Each spring, the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association launches the Parade of Homes, one of the most anticipated events in the province’s housing industry.
The Spring 2026 Parade includes 119 show homes across 22 communities, giving Manitobans a chance to walk through a wide range of new homes and speak directly with builders.
During a recent CJOB radio segment, Manitoba Home Builders’ Association President and CEO Lanny McInnes spoke with several industry leaders about the Parade, including Dan Rolfe, President of Maric Homes.
The conversation explored how Winnipeg’s housing market is evolving, from infill development to multi generational living and the design trends shaping new homes today.
Below are a few highlights from Dan’s interview.
A Long Standing Tradition in the Parade of Homes
Maric Homes has been part of the Parade of Homes for decades, using the event to showcase both custom homes and new design ideas.
“As a custom home builder, we have participated in the Parade of Homes for almost thirty years,” said Dan Rolfe, President of Maric Homes. “Many builders showcase some of the finest homes built in this city and province.
Manitoba has one of the toughest climates and some of the most rigorous building codes, and the houses here are some of the finest built anywhere.”
The Parade allows visitors to experience homes in person, which remains one of the best ways to understand how a home feels and functions.
The Growth of Infill Development
As Winnipeg grows and available land becomes more limited, infill development has become an important part of the housing market.
“We are seeing more homes connected to infill properties in the Parade than we did before,” Rolfe explained. “If someone is looking for a larger property, they may need to look at an existing neighborhood and consider a knockdown and rebuild. Others may choose to build outside the city in a rural municipality where larger estate lots are available.”
Infill homes allow families to remain in established communities while building modern homes designed for today’s lifestyles.
Homes Designed for Multi Generational Living
One of the strongest shifts in home design today is the growing demand for homes that support multi generational living.
“We build homes that are well suited to multi generational living so families can help share mortgage costs,” Rolfe said. “That might mean having a suite in the basement or a main floor bedroom for older family members.”
These design choices allow families to live together while maintaining independence within the home.
Rolfe noted that the shift is becoming increasingly common.
“At one time our purchase contracts had space for two buyers to sign. We expanded that to five because we are seeing more and more people involved in the purchase of a home together.”
Accessibility and Aging in Place
Accessibility is also becoming an important part of modern home design.
“Accessibility is becoming a key consideration in how homes are planned today,” Rolfe said. “Developments such as Bridgwater Forest introduced opportunities for no step entries and other accessibility features, and we are seeing that approach continue across the city.”
Designing homes with accessibility in mind allows homeowners to remain in their homes longer while maintaining comfort and independence.
Design Trends Shaping Today’s Homes
Rolfe also shared insights on the design trends homeowners are asking for in new builds.
“We continue to see strong interest in natural design elements and bringing the outdoors inside,” he said. “Outdoor living spaces are becoming increasingly important, and spa style bathrooms remain very popular.”
Energy efficiency and technology are also shaping modern homes.
“Today’s homes are very connected. Energy efficiency and smart home technology are closely linked, and homeowners are looking for homes that include those advanced systems.”
These features reflect how homeowners increasingly view their homes as spaces for comfort, wellness, and long term living.
Listen to the Full Interview
The full CJOB interview with Lanny McInnes, Alana Yerin of Daytona Homes, and Dan Rolfe of Maric Homes explores the Spring Parade of Homes in more detail, including housing affordability, community development, and new home design trends.
You can listen to the full interview below.
