What a difference a year makes.
Last year’s Red Deer Home Show was short on visitors and long on inclement weather.
In addition, there was a decidedly negative outlook by the exhibitors including homebuilders who were in the midst of an economic slump. Visitors also expressed a certain reluctance to make purchases or investments in their homes.
But this weekend the weather was ideal, the Olympics were over and people flocked to the show at the Westerner Grounds.
Optimism was a catchword on the floor where more than 200 exhibitors displayed their wares.
Show organizers had anticipated about 10,000 visitors but a count was unavailable by mid-afternoon Sunday, interim Canadian Homebuilder Association Central Alberta branch executive director Joe Whitbread said.
“Many of the experts I’ve talked to this weekend in housebuilding said they’ve got a better grasp on the future certainly more than they did a year ago,” Whitbread said.
“We’ve been getting a lot of positive vibes from the professionals especially about the spring and summer which are aggressive times.”
The Canadian housing market has been on fire according for multiple listing service data that shows home resales are up 72 per cent compared to last year at this time.
The Bank of Canada reported a month ago that housing starts were below long-term demographic requirements and inventories were still declining.
“We see the housing market as requiring vigilance, but not alarm,” the bank statement said. Whitbread said in talks with exhibitors he’s found a positive attitude as well.
“In terms of sales they are making some.
“People just aren’t walking by they are buying,” Whitbread said.
Brian Schumaker, a franchise owner of Enviro Foam Insulation in Camrose that supplies Red Deer, said he’s been in the business for a year and sees a positive outlook for demand.
He said when he started last year the economy was down but educating the public about the benefits of the insulation has been a welcoming experience.
The insulation is made mostly of recycled plastic bottles and soy beans.
It costs more than fiberglass insulation but can reduce a home’s heating bill.
“We’ve had customers who’ve said their heating bills have decreased by an average of $50 a month since they got it.
The company, which started in Calgary, has franchises all over the province but is looking for a person in Red Deer.
The company created a large doghouse out of the insulation and kept it active all weekend with a variety of dogs providing entertainment for the children.
Gerry Robinson who took the show in with his wife Natalie, said the show has opened his eyes for possible renovation plans in their own home.
“There’s such a great variety of ideas you can get from just walking around and seeing the different displays.
“The vendors are all pretty helpful and most I think know really what they’re talking about which is refreshing these days,” Robinson said.
jwilson@www.reddeeradvocate.com