Ottawa Boat and Outdoors Show marks 50 years amid industry challenges

U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum are worrying boat manufacturers. CTV’s Tyler Fleming reports.

The Ottawa Boat and Outdoors Show is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year as it returns to the EY Centre from Thursday to Sunday.

The event, which has become a leading showcase for boating, fishing, powersports and paddle sports in the region, features a range of exhibitors catering to outdoor enthusiasts looking to upgrade their equipment or explore new recreational activities.

“We’ve got a lot of boats on the show floor. We have three holes full of boats, anything from personal watercraft, inflatables, right up to 30-foot cruisers,” said show manager, Scott Sprague.

However, the milestone year comes at a challenging time for the leisure vehicle industry. While declining interest rates have made financing more accessible, boat manufacturers and consumers continue to face economic headwinds.

Adding to industry concerns, U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum imports, set to take effect on March 12. Canada, which sends over 90 per cent of its steel and aluminum exports to the U.S., could see tariffs on some materials rise to 50 per cent if additional levies are imposed.

“I love boating, just sitting, it’s peaceful and quiet,” said Will Facchin, who’s floating the idea of upgrading his ageing boat. “But I have to weigh out the options. Money for starters and I have a Boat that does me just fine, so I have to ask myself: ‘Do I really need to replace it?’ The tariffs, yes, they’re looming. That just puts the price up on everything and if I am going to buy a boat, that is kind of a deciding factor.”

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Canada, the tariffs could lead to higher boat prices for Canadian consumers, particularly on models imported from the U.S. Canadian manufacturers may also pass increased production costs onto buyers, and potential retaliatory tariffs from Canada could further drive up prices. A similar dispute in 2018 saw Canada impose a 10 per cent tariff on U.S. boats, leading to a 26 per cent drop in American boat exports to Canada.

While industry experts warn that the new tariffs could disrupt the Canadian boat market, here at the show, there are some “tariff-resistant” options.

John’s Marina, an exhibitor, has a variety of pontoon boats which are manufactured in Canada, using Canadian metals.

“We sell Princecraft boats, which are made in Princeville Quebec, with Canadian aluminum,” said sales representative, Pat Foster. “No tariffs on these boats so if you’re thinking about a boat purchase this year this is a great option.”

Terraflo, a Montreal-based company, offers another unique, Canadian-made product. For those with waterfront access, Terraflo has built a wooden dock, with lounge-style seating and a canopy which is also a Transport Canada approved vessel.

“We have over 250 of our boats on the waters across Quebec and Ontario. And this year, we have a lot of pre-orders as well. So, we are super grateful for the overwhelming amount of support we are receiving,” said Terraflo’s, Julie Guerard.

For those hesitant about boat ownership, the Freedom Boat Club can offer a hassle-free boating experience, providing access to boats in various locations, including the Rideau and Ottawa rivers and in Kingston, along the St. Laurence Seaway.

“We maintain a fleet of boats, our members join our club, do our training, and get access to our boats on a regular basis,” said Freedom Boat Club’s Ottawa owner, Sterling Bown. “Potentially, the cost of boats could go up 25 per cent relatively soon. Our model is fixed costs, so you pay that initial fee to get into the club and then it’s an ongoing annual fee.”

Tickets for the Ottawa Boat and Outdoors Show start at $12 and are available online at https://tickets.mpltd.ca/?event=100067.