No, Punxsatawney Phil and Wiarton Willie didn't change their minds about their shadows, nor did a Chinook suddenly sweep across the Prairies, although our weather this winter has been nothing short of remarkable.
This is much bigger news. The Spring Parade of Homes starts on Saturday, March 3 and runs through Sunday, March 25. This annual display of the best new homes of the season is the surest sign that spring is just around the corner.
Tens of thousands of people will descend upon an assortment of neighbourhoods to see what's new this year; to learn about design and materials and to discover their new dream home. All of this begins to happen in just one week.
So, what does this year's Spring Parade of Homes have to offer? For starters, there will be 103 uniquely different new homes on display. That's 103 different designs, styles and tastes being presented.
When one considers that some of the larger Parades in other municipal centres of Canada max out at 30 homes, having 103 available here is truly astounding. Nowhere else in Canada is so much variety and selection on display.
These 103 homes can be found in 23 subdivisions. Therefore, not only can you look for the price and style of your new home, you can also investigate a wide variety of neighbourhoods in which to locate it. There is outstanding selection both within and outside the City of Winnipeg.
The discerning buyer can observe nearby amenities such as schools, shopping centres and recreational facilities, in addition to transportation routes associated with each location.
The Spring Parade of Homes is delighted to present show homes built by 35 distinctly unique builders. Each builder has brought their own special design, style and craft to each home. The best of the best is on display at this year's event.
It's no secret that Manitoba new homes are the best built and most energy efficient in Canada. Having such a vast selection on display makes this the perfect market for local consumers.
Look for the Spring Parade of Homes magazine in the March 3 edition of the Winnipeg Free Press and at any Steinbach Credit Union. After that date, it will also be accessible online at www.winnipegfreepress.com or www.homebuilders.mb.ca.
Don't miss the 2012 Spring Parade of Homes, your first true sign of spring.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
