Permits and licensing · Manitoba
Renovation permits and contractor licences in Manitoba
In Manitoba, building and plumbing permits come from your municipality, your planning district or the Province’s Inspection and Technical Services. Electrical permits come from Manitoba Hydro outside Winnipeg and from the City inside it, and gas work needs a licensed person to take out the permit.
Regulators and licensing bodies in Manitoba
These official bodies license contractors, oversee safety or issue permits in Manitoba.
Inspection and Technical Services (ITS)
One of the three authorities that issue building and plumbing permits, depending on where the building is. It also issues permits for gas and oil equipment.
Manitoba Hydro
Issues electrical wiring permits and inspections outside Winnipeg. Contractors need a valid Manitoba journeyperson electrician’s licence to apply.
Consumer Protection Office
Gives advice on hiring a renovation contractor and licenses direct sellers, including door-to-door home-improvement sellers.
Apprenticeship Manitoba
Certifies tradespeople. Construction electrician is a compulsory trade in Manitoba.
Trades that need a licence in Manitoba
Electrical work
Outside Winnipeg, Manitoba Hydro issues electrical permits; in Winnipeg, the City’s Planning, Property and Development department does. Contractors need a Manitoba journeyperson electrician’s licence to apply, and construction electrician is a compulsory trade.
Sources:Manitoba Hydro – Electrical permits and inspections(opens in a new tab)Apprenticeship Manitoba – Construction electrician(opens in a new tab)
Gas and fuel-burning appliances
A permit is required before any gas piping or equipment is installed, altered or added, and only a licensed person can apply for a permit to work on gas- or oil-fired equipment.
Plumbing
Plumbing permits are issued by the same authority that handles building permits for your location: your municipality, your planning district or ITS.
Sources:Manitoba – Building permits and inspections(opens in a new tab)
New-home building and warranty
Under The New Home Warranty Act, building permits for new homes can’t be granted unless the builder has arranged coverage with an independent warranty provider.
Sources:Manitoba – Builder bankruptcy (New Home Warranty Act)(opens in a new tab)
Consumer protection
Door-to-door home-improvement sellers must be licensed by the Consumer Protection Office. Ask to see the licence and check that it’s still valid.
Sources:Manitoba – Home improvements sold by direct sellers(opens in a new tab)
Building and renovation permits in Manitoba
In Manitoba, building, plumbing and occupancy permits are issued by one of three authorities: your municipality, your planning district or the Province’s Inspection and Technical Services, depending on where the building is. Building or plumbing permits are also required for additions, alterations and renovations.
Sources:Manitoba – Building permits and inspections(opens in a new tab)
Permit information from large municipalities
Before you hire a contractor in Manitoba
Practical checks you can do yourself, using official tools where they exist.
Get estimates from several contractors, then sign a contract that covers the work, materials, total cost, schedule, deposit and progress payments.
For electrical work, confirm the electrician holds a Manitoba journeyperson licence, which is needed to apply for permits.
For gas work, hire a licensed gas fitter: only a licensed person can apply for the gas permit.
If someone sells you renovations at your door, ask to see their Consumer Protection Office licence.
Buying a new home? Confirm the builder has arranged coverage with an independent warranty provider.
Ask your local building authority whether your project needs a building or plumbing permit.
Sources for renovation permits and licences in Manitoba
Every fact on this page comes from these official sources.
- Manitoba – Building permits and inspections(opens in a new tab)
- Manitoba – Gas and oil permits(opens in a new tab)
- Manitoba Hydro – Electrical permits and inspections(opens in a new tab)
- Manitoba Consumer Protection Office – Hiring a contractor(opens in a new tab)
- Manitoba – Home improvements sold by direct sellers(opens in a new tab)
- Apprenticeship Manitoba – Construction electrician(opens in a new tab)
- Manitoba – Builder bankruptcy (New Home Warranty Act)(opens in a new tab)
Find licensed pros
Compare local pros for the regulated trades in this guide, then confirm their licence with the regulator before you hire.
Renovation permits in other provinces and territories
Planning a renovation?
Describe your project once and hear from local pros. Ask each one for their licence and permit details before you hire.