Despite a nervousness in the housing and home improvement industry over tariff threats, an uncertain economy and a looming federal election, the 2025 Home and Garden Show is poised to be the largest home show ever staged in Ottawa.
More than 400 exhibitors have signed up to take part in the spring show, so many in fact that all three halls of the EY Centre have been filled, with the overflow spilling throughout the elongated lobby and into the building’s meeting rooms.
“Our 44th edition is officially the largest in its history,” says show manager Chris Cigos.
While the spring home show is typically the most popular of the three shows held each year among both vendors and visitors, exhibitor demand “is very high this year,” Rob Johnstone, general manager of show organizer Expo Media, understates.
It remains to be seen whether demand will also be high among the public, more than 30,000 of whom attended last year. This year’s show runs March 20-23 with plenty to see, hear, explore and research.
“Just like a snowflake, none of our shows are exactly the same,” notes Cigos. “Each one offers its own unique variety of exhibitors that reflect the time of the year, the current hot demands and fresh industry trends.”
Key features at this show include:
Garden displays
A large portion of one hall will be taken over by a quartet of garden displays called Living Landscapes. Touted as Ottawa’s largest professional indoor landscape attraction, the displays are presented annually by Landscape Ontario and compete for public votes to win the People’s Choice Award. Visitors can walk through the displays, gathering inspiration and an early dose of spring.
The displays will “focus on the possibilities of what you can really do at your own place,” says Ed Hansen, president of Landscape Ontario and founder of Ottawa’s Hansen Lawn & Garden. “People love coming in and smelling the tulips… it makes them feel like spring’s right around the corner.”
Right next to the garden displays, take a moment to relax at the Perth Brewery Beer Garden while listening to live music (courtesy of Zachary Martin Music) or presentations on the main stage by industry experts in everything from gardening and landscaping to decor and home improvement.
Two model homes
There are two model homes to tour on site, one presented by Hydro Ottawa and the other by Quebec-based Boreal.
“Hydro Ottawa is presenting a model home that will highlight the benefits of being energy efficient and how to lower energy bills all year round,” says Cigos.
The interactive eco-home was introduced at the Ottawa International Airport in June 2024, where it remained until January, says Hydro Ottawa spokesperson Susan Fekete. “The goal of the home is to educate and inspire residents on their journey towards a more sustainable energy future.”
It explores renewable energy, electric vehicle charging, solar and battery storage, heat pumps, and energy conservation with touch screens or QR codes to access information on Hydro Ottawa’s website, including details on government incentives for green technologies.
Boreal, meanwhile, is showcasing a miniature version of the types of homes it designs. The prefabrication company specializes in designing and fabricating the shell of a home using its innovative thermalog construction, which sandwiches insulation between layers of white pine that can have either a log-home effect or a modern profile.
“You’d never know how much insulation is in this building,” says spokesman Anwar Essa. The pieces are then delivered to the building site for the client or their contractor to assemble “almost like human Lego,” with every piece labeled as to where it goes.
Both companies, notes Cigos, “are focused on energy efficiency — a big theme for this year’s edition.”
Expert speakers
A slate of industry professionals will take to the stage to share their wisdom and advice, as well as answer audience questions. Presenters include:
- Renovations: A panel discussion explores renovating your way to health and comfort with representatives from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, energy consultant Homesol Building Solutions and a trio of eco-conscious renovators — RND Construction, The Conscious Builder and Lagois Design-Build-Renovate.
- Biodiversity: Ritchie Feed & Seed plant specialist Lana Doss will share design and biodiversity considerations for your outdoor space.
- Outdoor living: A panel discussion organized by All Things Home looks at making the most of your outdoor space, with Landscape Ontario president Ed Hansen, Ben Stapper of Wild Ridge Landscapes and Thomas Hoyle of Life Long Landscaping.
- Gardening: Two members of Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton will speak about starting plants from seeds and seed saving.
- Outdoor decor: Designer Sue Pitchforth of Decor Therapy Plus shares how to bring personality to your outdoor spaces.
- Natural living: A panel discussion explores nature-based solutions and steps you can take today with REWILD Landscapes, the Urban Gardener, Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library and Earth Path.
- Reno trends: Amsted Design-Build’s director of construction, Lindsay Haley, shares trends and what’s making headlines in the industry.
400+ exhibitors
Finally, if you’re planning a home improvement project inside or out, the show is an ideal place to do your research. With more than 400 exhibitors, you’ll find everything from builders, renovators and landscape professionals to product and service suppliers, home decor and more.
“There’s so many different things under one roof,” says Dana Telfer of Syntax Strategic, which helps organize and promote the show. “I’ve always loved going… to get ideas about everything and anything.”
2025 Home and Garden Show details
When: Thursday, Mar. 20 through Sunday, Mar. 23
Times: Thursday & Friday noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10.am. to 5 p.m.
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr. (there’s an LRT stop beside the building)
Admission: $14 for adults; $13 for seniors & youth (13-17); free for children 12 and under. See the home show ad on this page for half-price tickets. Thursday is seniors’ day ($5 for ages 60+); Friday is free admission for first responders/frontline workers (work ID required); and online admission is $7 after 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
Parking: $10
More information: ottawahomeshow.com
