CRVA Update: Advocacy, Industry Partnerships and Looking Ahead
Burlington, ON, November 2, 2026 – It’s been a busy few months at the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA), with plenty happening across our industry on both sides of the border since our last update.
We have continued to spend a considerable amount of time working with government officials on issues affecting our manufacturers and dealers, while also keeping up with the many changes and developments taking place throughout the RV industry.
While there are challenges that continue to keep us busy, we’ve also had some positive news to share, along with opportunities to catch up with many of the people who make our industry so special.
One of the more encouraging developments recently was Transport Canada’s approval of a three-year renewal of the Driveaway-Towaway Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Exemption, that was originally granted in October 2023.
For those unfamiliar with the issue, Canada’s ELD requirements were introduced to electronically track the driving hours of commercial vehicle operators.
However, these requirements created challenges for RV transportation companies delivering travel trailers and fifth wheels using personal trucks, or driving motorhomes directly from manufacturers to dealerships.
The exemption allows eligible transportation companies to continue delivering RVs without the mandatory use of electronic logging devices, while still requiring drivers to maintain proper records and comply with all Hours of Service and highway safety regulations. It also helps maintain consistency with similar exemptions already in place in the United States.
This renewal was the result of considerable work by CRVA, RVDA of Canada, and the RV Industry Association (RVIA), along with the transportation companies that provided valuable information to support our application.
We sincerely appreciate Transport Canada’s willingness to recognize the unique nature of RV transportation and work with our industry toward a practical solution that maintains highway safety.
Park Model Recreational Vehicles in Ontario
Another issue receiving considerable attention from CRVA is the application of municipal development charges to Park Model Recreational Vehicles in Ontario.
As we know, Park Model RVs are manufactured to the nationally recognized CSA Z241 standard and are designed for seasonal and temporary recreational use.
Unfortunately, their inclusion within Ontario’s Building Code has created a situation where municipalities may treat these recreational vehicles as buildings or permanent dwellings, potentially triggering building permits and development charges that were never intended for this type of recreational accommodation.
In some cases, we’ve heard of development charges ranging from approximately $3,000 to more than $20,000 per unit.
These additional costs are having a significant impact on sales, Ontario manufacturers, campground operators, and future tourism investment.
Over the past several weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to meet with MPP Natalie Pierre, representing Burlington, and MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos, representing Oakville North–Burlington, to discuss these concerns and the importance of finding a solution.
Both meetings provided an opportunity to explain the differences between Park Model RVs and permanent residential housing, as well as the economic consequences these additional charges are having on our industry.
Our recommendation remains straightforward: remove the provisions relating to CSA Z241 Park Model RVs from Ontario’s Building Code to provide the clarity needed for manufacturers, campground owners and municipalities.
Tariffs
Of course, it wouldn’t be an industry update these days without mentioning tariffs!
The ongoing changes to Canada–U.S. trade policies continue to create challenges for recreational vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, and dealers on both sides of the border.
While some tariff measures have been adjusted or removed, others remain in place, and new measures affecting materials and components continue to add uncertainty.
The changing U.S. tariff environment is another reminder of just how quickly trade conditions can change.
CRVA continues to work with RVDA of Canada and RVIA to monitor these developments and advocate for fair and balanced trade across our border.
Our position remains that recreational vehicles and their components should move across our shared border without unnecessary tariffs or trade barriers.
Our two countries have built a highly integrated RV industry over many decades, and protecting that relationship is important to manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, and ultimately the consumers who enjoy our products.
RV Open House Week – Elkhart Dealer Days
September provided another great opportunity to attend RV Open House Week in Elkhart, Indiana, where manufacturers showcased their latest products and innovations for the upcoming model year.
It was particularly encouraging to catch up with so many of our CRVA manufacturer members and Canadian RV dealers who made the trip south.
From new floorplans and features to some impressive new products, it’s always interesting to see how manufacturers are responding to changing consumer interests and expectations.
We also wanted to recognize an exciting development in Canadian RV manufacturing, with General Coach Canada’s recent acquisition of the Prolite brand.
General Coach has been manufacturing recreational vehicles in Hensall, Ontario, since 1950 and remains a family-operated business under Roger Faulkner and his son Chris.
Prolite, founded in Quebec in 2000, has built a strong reputation over the past 25 years for its innovative ultralight travel trailers, particularly among dealers and consumers in Quebec.
As part of the acquisition, production of Prolite trailers will move from Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, to General Coach Canada’s manufacturing facilities in Hensall, with production expected to begin by the end of November.
The company intends to maintain the lightweight designs and features that have made Prolite successful while continuing to support and expand its dealer network.
It’s encouraging to see two established Canadian RV brands coming together and continued investment in Canadian manufacturing.
Eleonore Hamm
We would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Eleonore Hamm, President of RVDA of Canada, who is retiring after an incredible 31 years of service to the Canadian RV industry.
Throughout her career, Eleonore has been a tireless advocate for Canadian RV dealers and a tremendous supporter of the industry as a whole.
It was also wonderful to see Eleonore recently recognized as the recipient of the RV Women’s Alliance Trailblazer Award, a fitting tribute to her leadership, dedication and the lasting contributions she has made to our industry.
On a personal note, I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Eleonore for many years, and I’ve always appreciated her knowledge, dedication, and willingness to work together on issues that matter the most to our industry.
Whether it was navigating challenging government policies, supporting industry initiatives, or simply sharing ideas, Eleonore has always been someone CRVA could count on.
On behalf of all of us at the CRVA, we take this chance to sincerely thank Eleonore for everything she has contributed to the Canadian RV industry and wish her all the very best in her well-deserved retirement.
CRVA Board of Directors Meeting
We are looking forward to welcoming CRVA’s Board of Directors to our upcoming meeting on November 19, 2026, with Directors joining us from across Canada and the United States.
We are pleased to have representatives from RVDA of Canada, Go RVing Canada, and the Canadian Camping and RV Association (CCRVA) joining us for discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing our industry as we head into 2027.
These meetings are always a valuable opportunity to share ideas, hear different perspectives and discuss how we can continue working together to support the Canadian RV industry.
As we approach the end of another year, I’d like to extend our appreciation to CRVA’s members, our industry partners, and the many individuals who continue to support our association’s efforts.
There will always be challenges to address, but we’re fortunate to be part of an industry where people are willing to work together to find solutions.
We look forward to continuing that work in the months ahead.
Shane Devenish
President
Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA)
www.crva.ca
