New Homes
New Homes
Winnipeg among best economic performers
WINNIPEG is one of the best economic performers in Canada, according to a recent report by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
The report, called Canadian Cities: An Economic Snapshot, looked at 25 major urban centres in Canada and assessed their economic performance. Toronto was ranked at the top, but Winnipeg was not far behind at No. 3.
The reasons listed for our city's high ranking included strong population growth, above-average employment gains, low unemployment rates, low consumer and business bankruptcy rates and a strong housing market.
A quick review of some charts shows that Winnipeg ranks sixth in terms of population growth over the past year, attributed to aggressive immigration policies and the desire of many who once moved away to return home.
Our unemployment rate is the absolute lowest in all of Canada, with jobs waiting to be filled. Our consumer and business bankruptcy rates are both the fourth-lowest in Canada, MLS unit sales and average prices continue to rise, while new-home starts remain consistently good.
There's also a strong correlation to the residential construction industry, which is responsible for 14,200 jobs in Winnipeg and facing an imminent shortfall of thousands more. On numerous occasions, we've cited the need for new entrants into the construction industry. Our population growth has resulted in a need for housing of all sorts, from government-initiated social housing to rental, resale new-home construction.
Our city's lack of rental units and extreme seller's market for resale housing are strong indicators for entry-level housing demand. Our strong new-home market and subdivision growth suggest a great number of people want a new home in a new neighbourhood. The extremely low bankruptcy rate further promotes consumer confidence.
When we talk about an economic snapshot of Winnipeg, we're also talking about an economic snapshot of the residential construction industry. One is a reflection of the other. When one grows and prospers, the other moves with it.
We have much to be proud of in Winnipeg, and this 'good news' report gives us additional reason.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Looking for a subdivision? Choices abound
YOU know how sometimes we see something so often that we fail to appreciate just how amazing it is? That happens to me sometimes when I look at the subdivision guide within the Saturday Homes section. Although I always read the newspaper cover to cover, the beautiful weather of the long weekend had me looking more carefully at this guide.
Forty-nine listed subdivisions! That's an amazing number. I realize that only 19 had actual listings on the page, but 49 is an astounding amount of choices from which to select a location of a new home.
Sixteen of the 49 or almost one-third are outside the Perimeter Highway, with most being beyond the northeast quadrant. What a perfect opportunity for a Sunday afternoon drive to look at new neighbourhoods. However, don't neglect Stone Ridge Meadows to the northeast, Kingswood South in LaSalle in the southwest, Niverville, Lorette and Steinbach in the southeast and Oakbank directly east.
Within the city, five subdivisions are in the southeast quadrant, with established neighbourhoods such as Royalwood, River Park South and Van Hull Estates being featured along with Sage Creek, one of the newer and more popular subdivisions.
In the northeast quadrant, there are eight subdivisions listed. Popular Parade of Homes destinations such as Harborview South, Canterbury Park, Heartstone Estates and Kildonan Green remain locations of choice for those searching for a new home in that area.
In the northwest, there are eight subdivisions with the continued expansion of Amber Trails being the most prominent. The continuing development of Centreport is going to make this quadrant even more interesting in the coming years.
Finally, in the southwest quadrant, there are 12 subdivisions listed. Many are single listings for condominium locations, a feature growing rapidly in popularity, with South Pointe and Bridgwater Forest being the mainstays in larger subdivisions.
So, after reading this column, don't forget to look above at wide variety of subdivisions listed for your consideration for the location of your new home. The choice is yours.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Winnipeg dazzles Canada's homebuilders
Last week, I hosted 25 executive officers of various home builder associations from across Canada at a three-day workshop. It was a chance to share ideas, technical information, work with volunteer boards and government officials and, of course, socialize.
To my surprise, about half of the group had never been to Winnipeg before. Our city has 25 new converts as it dazzled all in attendance.
Our first observations, naturally enough, were based on a brief tour of new and existing houses. Many were surprised that so many of our homes had full basements, something that we often take for granted. Stucco is more prevalent in the Prairies and all were impressed with its fire-resistant and energy-saving qualities.
Our lot sizes are bigger on average than in many parts of Canada and no one expected the number of large trees that we are able to maintain in even the most populated areas. As I said, what we often just assume as a way of life is considered unique and special in other parts of Canada.
Everyone was housed at the Inn at the Forks, with classroom-setting workshops there, too. To say the location dazzled would be an understatement.
Traditionally, our organization has flown in speakers from across the continent to speak about issues that are pertinent to this major Canadian industry. Not in Winnipeg. I said that no matter the topic, I could find experts right here that were as good as anyone anywhere in North America.
A national survey decided the topics and I chose the presenters. Priti Shah on board governance, Sylvia Yaeger on work/life balance, Laurie Finley on social media and the tag-team combination of Jennifer Howard, Justin Swandel and Deepak Joshi talking about government relations surpassed anything that had been presented before.
Many delegates commented that this was the best program ever because it consisted of real people talking about how and why things work in Manitoba, rather than some theoretical lecture.
So, as we venture into this Canada Day long weekend, let us not just celebrate the fact that we live in the greatest country in the world, but let's also recognize that we are indeed privileged to live in the finest province and city within that great country.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Good renovators rely on word of mouth
Finding the right renovator is key to getting the results you want. The sooner you get a professional involved, the more you can benefit from their knowledge and expertise.
With a little legwork, you should have no trouble finding the company that is best suited to your project.
Look first to names listed within the Manitoba Home Builders' Association. Membership in the MHBA is a solid indication of professionalism. Members have access to training and the latest information on all aspects of renovation.
They also agree to adhere voluntarily to the RenoMark Code of Ethics, which sets out a framework for fair and honest business practices.
Although the MHBA cannot make recommendations about a specific company, there is a comprehensive a list of members who may be suitable for your project online at www.homebuilders.mb.ca From there, you can check the websites of individual renovator members.
All MHBA renovators belong to the RenoMark program. At www.renomark.com one can find out what puts these renovators a cut above the rest.
Ask around for recommendations. Many renovators do little, if any, advertising. They often don't have to, as the "word" travels from one client to the next. Most people are happy to talk about their own renovation experiences and tell you what they think about their contractors. Ask friends, family, co-workers and neighbours who have had work done recently. Look around your neighbourhood for projects in progress and talk with the homeowners.
Visit home shows to meet renovators. Home shows can provide a great opportunity to check out local contractors. The annual Kitchen Bath and Renovation Show features the Ask a Renovator booth, where visitors book private 15-minute appointments to talk further about their planned renovation projects.
Check advertising by renovation companies. You can also look in newspapers for advertisements, review flyers that come to your door, check building material stores for business cards or brochures, and browse the Yellow Pages. Making certain that your renovator adheres to the RenoMark Code of Ethics is key to a successful project.
Investing a little time in finding the right renovator is well worth it. When you begin with a list of professional renovators, the next steps are easy --SEmD interviewing, checking credentials and hiring the company that's right for your project.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Construction sector acting to fill skills gap
Real Jobs, Real Money.
That was the title of a promotional piece and seminar hosted by the Nova Scotia Homes Builders' Association. The purpose was to let young people know there are numerous good jobs for people who want to work in residential construction.
The Labour Market Indicator statistics for Manitoba recently forecast a pending shortfall of 12,400 workers in construction within the next six years. The combination of growth in the industry and retirements will mean we will encounter employment needs like never before.
Personally, I think the shortages are already here, never mind six years from now. After all, just look at what is happening throughout Manitoba.
New housing starts in 2010 were their highest in the past 23 years.
Current and future Manitoba Hydro projects indicate tremendous opportunity. The airport terminal rebuild, the new Bombers stadium, the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, CentrePort, Ikea, roads, bridges and other large projects are happening right now.
The Our Winnipeg report calls for a population increase of 180,000 during the next 25 years. The infrastructure work to accommodate that growth will be huge.
The Manitoba Construction Sector Council is an agency that is addressing the needs of the industry in a positive manner. It is committed to the welfare of the construction industry and ensuring that the current and future workforce is professionally trained and prepared to tackle the needs of the industry.
During this past year, representatives of the MCSC visited more than a dozen high schools and spoke about careers in construction. On May 11, more than 1,300 students and 150 teachers descended upon the Red River Exhibition grounds to attend the Construction Career Expo and learned in a hands-on manner about various trades, skills and job opportunities.
The Pre-Employment Construction Training Program has been operating for three years and is designed to recruit and train individuals for general and specific skills that would enable them to start work immediately. Their advanced skill set and safety training would automatically place them a cut above most. Four more sessions are already scheduled for the coming year.
Building Supervisors for Tomorrow has proven to be one of the more popular courses for existing employees, preparing them for long-term supervisory roles within their respective companies.
The Manitoba Construction Sector Council is preparing tomorrow's employees today.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.