Winnipeg Free Press Save to Read Later There has been a 40 per cent increase in residential permits this year compared to the same period last year. (Boris Minkevich / Winnipeg Free Press files) Home builds and renovations are enjoying a pandemic boom in Winnipeg, with industry members predicting the trend will continue well into next year. Home builds and renovations are enjoying a pandemic boom in Winnipeg, with industry members predicting the trend will continue well into next year. "We expect that these high levels of residential permits, both on new construction and home renovation, will continue throughout 2021 and well into 2022," Lanny McInnes, president of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association, told city council’s finance committee Friday.