The Parade of Homes in Manitoba is celebrating its 45^th anniversary this year.

Since 1980, the event has evolved into the largest home tour in Canada and is hosted by the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association (MHBA). Parade of Homes (POH) is an opportunity for potential homebuyers to explore what builders and communities have to offer – and there’s something for everyone. Winnipeg’s builders display all types of homes from single-family homes to townhomes, luxury custom homes, side-by-side homes, and condos.

Brian Hastings (Qualico) along with others, quickly hopped on board and together, they created the Manitoba Parade of Homes. The first POH saw 20 to 30 homes while in the last few years, we regularly see over 130 homes and over 30 home builders between Winnipeg and Brandon.

Kensington Homes has been involved since the beginning. In 1982, it won the award for most original design with a show home in Canterbury Park and the best house in the $50,000 to 60,000 range with a show home in Fort Richmond. Leading to 2021 where it won nine awards at the Fall Parade of Homes Gala.

Separate spaces used to be the priority in floor designs, and with over 5,000 homes built in the last five decades, we have shifted to open concept layouts that support connection and maximize natural light. However, homebuyer priorities continue to evolve, and the biggest focus over the last couple of years has been designs for multi-generational living. This means incorporating flexible spaces, such as having both a great room and a sitting room, adding main floor bedrooms, and design prep kitchens or butler’s pantries to support larger family meal and entertaining. Kensington has adjusted or designed new plans to offer these adaptable spaces that can serves as home offices, guest suites, or playrooms to ensure our homes meet the unique, diverse needs of today’s families.

For 45 years, the Parade of Homes has been a stage for innovation, creativity, and connection in the home-building industry. Kensington Homes is proud to have been a part of this tradition from the beginning, evolving and growing with our communities. And we are excited to show case this year’s show homes – we are bringing innovative design and functionality to the forefront. You’ll see elements like arched hallways, butler’s pantry, warm and moody colour palettes, and more.

This year, as we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to explore our latest show homes and experience the thoughtful features. We look forward to welcoming you!

To celebrate the 45^th anniversary, the MHBA is hosting the “Explore and Win” contest. With 16 participating communities in the POH, each one gives you the opportunity to win a $500 Visa Gift Card – learn more here!

Take a look through memory lane below!