APRIL 15-17, 2024 | OTTAWA, ON
CANADIAN RV & CAMPGROUND INDUSTRY AWARENESS WEEK

The Canadian Camping and RV Association (CCRVA) is a national, volunteer federation of the Provincial Private Campground Owners Associations, their Campground members, the RVDA of Canada and the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA).  CCRVA was incorporated in 2013 with a mandate to lead a thriving and vibrant Canadian camping and RV industry.

Canada’s RV and Camping Industry includes 2347 Private Campgrounds, 450 RVDA Dealers and CRVA Manufacturers who collectively generate over 141,000 jobs, over $10.3 Billion in Tourism spending and contribute $19.8 Billion to the Economy in Canada.  In a survey conducted by the Association in 2022, it was found that over 2.1 million Canadian households, or 14% own an RV. Further, 29% of Canadian households camped that year, whether by tent, RV, or rental unit. Private Campgrounds offer an opportunity for middle-class families to spend time together, create life-long memories and discover Canada’s natural landscape. Camping is an affordable activity for the middle class and creates a strong sense of community that is unique to this form of travel accommodation across Canada, particularly during these difficult pandemic times where international travel has been strongly restricted.

CURRENT ISSUES AND POLICIES CURRENTLY IMPACTING PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS

CCRVA strongly advocates that the Government of Canada recognize the income earned by campgrounds as “active business income” for the purpose of determining eligibility for the small business deduction.

Small Private Campgrounds throughout Canada continue to advocate the Federal Government to endorse change in the current Income Tax Act or enact other legislative measures that clearly distinguish small family run campgrounds with less than 5 full time employees as an “active business” and thus eligible for the small business tax deduction. 

Income Tax Act s. 125(7)

A specified investment business is a corporation whose principal purpose is to derive income (interest, rent, dividends and royalties) from property, unless the business employs more than 5 full time employees.  Income from property would include rental or leasing income from land or buildings, but would exclude income from renting or leasing moveable property such as machinery and equipment. A specified investment business is not eligible for the small business deduction and the income is taxed in the corporation in the same way that investment income is taxed.

The classification of a Campground being assessed as a “Specified Investment Business” is ambiguous and up to arbitrary determination by the Canada Revenue Agency and the issue remains to be the #1 threat to not only Private Campgrounds, but to all RV and Camping Industry Stakeholders. The threat that a Campground Owner may be re-assessed or denied the SBD in any given year has resulted in businesses holding back infrastructure investments and improvements and/or hiring additional seasonal staff at a time when the camping industry has become more important than ever before. We are asking for your help to finally address our Industry’s ongoing #1 concern so that we can better provide for Canadian Campers that cherish the opportunity to get outdoors and recreate with family and friends.

The RV and Camping Industry has been successful at attracting new consumers to the RV Lifestyle. Coinciding with this trend is a steady drop in camp site inventory, resulting in a need for more campgrounds and campsites to align availability with our growth. Campsites across Canada are now booked months in advance and this shortage indicates a need to develop new destinations for consumers. To remain viable, the RV Industry asks to work along with Government policy makers to not only increase the number of Federal, Provincial and Private Campsites available to our consumers, but to help enhance their experience with increased Wi-Fi capabilities, services and infrastructure improvements in RV Parks and Campgrounds. Without these improvements, we risk disenchanted consumers leaving the lifestyle altogether. 

Canada has a tremendous natural heritage with magnificent landscape and pristine waters. It is important that all Canadians be able to experience and explore what this country has to offer, long into the future. The Federal government should provide more funding to Destination Canada to advertise about domestic tourism to Canadians. The RV and Camping Industry would also be interested in participating in the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus along with other like-minded groups who conduct business in Canada. We would be grateful to be included in critical discussions that will have impact on the future of the Canadian RV and Camping Industry.