Al Robinson of Great Canadian RV in Peterborough, Ontario, was presented with the prestigious 2020 Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award Tuesday in a special virtual awards presentation.
According to the RVDA of Canada, which hosted the virtual event, Robinson was “clearly moved” as Melanie Taylor, from 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 honored,” 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.”
The Canadian RV Dealer of the Year 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. Since being 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.
According to the RVDA of Canada, “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 11 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.”
Along with Robinson, the nominees for this year’s award were Mike Porter, Bluenose RV Centre, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia; and Bob Verwey, Owasco RV, Bowmanville, Ontario.
