Article – The rising tide of Canadian tariffs on American goods is making waves even at Ottawa’s Fall Home Show this weekend, where vendors and shoppers alike are adjusting to new economic realities.
Walking through the EY Centre’s bustling exhibition hall, I noticed a subtle but significant shift in consumer behavior. Attendees browsed displays of kitchen renovations, backyard upgrades and home automation systems while whispering about one thing in particular: prices.
“I’m definitely more price-conscious this year,” said Marianne Delorme, an Ottawa homeowner exploring bathroom renovation options. “With everything costing more these days, I’m comparing Canadian versus American products much more carefully than I used to.”
The shift comes as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on American goods—implemented in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum—continue affecting products ranging from construction materials to home appliances. For exhibitors at the show, these economic tensions have created both challenges and opportunities.
Robert Chen, representing a Canadian-made kitchen cabinet line, told me his company has seen a 15% increase in customer inquiries since the tariffs went into effect. “People who might have gone with imported options are taking a second look at domestic manufacturers,” he explained. “The price gap has narrowed considerably.”
According to Statistics Canada data, imports of U.S. household fixtures and furnishings dropped nearly 8% in the second quarter compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, Canadian manufacturing in these sectors has seen modest growth of 3.2%.
For shoppers like the Wilsons, a couple planning a major kitchen remodel, the tariff situation has altered their purchasing plans. “We originally budgeted for an American refrigerator brand,” explained Thomas Wilson, “but with the additional 10% cost from tariffs, we’re now looking at a comparable Canadian model that’s actually less expensive.”
The shift isn’t just affecting big-ticket items. Smaller American-made home goods from decorative items to specialized tools have seen price increases that consumers are noticing.
“The tariffs have complicated our inventory planning,” admitted Jennifer Kowalski, who operates a home décor booth featuring products from both sides of the border. “We’ve started sourcing more Canadian alternatives where possible, but some specialty items just aren’t available domestically yet.”
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recently reported that renovation spending in Ottawa has remained relatively stable despite economic pressures, with homeowners focusing more on essential upgrades rather than luxury improvements. This tracks with what exhibitors are experiencing at the show—consumers are still spending, but with greater deliberation.
Industry experts suggest the tariff situation has accelerated a trend toward “buy local” that was already gaining momentum. Ottawa economist Priya Singh points out that “while initially disruptive, these trade tensions have created space for Canadian manufacturers to demonstrate their quality and value proposition to consumers who might not have considered them otherwise.”
Not everyone at the show has been able to adapt so easily. Mark Gutierrez, who imports specialized American-made heating systems, expressed frustration: “These tariffs have put us in a tough spot. There’s no Canadian equivalent for some of our products, so we either absorb the costs or pass them to consumers—neither is a great option.”
The Ottawa Home Builders Association estimates that the combined effect of tariffs and supply chain disruptions has added approximately 5-8% to typical home renovation costs over the past year. For consumers, this translates to more careful planning and sometimes scaled-back projects.
“We’re seeing people phase their renovations more strategically,” noted Denise Robinson, a kitchen designer exhibiting at the show. “Instead of doing everything at once, they’ll tackle the essentials first and space out the cosmetic improvements.”
The situation has also sparked innovation among vendors. Several booths showcased “tariff-proof” packages—renovation bundles featuring exclusively Canadian-sourced materials with price guarantees.
“It’s about offering certainty in uncertain times,” explained Omar Hassan, whose company specializes in bathroom renovations. “Customers appreciate knowing their project won’t suddenly cost more because of trade politics.”
As the three-day home show continues through the weekend, the underlying economic currents remain a significant part of conversations between vendors and potential customers. Most industry professionals I spoke with expect the current consumer behavior to persist even if the trade situation eventually normalizes.
“People have become more conscious about where their products come from and what factors influence pricing,” said Lauren McKay, one of the show’s organizers. “That awareness probably won’t disappear even if the tariffs do.”
For now, Ottawa homeowners continue navigating the complex interplay of trade policies and personal finance—one kitchen renovation or backyard improvement at a time.