RV Advocacy – ORVDA and Camping in Ontario – Outdoor Hospitality Day at Queen’s Park
Toronto, December 5, 2024 – RV Industry leaders from Camping in Ontario and the Ontario RV Dealers Association (ORVDA) held an RV advocacy event at Queen’s Park, Ontario’s Legislative building, sponsored by the Honourable Stan Cho, Conservative MPP for Willowdale, who is the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
Almost 100 members of the Ontario Provincial Parliament and their staff attended the breakfast session, where Alexandra Anderson, Executive Director of Camping in Ontario, and Natalie Conway, Executive Director of ORVDA, greeted them with a very informative presentation on the many benefits of camping in Ontario, and the challenges facing the camping and RV industries in the province.
Key themes for the interactive sessions with the Members of the Ontario Provincial Parliament included:
- Mat Tax Reform: Advocating for the exclusion of campgrounds from the municipal accommodation tax (MAT). Campers should not be taxed on their own accommodations, as it unfairly impacts their access to affordable outdoor experiences.
- RV Apprenticeship Training: Addressing the shortage of skilled trades workers and the lack of apprenticeship opportunities in Ontario’s RV sector. The need for increased training opportunities is essential to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the industry.
- Infrastructure Development: Highlighting the importance of expanding the electrical grid to rural Ontario, ensuring that necessary upgrades are not passed onto consumers. This will support the long-term growth of Ontario’s outdoor hospitality sector.
In her address to the group, Natalie Conway emphasized the role of the RV and Camping Industry in Ontario’s economy and communities. “ORVDA represents more than 170 members, who are vital contributors to the Canadian economy, supporting jobs, tourism and local communities, and creating experiences that families treasure and making outdoor activities accessible to so many – promoting the RV lifestyle to existing and new generations of outdoor enthusiasts.”
“Outdoor Hospitality Day at Queen’s Park is an exciting opportunity for us to come together and shine a spotlight on the vital role outdoor recreation plays in Ontario’s economy. Partnering with Camping in Ontario allows us to highlight critical issues facing both the RV and campground industries, from workforce development to the need for infrastructure improvements that support long-term growth. By working collaboratively, we can ensure that the outdoor hospitality sector remains strong, sustainable, and well-positioned to meet the needs of Ontarians.”
The Parliamentary staffers who attended the meeting were very attentive to the issues and concerns of the RV Advocacy team, taking notes and studying the briefing documents and information provided for them by ORVDA and Camping in Ontario.
Alexandra Anderson cited the outdoor hospitality industry’s role in enriching the economy and fostering a love for nature and exploration. “The outdoor hospitality sector contributes $5.4 billion to Ontario’s economy. Over the past 5 years, 42.7% of Ontario’s families have camped – a clear sign that people deeply value the opportunity to connect with nature, create lasting memories, and enjoy the unmatched beauty of our province.” Alexandra discussed the challenges facing the outdoor hospitality industry, including outdated infrastructure that is preventing campgrounds from growing and thriving by creating more camping spaces for Ontarians and visitors alike. She stressed the importance of protecting Ontario’s green spaces. “By addressing these challenges we can assure that the outdoor industry in Ontario will continue to flourish for generations to come.”
The introductory session featured speeches from the Honourable Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario and MPP for Guelph, who serves as Vice-Chair, Standing Committee on the Interior, and the Honourable Stephanie Bowman, Ontario Liberal Party MPP for Don Valley West, who has served as a member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.
The Honourable Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Ontario Green Party, is active at Queen’s Park, working across party lines to be a strong advocate for climate action, local food and water initiatives, affordable housing, protecting Ontario’s frontline healthcare workers, small business, and mental health.
Prior to entering politics, Mike was a successful entrepreneur, small business owner, and one of the early advocates of the local food movement. He founded multiple initiatives including Local Food Plus, WOW Foods and EarthDance Organics to connect sustainable farmers with Ontario households.
The Honourable Stephanie Bowman serves as the Ontario Liberal Party critic for Finance, Jobs and the Economy. An accountant, a former bank executive and a respected community leader, she recently served as a member of the board of the Bank of Canada. Prior to that, she was a long-time senior executive with Scotiabank and a partner at Ernst & Young. She has more than 25 years of experience leading large, diverse teams in Canada and abroad. A strong believer in the power of community and education to make the world a better place, Stephanie believes everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. That’s why she has always partnered with organizations that are committed to building a strong economy, improving access to quality education and empowering diversity and inclusivity.
Following the breakfast session, the RV Advocacy team attended the morning Question Period, and then had individual meetings with their local Members of Provincial Parliament to discuss a range of issues concerning Ontario camping and RV travel and tourism topics.
Representing ORVDA at the Advocacy Day sessions were ORDA President John Krohnert, and ORVDA Board members Aaron Langille, Rob Edwards and Dean DelMastro. Representing Camping in Ontario were Rebecca Cabral, Senior Manager, Public Affairs and Communications; Sandra Galego; Dave Hilhorst, Skycroft Camping Resort, CIO Director; Cyndy Bonello, Glen Haven Resort, CIO Director, and Ellie Abucay Giammattolo, Chairperson of the Board, Canadian Camping and RV Council.
The RV Advocacy team brought the issues of Ontario’s RV and camping industries to our government representatives at Queen’s Park – it was an excellent effort by all concerned: Aaron Langille, John Krohnert, Rob Edwards, Dean DelMastro, and Natalie Conway from ORVDA; Alexandra Anderson, Cathy Bonello, Sandra Galego, and Rebecca Cabral of Camping in Ontario; and Ellie Abucay Giammattolo, Canadian Camping and RV Council.
About the Ontario RV Dealers Association (ORVDA)
Partners and Advocates for Ontario’s RV Dealers
The Ontario Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (ORVDA) is a not-for-profit, professional trade association representing over 170 RV dealerships and industry partners across Ontario. As the leading voice for the RV sector in the province, ORVDA is dedicated to advancing and protecting the interests of its members, who play a vital role in the recreation vehicle industry.
The ORVDA works to support their success through advocacy, education, and industry resources, helping to ensure the growth and sustainability of the RV industry in Ontario and across Canada.
About Camping in Ontario
Camping in Ontario is the voice of Ontario’s campground industry, representing over 300 campgrounds across the province. The organization is dedicated to promoting Ontario’s outdoor hospitality industry and advocating for policies that support the growth and sustainability of campgrounds.
About the Outdoor Hospitality Advocacy Day Partnership
The strong partnership between the Ontario RV Dealers Association and Camping in Ontario is instrumental in advancing important initiatives. Together, the associations are committed to enhancing Ontario’s outdoor hospitality landscape, advocating for policies that improve accessibility, sustainability, and economic growth within the sector.
