Window and Door Replacement in Winnipeg: Permits, Glass and Rebates

Old windows and doors are among the most noticeable problems in a Winnipeg winter: drafts, frost on the inside of the glass, and doors that stick or let in cold air at the sill. Replacing them is a well-defined job, but there are three things worth knowing before you order: when the City needs a permit, what the energy labels mean, and how the rebate works. Everything below was checked against official sources on October 13, 2026.

Do you need a permit to replace windows in Winnipeg?

Not for a same-size replacement. The City of Winnipeg lists replacing doors and windows with the same size among projects that do not need a building permit, while noting that building code and zoning requirements still apply. Creating a new opening or enlarging an existing one may need a building permit, and development permit requirements should be confirmed first.

Outside Winnipeg, permits come from your local municipality. We coordinate permits and inspections with the City or the municipality where the work is done.

If a new window serves a bedroom, especially in a basement, ask how the building code's bedroom window requirements apply before you choose a size. Our guides to renovation permits in Winnipeg and basement development permits go into more detail.

What do ENERGY STAR and triple-pane mean for windows?

ENERGY STAR certification sets a performance bar for windows and doors sold in Canada. Under Natural Resources Canada's current specification, version 5.0, in effect since January 1, 2020, a window or door needs a U-factor of 1.22 W/m²·K or lower, or an Energy Rating of at least 34. Triple-pane describes how the glass is built, not a certification.

Natural Resources Canada keeps a searchable list of certified windows and doors, which is the quickest way to confirm that a quoted model is current. It also suggests keeping the product labels until any rebate or incentive claim has gone through, and collecting them if the installers remove them.

Is there a rebate for new windows and doors in Manitoba?

Yes. As of October 13, 2026, Efficiency Manitoba offers $100 for each ENERGY STAR certified triple-pane window and door installed in your or your tenant's primary residence. Products must replace existing units between heated and unheated space; new openings do not qualify. You install first, then apply online within 90 days of installation and full payment.

• Doors with glass must be at least triple-pane, and entry doors without glass must still be ENERGY STAR certified.
• Each product needs its NRCan reference number on the application, so ask your supplier to show it on the invoice.
• Seasonal and commercial properties are not eligible.
• Households that qualify for Efficiency Manitoba's income-based or Indigenous offers may receive $300 per eligible window or door instead.
• Manitoba Hydro's Home Energy Efficiency Loan can finance qualifying windows and doors on your energy bill, but it must be approved before any work starts or products are bought.

The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant is closed, so it is not an option for new projects. For a fuller list of what is open and closed, see Manitoba renovation tax credits and rebates.

When is the best time of year to replace windows in Winnipeg?

Late spring to early fall is easiest, because each opening is exposed to the weather while the old unit is out. Winter replacement is possible when openings are done one at a time and closed the same day, but sealants and exterior finishing have temperature limits, so ask how cold-weather work will be handled.

Custom-sized windows are made to order, so the order usually has to go in well before the installation date. If you are combining windows with other work, such as siding, stucco repair or exterior paint, put the windows in first so the new trim is finished with everything else.

What should a window replacement quote include?

A clear quote names the product and its certification for every opening, explains how each unit is installed and sealed, and lists the finishing inside and out. It should say how the gap around the frame is insulated, how the exterior is flashed and trimmed, and whether interior casing and paint touch-ups are included.

• Model, glass type and ENERGY STAR status for each window and door
• Removal and disposal of the old units
• Insulation and air sealing around each frame
• Exterior flashing, trim or capping
• Interior casing, sills, drywall returns and paint touch-ups
• Who records the NRCan reference numbers for the rebate
• Taxes, shown on the written quote

Our checklist on how to choose a renovation contractor covers the questions to ask about the company behind the quote.

What about older and heritage homes?

If the house is on the City's List of Historical Resources or in a heritage conservation district, check heritage permit requirements before ordering. Window applications ask for a condition assessment, photos, drawings of the original windows and shop drawings of the replacements. Older houses may also have lead paint on window trim and sashes.

Health Canada says a home built before 1960 probably contains lead-based paint, and advises against sanders, heat guns or blowlamps on old paint. Test before the old trim comes off. Our guide to renovating a character home in Winnipeg covers the heritage rules in more detail.

Replacing windows as part of a larger project? On a whole home renovation, it makes sense to schedule windows alongside insulation and exterior work, so each opening is opened, sealed and finished only once.

Next step: see what our window and door installation work includes, then book a free on-site visit so we can look at each window and door with you and send a free written quote. For a first range on a larger renovation, try the instant estimate.