Canadian Provinces Begin Phased Reopenings

Canada is the largest export market for American-made RVs and, like the rest of the world, has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Below is a summary of how RV manufacturers, dealers and campgrounds are being impacted by the crisis in each Canadian province. The information was complied by industry partner, the Canadian RV Association, who is seeing most provinces announce their phased openings, which include RV dealers and campgrounds for various dates. Phased openings in Ontario and Quebec, the hardest hit provinces, have yet to be announced. The Canadian RV Association has issued letters to both provinces outlining a safe and healthy approach to have both dealers and campgrounds included in the eventual phased openings.

ALBERTA

Alberta declared a Health Emergency on March 17. Businesses not mandated to close must follow Alberta Health Guidelines on social distancing and workplace safety. 

As of April 30:

• RV manufacturers and suppliers can remain open at their discretion
• RV dealers remain open for sales, service and parts at their discretion
• Private campgrounds may be allowed to open at their discretion provided that

BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia declared a State of Emergency on March 18 which still remains. Businesses not deemed to be essential in the province of British Columbia may stay open provided that they operate under the orders and recommendations of its Health Officer.

As of April 30:

• RV manufacturers have been able to remain open to build new units
• RV dealers are open, but sales and service are by appointment only
• Private campgrounds have been deemed to be an "essential service" but are only accommodating "Canadian Snowbirds" and seasonal campers who do not have a permanent residence while maintaining Provincial Health Guidelines

MANITOBA

The Manitoba government declared a province-wide state of emergency under The Emergency Measures Act on March 20.

As of April 30:

• RV manufacturers and suppliers are able to open fully May 4
• RV dealers will be able to open fully on May 4
• Private campgrounds: Effective May 4, parks, campgrounds, yurts and vacation cabins may open if people maintain a distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges.

NEW BRUNSWICK

A State of Emergency was declared in New Brunswick on March 19. 

As of April 30:

• RV dealers are allowed to remain open for Service. Sales are allowed by appointment only
• Private campgrounds: In an announcement on April 24, private campgrounds will be allowed to open on or before May 24 depending on numbers of infection in the province.  

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

On March 18, the Minister of Health and Community Services declared COVID-19 a public health emergency under the Public Health Protection and Promotion Act. 

As of April 30:

• RV dealers are allowed to remain open for Service. Sales are allowed by appointment only.
• Private campgrounds: Effective March 31, Newfoundland's Chief Officer of Health made an announcement that mandated that Newfoundland's Municipal and Private Campgrounds close until further notice. The Office will provide updates as they become available. 

NOVA SCOTIA

A State of Emergency was declared in Nova Scotia under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and extended to April 19.  

As of April 30:

• RV dealers are allowed to remain open for Service. Sales are allowed by appointment only
• Private campgrounds: Effective April 9 - all privately operated campgrounds are closed until May 1 and will be reassessed thereafter as per Ministry of Health

ONTARIO

The Ontario government ordered non-essential businesses closed on April 4 and have mandated social distancing until May 11.

As of April 30:

• RV manufacturers and suppliers open or closed at their discretion
• RV dealers may remain open for service only at their discretion. Sales are allowed online only.
• Private campgrounds: On April 16, the government amended the order specifying essential businesses that are permitted to be open during this emergency to include a limited form of accommodation in seasonal campgrounds. Seasonal campgrounds may remain open only to accommodate residents with no other Canadian residence.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

A Self Distancing Order and closure of all non-essential services was declared March 23 in PEI and extended to May 11. Campgrounds are able to reopen during phase three of four distinct phases that will be implemented with a progressive lifting of public health measures on individuals, communities and organizations over three-week periods.

As of April 30:

• RV dealers are allowed to remain open for Service only. Sales are allowed by appointment only.
• Private campgrounds In Phase 3, with a potential start date of June 12, accommodations permitted to re-open for PEI residents only include campgrounds, hospitality homes, inns, and bed and breakfasts. Occupancy guidelines for accommodations are forthcoming following consultation with industry.

QUEBEC

The Province of Quebec declared a Health Emergency on March 13. This order has been extended until May 4.

As of April 30:

• RV manufacturers and suppliers are closed
• RV dealers are not deemed to be an essential service and are closed.
• Private campgrounds: Effective March 28, the Quebec government announced the closure of all tourist accommodation facilities until further notice. Exceptions to this rule are two types of accommodation: some campgrounds hosting snowbirds with no other accommodation options and adequate sanitary facilities, as well as hotels. Thus, private campgrounds can continue their operations, being designated as essential services for clients in need in accommodation within public health guidelines. 

SASKATCHEWAN

As of April 30:

• RV manufacturers and suppliers are open or closed at their discretion.
• RV dealers are allowed to open on May 19
• Private campgrounds: Starting June 1, long-term seasonal, overnight stay and limited-term campers will be allowed under the following conditions until the public health order is amended.