Three generations transforming bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces across the city.
There are no days off.
At least, not when you’re trying to stay competitive in Ottawa’s ever-hungry home décor and renovations field. Just ask Jim Sourges, owner-operator of The Electrical & Plumbing Store—or his son Nick, who like Jim did from his dad, is learning the business from the ground up. When Nick eventually takes over, that’ll make three generations who have put their heart and soul into the same founding philosophy: offering great service at fair prices.
Owner Jim Sourges with his son Nick, representing the third generation of leadership at The Electrical & Plumbing Store. | Photography by Nicolai Gregory
It’s a focus that keeps the Sourges family on their toes. The EP Store, as it’s nicknamed, looks after a diverse, knowledgeable client base. Explains Jim, “Our customers, who range from experienced contractors to do-it-yourselfers, do a tremendous amount of research before they come into our store. They want to make sure they get the best possible products for their projects or homes. We pride ourselves on being able to accommodate them. That’s why we provide the widest range of top-quality plumbing and lighting equipment in the Ottawa area. Plus, we make sure that our after-sales service standards are just as high, ready to help anyone should problems arise.”
These days, the company has its hands full helping Ottawa’s homeowners. More and more of them are concerned about their bathrooms. That’s why both of The EP Store’s locations, 1080 Ogilvie Road and 31 Northside Road in Bells Corners, have been actively extending the reach of their bathroom renovation services. Collectively, the business looks after Ottawa East, Gloucester, and Orleans, as well as the western part of Ottawa, Nepean, and Kanata.
This kind of expansion has necessitated a slight shift in the EP Store’s business model. But given the resources already in place, that hasn’t proven much of a problem. “Our very knowledgeable plumbing showroom staff transitioned easily to the sale of complete bathrooms with the help of our experienced contractors,” says Jim. “We were already selling all the material that was required to complete the renovation. It was a natural fit to sell the renovation service and offer our clients the full-service option.”
As for what’s driving the demand, Jim says it’s the nature of Ottawa’s population. The Baby Boomers, proprietors of more properties in the city than any other demographic, are aging. Many of these longtime homeowners are looking at downsizing, and a fully renovated bathroom is a decided advantage in a competitive sellers’ market. Then, there’s the faction that’s looking to age in place. Most homes built twenty years ago or longer came equipped with large, drop-in bathtubs. But with the city’s primary population getting on in years, that’s become a major inconvenience, not to mention a tripping hazard. Today, more and more people are looking to convert to a stand-up shower, allowing for safer access.
With this in mind, Sourges, his staff, and his suppliers are constantly combing trade shows for the latest industry innovations. And when they find something that meets The EP Store’s high standards and finely honed aesthetic instinct, Jim’s the first to be enthused about it. “The most exciting new item right now,” he shares, “is a porcelain material for shower walls that comes in full sheets. The seamless look avoids all of the grout lines that make the maintenance of these areas more challenging.”
That’s not all the people behind The EP Store can’t wait to show their eager customers. Those looking to upgrade their kitchens will find many interesting, useful tools and trinkets in The EP Store’s plumbing showrooms, including cutting boards, cutlery racks, and colanders aimed at making every home’s culinary hub a cleaner and more efficient workspace.
Ironically, Ottawa’s premier renovation centre is undergoing a major renovation of its own. “The most exciting news out of the EP Store,” Jim announces, “is the expansion of our store at 31 Northside Road in Bells Corners.” It’s a considerable undertaking, which Jim details: “We are adding 2,000 square feet of showroom to expand our bathroom and kitchen offerings, as well as 2,000 square feet of additional receiving and warehouse space to accommodate the storage needs of both locations. We’re all very excited to add new displays and products to our store once the construction has been completed in the spring of 2026.”
“Our customers want their homes to look beautiful,” Jim reiterates. “We’re more than happy to help them realize their vision. We never see providing this service as a headache. It’s our passion. We strive to achieve it every day.”
No wonder there are no days off.
