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SERVING CANADA’S RV INDUSTRY SINCE 1971 268 - 44 Crawford Cres., Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 Publications Mail Agreement #43638025 CANADA’S FOREMOST RV INDUSTRY MAGAZINE TM TM TM TM RV Shows and Events Gallery KOA’S TOBY O’ROURKE on the State of the Canadian RV and Outdoor Hospitality Industry VOL 54 NO 1 RVDA of Canada Update RVDA Provincial Reports And much more… Go RVing Canada CRVA CRVA CELEBRATESCELEBRATES 50 Years RVDN 54-1-COVER.indd 1RVDN 54-1-COVER.indd 12025-05-05 12:20 PM2025-05-05 12:20 PM• Creditor Life, Disability & Critical Illness Insurance • Mechanical Breakdown Plans • Appearance Protection Products WE PROVIDE PROTECTION TO CANADIAN FAMILIES FOR WHEN “WHAT IF?” BECOMES “WHAT NOW?”. 320 Sioux Rd, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3X6 F inancial G r oup Phone: 780.467.9575 • Fax: 780.467.4016 • Toll Free: 1-800.561.3242 RV Lifestyles publication - 2024.indd 1RV Lifestyles publication - 2024.indd 12024-09-27 10:55 AM2024-09-27 10:55 AM Trevor Smolski Director - Business Development 780-819-3271 tsmolski@firstcanadian.ca Darrell Boughton Director - Business Development 204-612-1550 dboughton@firstcanadian.ca first canadian.indd 1first canadian.indd 12025-05-05 10:14 AM2025-05-05 10:14 AM3 Volume 54 Number 1 | RV Lifestyle Dealer News contents 28 8 32 COVER STORY: 24 Toby O’Rourke on the State of the Canadian Outdoor Hospitality Industry A summary of the Spring Camping and RV Show keynote address IN THIS ISSUE: 4 Canada’s RV Industry News – from a Canadian Perspective Insights from a turbulent first quarter. 6 Milestones – Étapes Importantes Celebrating the many contributions of André Lévesque 8 Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) 50th anniversary The first in a series spotlighting the achievements of the CRVA 28 NTP-Sag Expo - Denver, CO Event Galleries 32 Toronto Spring Camping & RV Show 34 RV Lifestyle Magazine – Rep and Dealer Night 36 New RVs for 2025 • East To West Della Terra 263RK Travel Trailer • Grand Design RV Lineage Series VT Adventure Van • OGV Luxury Coach by Forest River, Inc. • Freightliner Custom Chassis PowerDrive for 2026 Tiffin Motorhomes 44 New Products INDUSTRY UPDATES: 12 RVDA of Canada Update 14 CRVA Reports - Wholesale Shipments into Canada 16 ORVDA Update – Spring 2025 17 RVDA Of BC – Lifestyle Seminars 18 GO RVing Canada – Update April 2025 20 Canadian RV & Camping Month Returns This June 22 RVWA Charitable Foundation First RV Systems Class a Great Success! Looking for late-breaking news of interest to the Canadian RV industry? Check out the RV Dealer News website – www.rvldealernews.com Contentspub page.indd 3Contentspub page.indd 32025-05-07 1:27 PM2025-05-07 1:27 PM4 RV Lifestyle Dealer News | Volume 54 Number 1 TM TM TM TM RV Dealer NEWS CANADA’S FOREMOST RV INDUSTRY MAGAZINE AD EDITOR’S MESSAGE Canada’s RV Industry News – from a Canadian Perspective While the North American economy reacts to the ongoing turbulence of President Trump’s tariff proclamations, Canadians are faced with a wide range of reactions – none of which seem to last more than a few days before the situation is changed by the President. To fully understand what is going on, you have to do a bit of research – start by reading “The Art of the Deal“. From my perspective, as a journalist with more than 50 years experience, and an expert in the RV and automotive sector, this is a high stakes example of gamesmanship… it is a psychological power play that embodies a series of actions and reactions, orchestrated by a mastermind whose next move is as unpredictable as anything we have seen in the political and economic sectors over the past several decades. The Canadian element of the “game” began with a snarky Justin Trudeau remark about President Trump at a G7 conference a few years ago, caught on an open mic – this inappropriate comment festered for quite some time until President Trump was re-elected, and he had the opportunity to needle Prime Minister Trudeau with the “Governor Trudeau” series of comments, and the declaration that Canada should become the 51st State. This has played out over the last few weeks to generate a wide array of reactions – some appropriate, some excessive, on both sides of the border. There is no doubt that the tariffs on products including the steel, aluminum, and automotive sectors that are so thoroughly entwined in our RV industry, will have a negative effect on the economies of Canada and the USA. This could be a long-term problem, or it can be resolved with a single comment from the White House. Remember – this is a poker game of international proportions, played out in the media – whose reporters and editors may or may not be doing their due diligence before broadcasting stories while the details are still developing. Add the element of social media, and misinformation runs rampant, creating even more turmoil in the marketplace. To paraphrase Warren Buffett, you don’t lose anything when the stock market drops – unless you sell your stock… It is my opinion that the Canadian RV industry, as well as a wide range of industries affected by these tariff threats, should keep their cards close to their chests. This is why we do not publish the internal playbooks that have been formulated by the Canadian RV associations in response to the tariffs and other political actions that may affect our domestic industry. President Trump has accomplished one feat that will have a long-term effect on Canadians from sea to sea to sea – he has ignited a wave of patriotism that has inspired the nation – uniting our country with a strength and resolve that I have not seen since our centennial celebrations in 1967. When the tariff threats and the “51st State” nonsense erupted, I crafted a LinkedIn post that reflected on the Joe Canada “I am Canadian” campaign created by Molson Brewery back in the days when Molson was a Canadian-owned business. Jeff Douglas, the broadcaster and actor who starred in the “I Am Canadian” ad, replied to my post, and he let me know that there would be an updated version of the Canadian rant… Here are the links to the original “I Am Canadian” ad campaign, and the new “We Are Canadian” versions… watch them both, and you will understand why Canadians will NEVER be the 51st State, and you will see why we proudly deliver RV industry news from a Canadian perspective. https://youtu.be/WMxGVfk09lU https://youtu.be/1LzhCLzfJFg Norm Rosen, VP Special Projects, Editorial Director, Taylor Publishing Group VOLUME 54 NUMBER 1 Publisher William E. Taylor Associate Publisher Melanie Taylor-Wallis V.P. Special Projects/Editorial Director Norm Rosen Technical Director Garth Cane Production Coordinator Giselle Bansal ADVERTISING SALES Norm Rosen Melanie Taylor-Wallis Todd Taylor ADMINISTRATION William E. Taylor President Melanie Taylor-Wallis Group Publisher Norman Rosen VP/Special Projects Nancy Mueller Accounting EXECUTIVE OFFICES Toronto: 268 - 44 Crawford Crescent., Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 Tel: 905-844-8218 Montreal: Tel: 514-856-0788 Vancouver: 1745 Rufus Drive North Vancouver, BC V7J 3L8 Camping Canada’s RV Lifestyle Dealer News is published by Camping Canada Magazine Ltd. Reproduction of any mate- rial appearing in this magazine in any form is forbidden without prior consent of the publisher. Advertising rates available on request. Camping Canada Magazine reserves the right to refuse any and all advertising and disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements of facts made by its advertisers or independent columnists. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #43638025 Undeliverables to: 268 - 44 Crawford Crescent., Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 MONTREAL, QUEBEC © 2025 CAMPING CANADA MAGAZINE PRINTED IN CANADA aaaa Contentspub page.indd 4Contentspub page.indd 42025-05-05 12:22 PM2025-05-05 12:22 PM6 MILESTONES Lévesque for his exceptional contribu- tions to the RV industry in Canada. Throughout his distinguished vol- unteer work on the boards of RVDA of Quebec (ACVRQ), RVDA of Canada, and Go RVing Canada, André has been a tireless advocate for RV-friendly policies and have been instrumental in promot- ing the RV lifestyle, especially across Quebec. A key figure in bridging the gap between English and French Canada, André’s vision has helped ensure that the RV experience resonates with all Canadians, reaching more families, adventurers, and future professionals in la belle province. Roulottes A.S. Lévesque comprises RV Lifestyle Dealer News | Volume 54 Number 1 In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we are excited to recognize André Lévesque of Roulottes A.S. a network including several recreation- al vehicle dealerships in Quebec, with locations in St. Helena, Trois-Rivières, Châteauguay, Laval, St-Apollinaire, Gatineau, and Saguenay. For more than 50 years, customers have come from Granby, Drummondville and even the North Shore of Montreal to take advan- tage of the expertise of the dealership’s RV specialists. Roulottes A.S. Lévesque sells RVs from Dynamax, Keystone, Prime Time, Jayco, Grand Design, Alliance, Dutchmen, Entegra Coach and East to West RV. Thank you, André, for your unwav- ering dedication to making RVing more accessible and celebrated both in Quebec and across the country. ANDRÉ LÉVESQUE MILESTONES – From RVDA of Canada Milestones.indd 6Milestones.indd 62025-05-05 1:00 PM2025-05-05 1:00 PM7 Volume 54 Number 1 | RV Lifestyle Dealer News Roulottes A.S. Lévesque pour sa contri- bution exceptionnelle à l’industrie du VR au Canada. Tout au long de son travail bénévole distingué au sein des con- seils d’administration de l’ACVRQ, de la RVDA du Canada et de Go RVing Canada, André a été un défenseur infati- gable des politiques favorables aux VR et a joué un rôle déterminant dans la promo- tion du mode de vie en VR, en particulier à travers le Québec. Figure clé dans la réduction du fossé entre le Canada anglais et le Canada fran- çais, la vision d’André a contribué à faire en sorte que l’expérience du VR trouve un écho auprès de tous les Canadiens, rejoignant ainsi plus de familles, d’aventuriers et de futurs professionnels Pour célébrer la Semaine nationale de l’action bénévole, nous sommes heu- reux de reconnaître André Lévesque de dans la belle province. Roulottes A.S. Lévesque comprend un réseau avec plusieurs concession- naires de véhicules récréatifs au Québec, avec des succursales à Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières, Châteauguay, Laval, St-Apollinaire, Gatineau et Saguenay. Depuis plus de 50 ans, des clients vien- nent de Granby, de Drummondville et même de la Rive-Nord de Montréal pour profiter de l’expertise des spécialistes en VR de la concession. Roulottes A.S. Lévesque vend des VR de Dynamax, Keystone, Prime Time, Jayco, Grand Design, Alliance, Dutchmen, Entegra Coach et East to West RV. Merci, André, pour ton dévouement indéfectible à rendre le VR plus acces- sible et célébré tant au Québec qu’à trav- ers le pays. ANDRÉ LÉVESQUE ÉTAPES IMPORTANTES – De la RVDA du Canada Milestones.indd 7Milestones.indd 72025-05-05 1:03 PM2025-05-05 1:03 PM8 In 1997, the C R VA a n d t he R V DA of C a n ad a es t ab l i s h e d G o R V i n g Ca n a da , a national mar- keting initiative created to pro- mote the RV life- style and inspire more Canadians to explore the freedom of RV travel. In 2013, CRVA, along with RVDA of Canada and several Provincial Campground Owners Associations across the country, worked to estab- lish the Canadian Camping and RV Association (formerly Canadian Camping and RV Council) to help foster stronger collaboration between RV manufacturers, dealers, and camp- grounds, further supporting the growth of Canada’s outdoor hospitality industry. To help celebrate CRVA’s 50th anni- versary in a truly meaningful way, General Coach Canada, a longtime CRVA member, generously donated a brand-new 2025 25’ Citation Reward The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) proudly marks its 50th anniver- sary in 2025, celebrating five decades of advocacy, innovation, and dedication to the Canadian RV industry. CRVA was formed in 1975 by a group of dedicated industry leaders who recognized the need for a unified voice to represent Canadian RV manufactur- ers and suppliers. In its early years, the Association focused on establishing quality stan- dards, advocating for fair industry reg- ulations, and fostering collaboration between manufacturers and dealers. As the RV industry grew, so did CRVA’s role, expanding its efforts to include consumer education, govern- ment advocacy, and strategic partner- ships that would strengthen and promote the RV lifestyle across Canada. REPORT CRVA CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY RV Lifestyle Dealer News | Volume 54 Number 1 Special Report from CRVA Travel Trailer. This incred- ible gift will n o t o n l y b e us e d t o m a r k C R V A ’ s 5 0th - y e a r milestone but will also pro- vide the associa- tion an opportunity to give back to the broader community. CRVA’s Board of Directors came together in a decision to wrap the RV in a custom design and use it as a plat- form to support a cause close to their hearts—Care Camps, a charitable orga- nization that provides children with can- cer the opportunity to experience the healing power of the outdoors by fund- ing specialized oncology camps across North America. The RV will showcase a QR Code on its exterior sides that will direct poten- tial donors to a landing page on Care Camp’s website, a portal for selling raf- fle tickets to win the RV and facilitate corporate sponsorships. 1975-2025 CVRA 50th.indd 8CVRA 50th.indd 82025-05-01 12:55 PM2025-05-01 12:55 PM9 Volume 54 Number 1 | RV Lifestyle Dealer News President of General Coach Canada and an RV/MH Hall of Fame Member. “CRVA has played a vital role in strengthening the Canadian RV indus- try, and we’re honored to be part of this incredible milestone and help raise funds for Care Camps, an organization that makes a real difference in the lives of children with cancer.” After the Toronto RV Show, the RV will embark on a cross-country journey, beginning with the Moncton RV Show scheduled for March 13 -16, 2025, before appearing at festivals and events in the year, that will serve to celebrate CRVA’s rich history, the joy of the RV Lifestyle and the RV Giveaway. In addition to the RV, CRVA has planned a variety of other special acknowledgements throughout the 2025 The Canadian R e c r e a t i o n a l V e h i c l e Association has assured the char- ity that 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Care Camps for the entire year-long fund- raising period. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of General Coach Canada and the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association,” said Gwynn Sullivan, Executive Director of Care Camps Foundation. “This initiative will make it possible for more kids to find joy, connection, and adventure at camp, giving them a chance to just be kids while receiving the care they need. We applaud CRVA for using their mile- stone celebration to give back in such a meaningful way.” The wrapped RV will be unveiled at CRVA’s The Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show, February 27 – March 2, 2025, for the first time with tickets available for purchase. “General Coach Canada has been a proud member of CRVA for decades, and we couldn’t think of a better way to support the Association’s 50th anni- versary than by donating this special travel trailer,” said Roger Faulkner, General Coach Canada Citation Reward travel trailer, wrapped to promote CRVA 50th Anniversary and Care Camps Foundation fundraiser. RV Dealer News worked with the CRVA to compile hundreds of stories chronicling the 50-year history of the CRVA. Here is a “blast from the past” featuring highlights of the 1984 Camping on Wheels Show, held at Toronto’s CNE grounds. See a full size version of the image at the RV Dealer News website, in our story on the CRVA 50th Anniversary – follow this link: https:// rvldealernews.com/crva-celebrates-50th- anniversary-1975-2025/ CVRA 50th.indd 9CVRA 50th.indd 92025-05-01 12:55 PM2025-05-01 12:55 PMNext >