WINNIPEG, MB — October 22, 2026, Mayoral candidate Don Woodstock announced a comprehensive civic framework today designed to protect Winnipeg homebuyers, end property tax overcharges in incomplete developments, and remove municipal red tape stalling real estate transactions.
The Homebuyer & Taxpayer Protection Act introduces a municipal standard requiring developer accountability, civic transparency, and fair taxation.
“If you don’t get the road, you shouldn’t pay full price for it,” said Don Woodstock. “Too many Winnipeg families buy a new home, move in, and discover unpaved streets, missing sidewalks, and broken drainage, yet their tax bill charges them 100% of the property tax rate. It’s unfair to homeowners, and it leaves taxpayers on the hook when poorly built infrastructure breaks down.”
Key Highlights of the Act
No Full Taxes Without Full Services: Establishes a public tracking schedule for subdivision infrastructure. Where developers materially delay promised roads, parks, or sidewalks, Council will institute targeted property tax relief and developer-funded compensation.
5-Year Developer Infrastructure Guarantee: Holds developer financial securities for 5 years, ensuring private developers, not Winnipeg taxpayers, pay for defective roads, curbs, and drainage before the City assumes long-term ownership.
Mandatory Builder Licensing & Performance Registry: Requires residential builders to register, disclose corporate ownership, maintain insurance, and report unresolved deficiencies. A public online registry will let buyers and realtors check a builder’s track record before signing an offer.
A Fair “Three-Strikes” System: A graduated enforcement model that gives compliant builders faster service while applying strict oversight, penalties, and permit restrictions to repeat non-compliant builders.
Realtor & Buyer Fast-Track Services: Opens centralized digital permit records online, guarantees 48-hour turnarounds for real estate transaction documents (e.g., zoning verification letters), and creates a fast administrative resolution path for open building permits older than 5 years.
24-Month Defect Response Program: Provides a single phone and online intake center to triage serious home defects (e.g., foundation shifts, water leaks) with dedicated City file coordinators.
A Fairer Bargain for Winnipeg
The Homebuyer & Taxpayer Protection Act operates on an efficiency-expert approach: inspecting high-risk structural work first, eliminating duplicate reviews, digitizing property records, and rewarding compliant builders with express permitting.
“This policy puts responsibility where it belongs: with the party best positioned to control the risk,” added Woodstock. “Build it right. Inspect it right. Fix it right. Pay for what you build.”
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