for non-potable rainwater harvesting systems are introduced to facilitate the collection and use of rainwater.

National Energy Code for Buildings 2020

• The application of the Code is extended to cover alterations, such as tenant improvements, to buildings originally constructed in accordance with the National Energy Code for Buildings.
• Maximum overall thermal transmittance values for opaque building assemblies and fenestration are reduced to improve the thermal performance of the building envelope.
• Whole-building airtightness testing is introduced as an option for complying with air leakage requirements.
• Lighting power densities are updated to reflect improvements in the efficacy of lighting products.
• Performance requirements for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) and service water heating equipment are updated to align them with relevant standards and regulations.
• The trade-off compliance paths for HVAC and service water systems, which were complex and not widely used, are removed.
• A new compliance path with four energy performance tiers is introduced to provide a framework for achieving higher levels of energy efficiency in buildings.

National Fire Code 2020

• Technical requirements for large farm buildings are added, which address the inspection of mechanical equipment and electrical systems, the control of flammable gases and vapours, and the storage of flammable or combustible liquids.
• Fire safety plan requirements are consolidated to facilitate compliance and enforcement.
• Classifications are established for five widely used water-miscible liquid mixtures to ensure that appropriate fire safety measures are applied in their storage, handling, use and processing.
•  Measures are included to address fire safety during the construction of encapsulated mass timber buildings.

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For further information and resources regarding Manitoba’s adoption and enforcement of the 2020 national model codes, please visit Province of Manitoba | Labour | Labour and Immigration | 2020 Construction Codes Adoption (gov.mb.ca)

To view the Province’s press release, click here.

The MHBA will be working with the provincial government to schedule information and training sessions for members well prior to the January 1, 2024 implementation date to help our members prepare for these changes

UDI Manitoba has received the following update about ongoing negotiations between the MGEU Locals 397 and 399 Bargaining Committee and Teranet Manitoba: 

Over the past year, Teranet Manitoba has been working hard to achieve a new collective agreement for our employees. Our primary goal is to successfully conclude negotiations through the collective bargaining process to minimize any potential impact to you.

We want to let you know the MGEU Bargaining Committee has advised us that 15 employees will begin strike action on July 31, 2023

Despite this action, Teranet Manitoba is prepared to continue providing Land Titles Registry and Personal Property Registry services. Rest assured, our approach will ensure you can do business confidently.

If you’re looking for updates, please visit our website where you can find more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

We understand this situation may be concerning and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. As the situation evolves, we’ll keep you informed about any developments.

View the collective bargaining updates HERE

The Manitoba government has announced that future water and wastewater investments in Manitoba will be guided by a proposed new framework that establishes a tiered approach to funding and procurement. The Municipal Water and Wastewater Investment Framework establishes investment tiers for the province to clarify funding mechanisms, procurement approaches, and partnership opportunities for municipalities. The Manitoba government will structure its review and support for projects using the new framework that is informed by input from partners. This approach will categorize water and wastewater projects into three tiers according to cost, project type and scale, and potential to utilize alternative delivery and financing approaches.

To view the Province’s press release, click here.

Summer at the Red River Planning District (RRPD) brings summer days, warm weather, and an increase in permit inspections! Take a look at the Red River Planning July newsletter to view more on processing permits in recored time, how to avoid permit delays, and looking back on the past year.

View the newsletter HERE.

The Town of Stonewall is seeking experienced firms who are prepared to design, develop, and construct a comprehensive multi -use development on the site located at the corner of 4th St East and 3rd Ave South. The development is to include but is not limited to independent housing, assisted living, supportive housing, and a memory care facility that will create an age-in-place campus.

UDI Manitoba has been asked to share the RFP Document with our members and presented them with this unique opportunity to pursue this project in Stonewall.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact marilisa@stonewall.ca or Town of Stonewall CAO Wally Melnyk wmelnyk@stonewall.ca

Manitoba Hydro’s Property Department has launched a Land Management Site. This is a new platform that offers resources and services related to land management dealings with Manitoba Hydro.

One particularly helpful feature of the site is the new Subdivision Status Dashboard, which allows you to check the status of your subdivision within Manitoba Hydro's easement obtaining process. The dashboard is best viewed on a desktop computer and offers a convenient way to stay informed about the progress of your subdivision.

The Manitoba Hydro Land Management Site currently offers a variety of helpful resources related to the subdivision process, including guides, links to service application forms, FAQ’s and will continue to expand and offer more resources over time.

A potential future development is the use of digital, online applications for Easement Encroachment.

We invite you to visit the site today to learn more about the resources and services available here.

Feedback and suggestions regarding the site and dashboard are gladly welcome by Manitoba Hydro and can be shared at the next meet up between Manitoba Hydro and the Urban Development Institute.