By Lanny McInnes
Manitoba’s spring and fall Parade of Homes receive a lot of attention while they are in full swing, but it’s important to remember that the show homes featured in the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association (MHBA) Parade of Homes are open for viewing far more than just twice a year.
The two MHBA Parade of Homes are spectacular showcase events for the Manitoba residential construction industry. The parades showcase the MHBA’s home-building members, allow new-home buyers a chance to see the latest in new-home options and give consumers a great opportunity to see the newest trends in home style and design.
These three-week events take place in March and September each year. Most people aren’t aware that Manitoba’s home parades are the largest in the country, bigger than the parades put on anywhere else in Canada. They are also free of charge.
The MHBA Spring Parade of Homes, held from March 2 to 24 this past spring, featured more than 130 amazing new homes to view in Winnipeg, Brandon and surrounding communities in the capital region. Our fall parade, held between Sept. 7 to 29, was even bigger.
Nowhere else in Canada do homebuyers have the opportunity to visit this many unique show homes to gain ideas on how and where to build their new dream home. As only MHBA builders can enter show homes in our parade of homes, you know you are seeing the newest homes being offered by Manitoba’s best and most reputable builders when you visit a parade show home.
The winter months provide a great opportunity for new-home buyers to visit show homes in between the fall and spring parades. Traffic will be a little lighter and parking a little easier to find at show homes during the winter months. Visiting at this time of year also allows you to see many of the home features, such as the heating system and the outdoor lights, in full operation.
So where can you find out information on show home locations and hours? You can visit the MHBA website at homebuilders.mb.ca and click on the “Parade of Homes” tab. There you can find a full listing of all parade show homes, as well as a digital version of the most recent Parade of Homes magazine.
On our Parade of Homes page, you will find a full list of the award-winning homes featured in this year’s fall parade, along with a listing of the MHBA’s sales award winners for new-home sales agents. When you click on the “Show Homes” tab on the MHBA website, you’ll find a full list of parade show homes located right across the province.
Our easy-to-use map allows you to see show home locations and to contact builders to set up viewings.
Show homes featured in the MHBA Parade of Homes are open for business year-round for your viewing and visiting pleasure.
The winter months are a great time to visit these show homes to see what’s new in home design and to start planning to build your new dream home next year. Our members look forward to your visit.