Winnipeg winters are no joke - with temperatures often dipping below -30°C and snow piling up for months, preparing your home for the cold is more than just comfort, it's protection. Whether you're a new homeowner or a seasoned Winnipeg resident, taking time to winterize your home can save you from frozen pipes, high heating bills, and costly repairs. Here's your ultimate Winnipeg winterizing checklist to keep your property safe, warm, and energy-efficient all season long. 1. Service Your Furnace Early Your furnace is the heart of your home during winter. Book a professional tune-up before temperatures drop. Change filters monthly for cleaner air and better efficiency. Check your thermostat settings and consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to manage your heating schedule and reduce energy waste. Pro Tip: If your furnace is more than 15 years old, a new high-efficiency model could cut your hydro bills by up to 20%. 2. Seal Up Drafts and Leaks Drafty...

If you're ready to buy a home (whether as a first-time buyer, a new-construction infill investor, or a duplex/4-plex investor) in the Winnipeg/Manitoba market, it's critical to understand how interest-rates and incentives affect what you can afford, and the timing of your move. Let's dig in. 1. The Big Picture: Why the Bank of Canada & Bond Yields Matter The Bank of Canada (BoC) sets the overnight policy rate - when it moves, it influences the prime rate banks charge. This is especially important for variable-rate mortgages and HELOCs. Fixed-rate mortgages don't follow the BoC policy rate directly - they're tied more to bond yields (especially 5-year Government of Canada yields) and the spreads lenders apply. In late October 2025 the BoC cut its policy rate to 2.25 %.   Because of this, the prime rate dropped to about 4.45% in many lenders' pricing models.   Meanwhile, the best advertised 5-year fixed mortgage rates have fallen: according to n...