New Economic Impact of the Canadian Recreation Vehicle Industry Shows Growth in all Sectors

In order to determine the level of economic activity supported by the RV industry in Canada, the impacts of RVs were broken down through four distinct domains.

Key findings are outlined below:

RV Manufacturing:

The total value of recreation vehicles manufactured in Canada was approximately $470 million in 2017.  Of this total production value, some $376 million—or 80%—was exported to markets outside of Canada, with the balance representing domestic consumption of locally-made RV products. 

As detailed below, the value of recreation vehicles manufactured in Canada in 2017—including direct, indirect and induced impacts—generates significant value for the Canadian economy.

  • ±$355.3 million in value added to the Canadian economy; 
  • ±5,400 full-time years of employment; 
  • ±$229.3 million in labour income across Canada; and,
  • ±$88.7 million in tax revenue to municipal, provincial and national governments, in the form of personal tax, corporate tax, and other taxes.

RV Retail Sales and Service:

The total value of recreation vehicles sold and serviced in Canada in 2017 was approximately $3.4 billion.  In calculating the economic impact of RV retail activities, however, it is important to note that only the gross retail and wholesale markup components represent the unique contributions of retail sales and service activities.  

As detailed below, the value of recreation vehicles sold in Canada in 2017 generated:

  • ±$681.4 million in value added to the Canadian economy; 
  • ±10,300 full-time years of employment;
  • ± $432.0 million in labour income across Canada; and,
  • ±$149.3 million in tax revenue to municipal, provincial and national governments, in the form of personal tax, corporate tax, and other taxes.
  
 
 
Non‐Travel Related RV Expenditures:
 
Overall, total non-travel related recreation vehicle expenditures for 2017 are estimated at some $1.7 billion. 
 
This substantial spending on items such as storage, insurance, as well as other equipment and accessories (excluding repairs) yields a significant economic impact across Canada.
 
  • ± $1.5 billion in value added to the Canadian economy;
  • ± 17,900 full-time years of employment.
  • ± $830.9 million in labour income across Canada; and,
  • ± $571.9 million in tax revenue to municipal, provincial and national governments, in the form of personal tax, corporate tax, and other taxes.
Tourism Related RV Expenditures:
 
RV owners spent a total of approximately $3.3 billion on various goods and services while travelling throughout Canada in 2017. 
 
This spending generates a significant benefit to local municipalities, the provincial/territorial economies, as well as spread more broadly across Canada at the federal level.
  • ± $2.1 billion in value added to the Canadian economy;
  • ± 32,300 full-time years of employment;
  • ± $2.7 billion in labour income across Canada; and,
  • ± $1.1 billion in tax revenue to municipal, provincial and national governments, in the form of personal tax, corporate tax, and other taxes.

In summary, the RV sector stimulates economic activity and creates jobs for Canadians across the country. Across all four subsectors, total RV industry expenditures for 2017 have been estimated at approximately $6.1 billion. Moreover, the Canadian RV industry was a significant driver of tax revenues, with the industry contributing $1.9 billion in tax revenue to municipal, provincial and national governments, in the form of personal tax, corporate tax, and other taxes.