John Petrie, president of Niagara Trailers in St. Davids, OntarioJohn Petrie, president of Niagara Trailers in St. Davids, Ontario, has received the 2026 Walter Paseska Memorial Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award, the RVDA of Canada announced.
Presented by Melanie Taylor of RV Lifestyle Magazine / Dealer News at the RVDA of Canada’s Annual Meeting during the RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas on Nov. 11, the award recognizes Petrie’s longstanding contributions to the RV industry, his community and the RV lifestyle.
Petrie’s father, Doug Petrie Sr., received the inaugural Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award in 1989. Now, 37 years later, Petrie joins his father among the award’s distinguished recipients.
“I am honored and humbled to receive the Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award, especially knowing that my father, Doug, received this same award back in 1989. This recognition belongs to our entire team at Niagara Trailers, to my family, and to the customers who have trusted us for generations. My parents started this business with three trailers and four people, and I am proud to carry that legacy forward as we approach our 55th year,” Petrie said.
Doug and Anna Petrie founded Niagara Trailers in 1972 with three travel trailers and four employees. John Petrie joined the business in 1980 and, following his father’s passing in 2002, assumed day-to-day leadership alongside his brother, Doug Jr.
Under Petrie’s leadership, Niagara Trailers has grown to more than 20 acres, with over 400 units in inventory and approximately 75 employees across sales, service, parts and finance, as well as a separate repair facility and storage centre. The dealership will celebrate its 55th anniversary in 2027.
The business’s success reflects a longstanding commitment to customer service and strong relationships. Niagara Trailers has been recognized as Canada’s No. 1 KZ dealer for 10 consecutive years and North America’s No. 1 KZ dealer three times in the past decade. Many of its customers have returned for decades, with some purchasing eight or more RVs through John over the years.
Petrie has contributed to the Ontario RV Dealers Association (ORVDA) through service on its board of directors as treasurer and on its show committee. He currently serves on the ORVDA Membership Committee and has supported ORVDA RV Shows and the CRVA’s Toronto Spring Camping & RV Show and Sale. Earlier this year, he was named the 2026 ORVDA RV Dealer of the Year by his Ontario peers.
His commitment extends beyond the dealership. Petrie and Niagara Trailers have supported numerous community organizations and initiatives, including the St. Davids & District Lions Club, Red Roof Retreat, Project SHARE, Meals on Wheels, the Niagara River Lions and youth programs throughout the Niagara region. The Lions Club recognized Petrie’s service with a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. In 2020, Niagara Trailers was named Company of the Year at the Spirit of Niagara Awards.
The Petrie family’s connection to the RV lifestyle also extends to campground ownership, including Sherkston Beach, Grand River RV Resort and Lighthouse RV Resort.
The Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award, established in 1989 by Camping Canada Magazine, is presented by RVDA of Canada in conjunction with RV Lifestyle Magazine and Dealer News. It honours dealer principals who demonstrate long-term dedication to the RV industry, active involvement in their association, integrity and a commitment to their communities. The award commemorates Walt Paseska, founder of Walt’s Trailer Sales in Headingley, Manitoba.
