Al Robinson of Great Canadian RV
wins the prestigious
2020 Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award
Al Robinson of Great Canadian RV in Peterborough, Ontario was presented with the prestigious 2020 Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award today in a special virtual Awards presentation.

Mr. Robinson was clearly moved as Melanie Taylor, of RV Lifestyle Magazine, announced the winner of the Walter Paseska Memorial Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award.
“Thank you so much, I am truly honoured”, said Robinson. “This is such an incredible industry and I am thankful to have developed so many great relationships over the years, both with colleagues as well as our customers. And while I may have won the award, I really need to thank Stacey (Robinson) as well as all our fantastic staff, who help make our dealership the success that it is”.
Each year, the RVDA of Canada, in conjunction with RV Lifestyle Magazine and Dealer News, invites nominations from across Canada for the Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award. The award is dedicated to the memory of the late Walt Paseska, founder of Walt's Trailer Sales in Headingley, Manitoba, in recognition of his many years of commitment and dedication to the RV industry. Established in 1989 by Camping Canada Magazine, this award has been presented to individuals who share Walt's enthusiasm and commitment, in recognition of their long-term contribution to the RV lifestyle, and commitment to the community as a whole. 

The award is presented to a candidate who has:
  • Demonstrated long-term dedication to the RV industry and promotion of the RV lifestyle by the acting dealer principal of a recognized full service RV dealership
  • Shown commitment and participation in the RVDA at the provincial or national level;
  • Been recognized by customers and peers as a person with the highest integrity and credibility in both work and personal life, and
  • Made a contribution to their community.
Al Robinson grew up camping as his family owned M&K’s Beaver Park in Omemee, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. The Robinson family purchased Beaver Park in 1972 and started selling trailers in the early 1980s. This experience helped Al develop his love for the camping and RV industry. Today, owner of Great Canadian RV, Al prides himself on the company’s core values of: Quality Product, Unsurpassed Customer Service, and Straightforward pricing. Al works hand in hand with his wife Stacey and the dealership currently employs eleven staff. Great Canadian RV boasts the largest RV parts and accessories store in their region.

Throughout his 48 years in the industry, Al has served on several boards of directors, committees, and volunteered with various charities. Al became a member of Ontario RVDA’s board of directors where he also served as co-chair for the advocacy and government relations committee. Here he was able to make invaluable contributions on behalf of the RV industry by liaising between key Government officials and industry stakeholders.

Al’s community involvement over the years has been tremendous and tireless. He has
significant involvement in the Kinsmen Club; and remains very involved with the annual Toy Drive, the Food Bank, and the Boys and Girls Club. Most recently, Al was responsible for working with Coachmen Catalina and several other industry partners to make a child’s wish come true with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Additionally, Al developed RVs for front line workers in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been responsible for matching 46 Front Line Workers with RVs across Ontario, as well as, New York City, to be utilized for the purpose of self- isolation. Al’s philosophy of giving back to the community is consistently demonstrated, as is his excellent stewardship of the RV industry.

Along with our winner, the nominees for this year’s Award were:
  • Mike Porter, Bluenose RV Centre, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
  • Bob Verwey, Owasco RV, Bowmanville, Ontario

Congratulations to Al and to all nominees, who have made outstanding contributions to the RV industry! 
Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada
www.rvda.ca | 604.718.6325 | E-mail