Strong demand for RVs in the north despite rising costs, supply shortage
The RV industry has been experiencing a two-year shortage in supply, along with inflated costs for those in stock, plus rising gas prices.
Yet, an RV dealer in Timmins said that hasn't been stopping people from looking to camp out in comfort as the summer season kicks off.
Richard Tache, who owns several RV dealerships in the region, said demand hasn't shifted much from pre-pandemic levels.
"Definitely, people want to get out, definitely have some relaxation," said Tache.
"We're starting to value our time. We work hard, but we also want to play hard. So, it's a good opportunity with the camping lifestyle."
He said the price of buying an RV has jumped about 20 per cent over last year, typically increasing every three to six months.
The Canadian RV Association said 2022 started with a backlog of orders, but more supply is rolling into the country in recent months.
"So far, as of March 31st, wholesale shipments to Canada are up almost 30 percent," said the association's president, Shane Devenish.
"We still think people are going to continue to enjoy RVing across Canada, especially up north."
Devenish said the majority of campers will most likely either stay the course with their camping plans, camp closer to home, or plan longer trips to fewer destinations.
With industry organizations celebrating RV and Camping Week, he said RVing can be more cost-effective and less frustrating than travelling overseas for a vacation.
"You get into your RV and you drive, as soon as you're ready to go. It's your home away from home," Devenish said.
"It's a lot more convenient taking your home with you, than having to worry about getting through the airport."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.