Speakers and Celebrities at the Ottawa Home and Garden Show

Adam Weir

Adam Weir has a multitude of interests and abilities. From a young age, he taught himself magic and worked that into a business for himself at the age of twelve. He graduated with Honours from the Television Broadcasting program at Algonquin College and moved to Montreal to further explore the Television and Movie Industry. Here he worked behind the scenes concluding with a job as a 3rd Assistant Director. That led to his own stage show as a Magician on Discovery Cruise Lines.

He later moved to Toronto, which led him to work on the last 13 television seasons on some of the most successful series for HGTV. These experiences honed his affinity and skills in construction work. During this time, he worked in a variety of roles including construction coordinator, project manager and on-camera talent, most recently on 3 seasons of Island of Bryan. Since leaving the Island, he has produced, directed, and filmed a number of videos for suppliers and sponsors. He has most recently acquired the exclusive rights to EZ Dock in the Kawarthas (ezdockkawartha.ca). He is excited to bring together his love of entertaining and his knowledge of construction to the Ottawa Home Show this year.

Anita Murray All Things Home®

Chris Palmer Handcrafted by Chris Palmer

As a professional Industrial Designer turned Carpenter and Contractor, Chris has brought a new perspective to the world of building custom projects. With over 10 years of experience, his company focuses on multiple levels of projects from kitchen renovations to complete home additions.

A creative eye and unique style keep Chris on trend and his work in demand. Chris participates in many charities donating his work to help raise money for groups such as Diabetes, Habitat for Humanity and others. You can also find Chris sharing his knowledge on the latest and greatest home renovation tips for DIY'ers as a regular guest expert on The Global Morning Show, Marilyn Denis Show and other networks. Chris has also made appearances across many HGTV shows over the years.

Be sure to follow Chris on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with his latest projects. @handcraftedbychrispalmer

Dr. Nancy Edwards PhD, FCAHS

Nancy Edwards is a Distinguished Professor and Professor Emeritus, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa. Dr. Edwards obtained her undergraduate nursing degree from the University of Windsor and completed graduate studies in epidemiology at McMaster University and McGill University. She is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Dr. Edwards’ professional interests are in the fields of public and population health. She has conducted research on fall prevention for nearly thirty years. Currently she is a board member with C.A.R.P.’s Ottawa Chapter, and with the Family Councils of Ontario. She chairs the C.A.R.P. Ottawa fall prevention working group. Nancy is also a voting member of the standing committee for housing and small buildings for the National Research Council and a member of the falls prevention collective led by Parachute.
Since features of the environment are implicated in one third of all falls, Nancy encourages adults of all ages to take fall prevention into account when planning indoor and/or outdoor home renovations.

Nancy is an avid photographer. She enjoys cycling, cross-country skiing, and spending time with her young grandson. Nancy’s book Not One, Not Even One: A Memoir of Life-altering Experiences in Sierra Leone, West Africa was recently released by FriesenPress (NancyEdwards.ca).

Emma Doucet Grassroots Design and Build

Grassroots Founder and Principal Designer, Emma Doucet opened the company in 2012. Her passion for design was born from an uncontrollable urge to constantly re-decorate everything around her. She was worried if she didn’t turn this into a profession, she would bankrupt herself. Her design aesthetic aims to combine function with beauty, believing these never have to be compromises. Emma finds inspiration in bold colours, unusual patters, adventurous furniture pairings and natural materials.

Emma’s designs are shaped by being a busy mother of three. Spaces need to be able to grow with you throughout the various stages of your life. Her design approach was informed by her work as the former Director of Consultation and Outreach for Heritage Canada. Emma brings that collaborative approach to design. Pride in a project is best when shared between all those who worked on it.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Emma’s lifelong mission is to dispel the myth that Ottawa is boring, conservative, and un-stylish city, one reno at a time!

Emma Terrell The Urban Botanist

Emma Terrell is an international speaker who brings a fresh perspective to the hobby of horticulture. Emma's science-based background and creative approach works to inspire people to interact with nature in an urban setting. With thoughtful practice, gardening, workshops and demonstrations, she hopes to inspire and educate plant parents around the world!

Emma has spoken at numerous venues such as The EY Centre for The Ottawa Home & Remodeling Show, The Fall Home Show, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa Horticulture Society, and many more. Her workshop and speaking audiences have included Google, Shopify, Pinterest, HGTV, Adobe, and more! She is also the host of The Urban Botanist's Living Wilder series and Lee Valley Tools' YouTube channel.

Join her for a fresh, inspirational, therapeutic and interactive talk from The Urban Botanist!

Lana Doss The Fine Gardener

Lana has relished playing in the dirt since she was a child and continues to share that thrill with others. She has spent over 30 years of her career in a leadership role in horticulture, mainly for reputable garden centers.

She is a professional gardener who takes great joy in helping outdoor spaces reach their full potential with her company, The Fine Gardener.

Her latest passion is supporting gardeners in their desire to improve the native biodiversity in their spaces.

Her company specializes in horticultural consultations, small space design & installation, native and pollinator gardens, growing in containers, indoor scaping, environmentally friendly gardening as well as live plant workshops and educational presentations.

Master Gardeners of Ottawa Carleton Garden Advice

Michel A. Gauthier Executive Director, Canadian Garden Council

A graduate of Algonquin College, Michel started his career in municipal recreation which led to the management of festivals and events and then from the tulip world and the garden world.

From 1974 to 1989, Michel worked for the City of Ottawa then the NCC where he managed Winterlude.

From 1992 to 2005, Michel managed the Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa's flagship event.

He then went on to be the Director of the Montreal International Garden Festival, the Rideau Canal Festival and Canada’s Garden Route.

Since 2014, Michel is the Executive Director of the Canadian Garden Council responsible for: Canada’s Garden Route, North American Garden Tourism Conference, Garden Tourism Awards, Garden Days and the Year of the Garden 2022.

As a volunteer in Ottawa, Michel is President of Gardens Ottawa, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate Ottawa’s garden culture.

Michel is also President of Forget For A Moment Foundation, whose mission is to bring nature inside health care facilities.

Michel Gauthier is a board member of the International Peace Garden Foundation, Vice-President of the International Garden Tourism Network and Chair of the World Tulip Society.

2022 Speakers & Celebrities