New Homes
New Homes
Bigger, Better, Best at 10th KBR Show
January is always a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. What better way to start than at the 2011 Kitchen Bath and Renovation Show, presented by Floform Countertops at the Winnipeg Convention Centre Jan. 14 to 16?
As the show manager for the Manitoba Home Builders' Association, I've travelled to shows throughout Canada and had the opportunity to meet with show producers from across North America. 2011 promises to bring forward-thinking designs that will continue to reshape and surprise us as the year unfolds.
It's KBR's 10th anniversary and we wanted to celebrate in style. Our theme this year is Bigger Better Best. There is only one Canadian decorator who fit the bill. We set our sights high and we are really excited to welcome Sarah Richardson, host of Sarah's House on HGTV to our home show this year. Sarah is delightful and I know you will enjoy her presentations on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster for $20 plus GST.
KBR offers consumers a one-stop shopping experience all under one roof.
We will showcase hundreds of exhibits with the best and most innovative products and services in our marketplace. No matter how small or grand your renovation plans are, we can make your dreams a reality.
The Ask A Renovator feature, sponsored by U Need Space, is offering free 15-minute consultations with a certified renovator. To book an appointment, please go to our website at www.kitchenandbathshow.com.
Bring along your plans and get the advice you need from the professionals. The Inclusive Design Group will also be on hand to assist with your decorating dilemmas.
Join us at the Western Paint Lifestyle Stage for informative and entertaining presentations from local experts. Please check our website for details.
I am really excited to see the growth and direction KBR has taken. By far, we are one of Canada's number one kitchen, bath and renovation shows.
Whether you are on a quest for cutting edge design or a place where family and friends can gather, I hope that we can provide you with the ideas to give your home the heart and soul you envision.
See you at the show.
Jan Currier is show manager at the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Thanks to all who made this past year a success
As 2010 ends and a new year begins, the Manitoba Home Builders'Association wants to take this opportunity to recognize and thank those who made this past year a success.
The residential construction industry is a huge part of Manitoba's economy, accounting for a $2.8 billion impact, over 24,000 jobs, over $1 billion in wages and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in government tax revenue.
Of course, initial kudos must go to the volunteers and staff that drive the MHBA. There are 10 standing committees of the association with approximately 10 representatives per committee. That means 100 people are giving their time and expertise to the MHBA each year. That means that numerous companies recognize the importance of being involved in their professional association. It doesn't work without this kind of commitment.
The MHBA presents both large and small events. The Spring and Fall Parades of Homes are the largest and best run in Canada. The Home Expressions Show in March and the Kitchen and Bath Renovation Show in January are the largest events held in the Convention Centre. Tens of thousands of people participate in these four very public events.
At the other end of the spectrum, the MHBA hosts housing forums, educational seminars, awards evenings, dinner meetings, golf and curling outings and a variety of other activities that encourage interaction and professional development among members. A huge thank you goes to all of the sponsors, too many to list but many can be found in the individual categories of the MHBA website.
Legislation, policies, practices and procedures can be frustrating at the best of times. However, without full consultation, they can be almost impossible. Recognition and thanks must go to the open door policies of Premier Greg Selinger and the many ministers and their staff whose portfolios have a tremendous impact on the residential construction industry.
Similarly, across the floor, Hugh McFadyen and Jon Gerrard ensure that all sides are being heard. Mayor Sam Katz, the executive policy committee and everyone at planning, property and development are the absolute best.
This past year was a tremendous one for the housing industry after a tough 2009. Residential construction rebounded well and showed strength and resilience. However, Manitoba succeeds on partnerships and so here's looking to an even better 2011.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Home-renovation show for the holidays
Are you looking for the perfect stocking stuffer this season? Is there something out there that will provide hours of entertainment, improve your home and lifestyle and maybe even introduce you to star power; all at an affordable price?
Actually, this year, there is just such a ticket. That would be to the Manitoba Home Builders' Association's Kitchen Bath and Renovation Show at the Winnipeg Convention Centre Friday, Jan. 14 through Sunday, Jan. 16.
Tickets for the Kitchen Bath and Renovation Show are on sale now through Ticketmaster at a cost of $10, plus Ticketmaster agency fee ($8 for seniors with admission before 5 p.m.) and children under 10 get in free.
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most popular renovation destinations and all the advice and product that you will need will be under one roof on one weekend. There will be hundreds of booths with a plethora of information to help you improve your home.
Sarah Richardson, host of Sarah's House on HGTV, will be live at the Convention Centre Hall B stage at 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $20 plus Ticketmaster agency fee and that same ticket gets you into the KBR Show. Seating is limited, so the word to the wise is to buy early.
For those of you who've been extra good this year, the Manitoba Home Builders' Association has another perfect stocking stuffer. The Home Expressions Show, the largest of its kind in the province, using all three floors of the Convention Centre, takes place March 31 to April 3.
Tickets are also on sale now for that extravaganza. Tickets for Home Expressions are $12, plus the Ticketmaster agency fee.
The Home Expressions Show will also have its share of star power. Live, in the Delta ballroom at 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday, we are pleased to present Mike Holmes, host of Holmes on Homes. Again, tickets are $20 plus Ticketmaster agency fee, are limited in quantity and get you into the Home Expressions Show that day.
More news will follow as we get closer to the events but for those looking for an ideal gift, consider this personal shopping assistance.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Manitoba is expected to enjoy steady growth next year
THE health of Manitoba's new housing market has been discussed in detail each week in this column. Starts in 2010 have been up sharply from 2009 and the growth has been credited to the province's fast rebound from the recession, continued strong immigration and favourable employment statistics.
However, how does Manitoba fare in comparison to the rest of the country? What factors in other provinces most heavily impact their new housing market? Are there issues that may come into play here at a later date?
Manitoba's net migration is performing very well in 2010, primarily at the expense of B.C. and Alberta, both experiencing sharp declines from last year. This is then reflected in the prices of new homes, where Alberta is showing the slowest growth in Canada.
Growth in Atlantic Canada has been solid for the past five years, particularly in Newfoundland, but with slower employment growth and a weakening in migration, the demand for new housing is expected to reduce.
Quebec has been long reliant on stimulus spending for its growth. With a reduction in available funds and a need to get a better handle on their budget, one can anticipate a flattening of the economy.
Some would have us believe that as Ontario goes, so goes the Canadian economy. In housing, this is not the case. Single family detached starts continue to slow in major urban markets but sales of condominiums are expected to rise.
Saskatchewan has experienced a strong rebound in 2010 after a disastrous 2009. Prior to that, Saskatchewan was growing at a phenomenal rate. It was then anticipated that 2011 would drop back down to previous levels again.
However, favourable job creation coupled with positive migration should keep start levels steady.
Alberta has had three very bad years in a row and 2011 doesn't look any better. The good news is that the bleeding has stopped and with employment recovery will come the need for housing.
Affordability is always an issue in B.C. With the overseas investment still questionable and the uncertainty of their future with the harmonized sales tax, B.C. is likely to remain flat in terms of growth potential in the near future.
Over the coming year, look for the Manitoba market to compare favourably with the rest of Canada and continue to enjoy steady growth.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
