Winnipeg

Qualico Communities Winnipeg Blog

December 8, 2024 Topics: Lifestyle
The holiday season is upon us and preparing your home for family and friends can be a daunting task. If you’re prepared and plan ahead, you’ll have plenty of time to create enjoyable memories with loved ones rather than stressing out.

October 25, 2024 Topics: Lifestyle
Halloween is a fun time for kids to dress-up, stay-up late and eat candy. With all of this excitement and distractions, it’s easy for a pleasantly spooky night to turn into a scary one. These quick safety tips will help ensure a safe evening of trick-or-treating in your community.

October 8, 2024 Topics: Lifestyle

We are well into October and with Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to give your house the haunted treatment. Follow these tips to transform your home into the spookiest house on the block and to attract trick-or-treaters in your neighbourhood.


September 23, 2024 Topics: Nature
Autumn is here with leaves bursting with colour and slowly floating to the ground. As temperatures in Manitoba become chilly, it’s time to start thinking of ways to bring the beauty of nature indoors this winter.

September 4, 2024 Topics: News
As Manitobans, we all know that once warm weather hits, construction season amps up. It’s also a time when residents are often outside to soak in the sun and enjoy fresh air. With this added activity during the day, it’s important to remember that many construction sites are still active.

While our builders and trades follow all safety rules, it’s always a good idea to avoid putting you and your family in a risky situation. Here are some tips on how to safely navigate a construction site:

September 1, 2024 Topics: Nature
Colourful foliage marks the end of gardening season which can be bittersweet. As temperatures begin to shift and sunlight conditions decline, this is the time to start planning your autumn to-do list. Doing so will ensure your plants stay healthy over the winter and into the spring. Here are some tasks to do before the ground freezes:

August 25, 2024 Topics: Lifestyle

Many of us are busy getting the kids ready with new clothes, school supplies, and more, but what about your home? Here are some of our tips for each room in your home to get back to school ready!


August 7, 2024 Topics: Lifestyle
Public art is interwoven throughout our communities to create a lasting impact to both visitors and residents. It is used to enrich our streetscapes and is a powerful tool that can make a space exciting by creating new experiences.

July 21, 2024 Topics: Nature
Get on the trails this summer to enjoy the natural beauty that is woven throughout each of our communities. Trails wind along our naturalized wetlands, which provide homes for a variety of prairie wildlife while creating serene settings where residents can slow down to escape the bustle of the city.

July 19, 2024 Topics: Lifestyle
When looking to move into a new community, many people only think of single-family homes, yet there are many other housing options to consider. Apartment style condos are a popular choice where residents can enjoy high-rise views of the surrounding streetscape. However, apartment living isn’t for everyone.

July 8, 2024 Topics: Nature
Canada thistle is a perennial, noxious weed that has spear-like leaves with sharp barbs. This species has a deep and extensive root system that can rapidly grow back from even a small piece of root.

May 24, 2024 Topics: Nature
When imagining our dream home, many of us picture a lawn full of lush green grass. However, maintaining a picturesque lawn takes a lot of time and resources. Homeowners need to regularly mow, water, aerate, de-weed and sometimes fertilize their grass to maintain its desired look. Manicured lawns have become a source of pride and a standard in many areas; however, this is beginning to change.

May 5, 2024 Topics: Lifestyle

Having a home that backs onto a public reserve can be quite scenic. Homeowners can look out their windows to enjoy the naturalized areas that are usually incorporated along trails, parks and wetlands. Native grasses and plants provide valuable habitat and food sources to local wildlife while also helping to clean our air and watershed.

Unfortunately, these beautiful parks and trails can be easily damaged when homeowners hire contractors who use them to access backyards to make improvements. If you are a homeowner who is planning any backyard renovations that require access through a public reserve such as a trail or park, please be sure to get permits. Learn more in this blog. 

May 1, 2024 Topics: Lifestyle

Knowing who maintains which boulevard can be confusing. To help clarify the procedures on boulevard maintenance, we’ve put together this guide to help you determine who is responsible for a specific area.


April 14, 2024 Topics: Nature
Qualico Communities understands that a neighbourhood is an organic living thing, which is why we continue to partner with Native Plant Solutions, a branch of Ducks Unlimited, in the planning and management of our communities to ensure that we are creating healthy communities that flourish.

April 2, 2024 Topics: Lifestyle
Spring can be a smelly time of year for dog owners, especially when turds can no longer freeze into poopsicles. It’s one thing to become lenient in picking up the poop in your own backyard but imagine seeing and smelling everyone else’s soggy dog poop when you’re out on a walk.

March 18, 2024 Topics: Nature

Naturalized wetlands have become key features in the creation of our Qualico communities. Wetland construction is a detailed and timely process; it takes multiple phases or stages that progress over a number of years in order for a wetland to reach full maturity. However, once completely established, a naturalized wetland provides many benefits to a community such as helping to clean the watershed, providing valuable habitat for local wildlife and plant species, and offering a place of relaxation and recreation for residents and visitors alike.

Take a look below to see how it all begins (and grows!)


February 14, 2024 Topics: Lifestyle
Taking the time to decide where to live is just as important as the home itself. You’ll want a neighbourhood that complements your lifestyle and offers an atmosphere that suits your personality. The good news is that there are numerous communities throughout Winnipeg that can meet the needs of a diverse range of families. Here are some aspects to consider when choosing your dream neighbourhood.

February 13, 2024 Topics: Lifestyle

When the bitter, cold prairie winter hits, so does the desire to pack your bags and jet-off to a warmer destination. A place where the parkas and snow boots can be swapped for shorts and sandals as a wardrobe staple. Whether you choose to escape the cold with a short weekend getaway or a week-long vacation with family and friends, it’s important to prepare your home for when you are away to ensure you stay stress-free from take-off to landing.

Here are some tips to keep in mind prior to your departure:


November 27, 2023 Topics: Lifestyle
With the holiday season upon us many people are getting out their ladders and extension cords and turning the exterior of their homes into a winter wonderland. While you may be inspired to do the same, before you begin, it’s best to develop a plan instead of winging it.

November 15, 2023 Topics: Lifestyle
With Winnipeg typically covered in snow for one-third of the year, Winnipeggers are well known for their resiliency in winter. But, have you considered how your home is handling the frigid temperatures?

November 8, 2023 Topics: Lifestyle
Purchasing a brand new home doesn’t always mean you need to begin conceptualizing what you want and building it from scratch. There is another option – quick possession homes. 

February 7, 2023 Topics: Events

Winnipeg winters are notorious for being cold, dark and seemingly everlasting. However, one doesn’t need to look far to find a local event, attraction or activity that embraces the coldest season and all that comes with it. One such popular event is, of course, Festival du Voyageur.

As a long-standing sponsor of Festival du Voyageur, Qualico Communities annually selects a prominent location to place one of the event’s famous snow sculptures. This year, because of their popularity, we decided to collaborate with local artists to offer not only one but five snow sculptures in our communities.


January 9, 2023 Topics: Lifestyle

Winter can seem never-ending but instead of wishing it away, it’s nice to make the most of it. During these winter months it’s important to get a daily dose of fresh air and sunshine, even on the blustery cold days. As an old saying by Alfred Wainwright goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”

In the spirit of being hardy Winnipeggers, here are some activities to get you and your family outside this winter to get active, create new memories and have fun in the comfort of your own backyard.


November 14, 2022 Topics: Nature

Qualico Communities' commitment to sustainability is at the core of our culture and embedded in our communities. It’s an important part of who we are, and we demonstrate this responsibility each day by creating environments where people, plants and wildlife coexist.


June 2, 2022 Topics: News

Today, we’re taking a closer look at 4 Siskin Bay in Sage Creek as Sterling Homes provides us with some of the most sought-after answers pertaining to new home design.


April 11, 2022 Topics: News
Today, we’re taking a deeper look into 14 Stone Hearth Lane as Avanti Custom Homes gives us the scoop on some of the most sought-after questions pertaining to designing new homes.

March 14, 2022 Topics: News
Today, we’re opening the doors to 19 Siskin Bay in Sage Creek as Foxridge Homes provides us with some of the most sought-after answers pertaining to new home design.

February 2, 2022 Topics: News
Today, we’re taking a deeper look into 51 Curry Drive as Hearth Homes gives us the answers to some of the most sought-after questions pertaining to designing new homes. 

June 7, 2021 Topics: News

If you live in Oak Bluff you can take comfort knowing there are additional eyes looking out for the safety of you and your neighbours. Many attempted crimes in Oak Bluff have been deterred thanks to the Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP). This volunteer group has approximately 12 active patrols in the community who work in partnership with law enforcement to help keep the neighbourhood safe.


June 3, 2021 Topics: News

Qualico Communities is proud to introduce its newest community, Bison Run. This name pays tribute to the strong historical significance of Manitoba’s wildlife and ties to the new neighbourhood’s surroundings. Located in Waverley West, this new development is bordered between Bridgwater Forest, Bridgwater Centre, South Pointe and is near the University of Manitoba campus.


May 10, 2021 Topics: News
Qualico Communities is excited to announce that we are moving forward with a new development in Oakbank. As part of our application process, we have put together a presentation with some relevant information for interested community members or potential homeowners.

May 3, 2021 Topics: News

Within the last year, the lumber industry has gone through some tremendous changes. Those who are planning summer projects, should be aware and prepared before ordering materials.


April 26, 2021 Topics: Nature

A rain garden can add a beautiful display of colour to your yard and provide food and habitat to pollinators all while helping to clean our waterways.


April 19, 2021 Topics: Nature
To an extent any garden with flowering plants is a pollinator garden; yet pollinators are declining worldwide. Over 80 per cent of flowering plants need pollinators such as bees, birds, butterflies and other animals to develop seed or fruit to reproduce. Having available pollinators is as essential to most flowering plants as water, sunlight and good soil. In fact, most of the earth’s ecosystems including much of our food supply are dependent on pollinators. With hundreds of pollinator species on the verge of extinction, it’s imperative to provide extra support to pollinators to ensure they have the habitat they need.

April 14, 2021 Topics: Nature
When thinking about gardens, vegetable gardens are usually the first type that comes to mind for many people. When beginning a garden, be sure to use these tips for a successful growing season.

April 6, 2021 Topics: Nature
As the sun begins to linger longer and temperatures start to rise, many people are craving more time outside. It’s no surprise as the outdoors can do wonders for relieving anxiety and stress. Countless studies have proven that nature has a positive effect on our mental health; What you see, hear and experience in nature can help to improve your mood in a moment.

February 3, 2021 Topics: Events

Get the most out of this year’s Parade of Homes by viewing the finest examples of creativity and craftsmanship in Manitoba’s home building industry. This bi-annual event is hosted by the Manitoba Home Builder’s Association (MHBA) and continues to be the largest Parade of Homes in Canada.

If you’re considering building a new home, this event is the perfect opportunity to speak with a variety of builders to gather inspiration for your future dream home.

Here are some tips to get the most out of your Parade of Homes experience:


December 16, 2020 Topics: Lifestyle
The New Year is upon us and many people use this time to turn over a new leaf. Whether it’s vowing to eat better, exercise more or to focus on self-care. The New Year is brimming with possibilities and while you’re reflecting, this is the perfect opportunity to set goals for your home as well.

October 7, 2020 Topics: Lifestyle
The leaves are changing colour and the winds are blowing cooler. Fall is here and after a great summer, it’s time to make sure your home is in top shape and ready for winter. From cleaning out your gutters to checking the batteries in your smoke detectors, these things go a long way in maintaining the value of your home and in some cases, keeping your family safe.

August 5, 2020 Topics: Lifestyle
Oak Bluff West is a community that allows residents to leave the rush of the city behind while enjoying wide-open views and a beautiful prairie skyline with access to the city just minutes away. Take a better look at six of the top benefits of living in Oak Bluff West:

April 7, 2020 Topics: Nature
Qualico Communities is proud to announce that we are renewing our partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) for another three-year term.

February 18, 2020 Topics: News
This year, Qualico Communities is the proud sponsor of the Wood Carving Challenge at Festival du Voyageur. Presented by Windy Day Woodworks, this challenge is located in Voyageur Park where chainsaw artists sculpt spectacular works of art.

December 10, 2019 Topics: News
On December 3, 2019 Qualico Communities and Landmark Planning & Design hosted an open to share the proposed first phase of development for Waverly West Neighbourhood B, demonstrate how it fits within Waverley West and receive public input.

November 22, 2019 Topics: Events
The holidays are all about spending time with your friends and family. It’s when our dark winter nights are transformed into a winter wonderland with colourful lights, cheerful music and plenty of festivities – no wonder it’s called the most wonderful time of the year!

October 10, 2019 Topics: Events
The Manitoba Home Builders' Association (MHBA), has put on another fantastic Fall Parade of Homes! This annual exhibition displays 137 show homes from a variety of 38 builders to showcase the best in home design and construction throughout our province.

June 18, 2019 Topics: Events
If you’re planning on staying close to the city this Canada Day, fear not because there are a ton of nearby festivities celebrating Canada’s 152nd anniversary.

March 12, 2019 Topics: Lifestyle
When moving into a new community, it can be helpful for residents to get to know their neighbours to form a sense of belonging. One way of doing this is by joining a community association.

November 19, 2018 Topics: Lifestyle
Exterior lighting is what gives a home presence at night. With the new varieties of lighting styles and energy efficient options, homes can take exterior lighting to the next level by adding a dramatic flair to your home when the sun goes down. There are numerous types of exterior lighting so let’s take a look at what might work best for your new home.

October 9, 2018 Topics: Lifestyle
The 2018 Fall Parade of homes was a big success! With 138 show homes on display, this Winnipeg event, hosted by the Manitoba Home Builder’s Association (MHBA), continues to be the largest Parade of Homes in Canada.

October 1, 2018 Topics: Nature
On September 27, representatives across Canada gathered in Sage Creek to learn about the design and construction of naturalized wetland systems. This Sage Creek tour was part of a two-day field workshop on naturalized stormwater retention ponds.

July 25, 2018 Topics: Lifestyle

When looking for a home, or considering building new, you may have heard of a spec home. For some, spec home may sound like a vague name, so we are here to clarify and instil a few reasons why you may actually want to purchase a spec home.


June 4, 2018 Topics: News

RidgeWood West is a unique community located in Charleswood. What makes it unique? It’s a new home community in an area known for having more established homes. Now, you can build a new home in the picturesque neighbourhood that backs out onto open prairie landscapes.


May 30, 2018 Topics: Nature

New communities are being designed to be walkable with the goal of encouraging active lifestyles. Qualico Communities are the same way, but are also designed to improve sustainability. Limestone trails, as opposed to paved trails, provide many benefits to each community, giving back to the natural surroundings, pets and residents alike.


May 2, 2018 Topics: Lifestyle

Taking care of your home is an on-going task. Though new homes don’t require renovations, they do need regular maintenance. From power washing your windows and siding, to checking the furnace filter, these little things can go a long way to maintain the value of your home, and in some cases, keep your family safe.


April 30, 2018 Topics: News

Floorplans are the very first step in everything coming together–allowing you to visualize the layout of your home in a simplified and uncluttered way. Reading your floorplans, you’ll be able to see your new home take shape, make adjustments to the design (if needed), and get a better idea of what life will be like when it’s finished.


April 18, 2018 Topics: Nature

Working to build more sustainable communities in Winnipeg, Qualico re-introduces native plants and grasses into new developments, preserving existing natural elements, creating walkable communities and using as many locally-sourced materials as possible.


March 29, 2018 Topics: Nature
Spring is hot on our heels and that means gardening season is not far away. As the weather warms up and the ground thaws, if you’re a seasoned gardener, you’re probably already planning this year’s crop. If you’re new to the world of gardening, here are some great tips for getting started.

March 2, 2018 Topics: Lifestyle
Personal fitness rooms are becoming more and more common in new home projects. With the focus on health and fitness in today’s world–where things like fast food reign supreme–we are seeing people working towards healthier living.

February 25, 2018 Topics: Lifestyle

Buying a house is, in most cases, the biggest purchase a family makes. Whether it’s your first home, second, or third, saving for the down payment can take some work. 


February 13, 2018 Topics: News

Driving through any of Qualico’s many different communities, you’ll notice a high standard of style and design throughout the homes. Builders meet with Qualico Communities to discuss and design the overall aesthetic of each neighbourhood adhering to these guidelines during the builds.


January 16, 2018

One of the major benefits to owning a new home is energy efficiency. New and efficient homes reduce the amount of time and money you need to spend to keep it maintained and in proper shape. We often hear about how new homes are more efficient, but what makes them better performers than older homes?


December 29, 2017 Topics: News

With 2017 coming to a close, Qualico Communities has had an exciting year full of growth and expansion. From the grand opening of a new community, releases of new community phases and fun events residents were able to take part in, there was a lot to celebrate.


December 26, 2017
The holidays have come and gone and chances are you have a lot of new stuff in your home! Pair that with all your holiday decorations that need to be packed away and you have a lot of things needing to be organized. Now is the perfect time to tackle the mess while simultaneously preparing for next year.

December 18, 2017 Topics: Lifestyle
Young children need intellectual stimulation, and not the kind found in a text book. They need to learn how to carry out some of the most essential elements of human life, such as solving problems, asking questions, and more!

August 7, 2017 Topics: Lifestyle
A house doesn’t become a home until it’s been lived in, new memories have been made and personal touches have been added to make it uniquely the residents home. Whether you are in the process of building or just moved in and looking to decorate to your personal style, you can always find ways to personalize your home. 

July 3, 2017
Now that the warm weather is here, Winnipeggers are firing up their barbeques and spending as much time as they can outside. Whether you’re hosting for four people or 50 people, there are many more factors to consider. 

June 5, 2017 Topics: Lifestyle
You and your family are getting ready to create new memories in a brand-new home but now that means it’s time pack up all your belongings. To help eliminate the unneeded stress and make the move as seamless as possible, we’re giving you a list of tips you can use to make the process a lot more enjoyable.

March 27, 2017 Topics: Lifestyle
Schools are officially empty as kids have left their notebooks and pencils behind and are now enjoying a week-long break filled with fun and a little extra sleep. Here are some activity ideas to ensure your week is packed with fun!

Topics: News
So you’re looking for a community for your new custom built or premium home? From the start, you can rest easy knowing that all our communities are developed to the highest standards for design, environmental sustainability and meet the diverse and changing needs of homeowners.

Topics: News

This is the first of a series of blogs to help break down the steps of building a new home so that you can start to see yourself in a home in one of our inviting communities. The series will cover tips for choosing your community, selecting the builder, designing your home, and finally, how to stay sane during the build.


Topics: News
Many new home builders are faced with the question of what comes first—Choosing your community, lot or builder? When starting with your builder, there are a lot of considerations that your builder will be able to help you with at the start of your relationship.

Topics: News
You’ve chosen your community, your lot and your builder. Now you’re on to the most exciting part of your new home project—developing a floor plan and designing your home.

Topics: News
Ask a designer, a sales agent and a builder what new homeowners can do to keep their building projects on track and they will most likely all tell you the exact same thing. Find out what to expect during your new home build!

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