Camping In Ontario News - December 2025
Camping In Ontario News December 2025
Camping In Ontario (CIO) is a member-based Association, comprised of small businesses located throughout the Province of Ontario. Our Association was started in 1969 by a group of campground owners that wanted to improve their businesses. While the way we do things has changed over the years, our mandate remains the same:
“As a vital and active stakeholder in tourism, Camping In Ontario supports member campgrounds in the Province of Ontario by educating campground owners, marketing camping in Ontario to the general public and advocating to government.”
A Message from our Board Chair
Happy December, everyone. I hope you are all enjoying quieter times with family and friends.
I’m excited to share that for the first time in many years, there were no changes to the composition of the board or the Board Executive With this Board, comprised of incredible industry leaders, this continuity and stability provide a solid foundation for our ongoing work and future projects
I am also honoured to share that I have been re-elected as Board Chair following our most recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). This marks my third term in this role, and I remain enthusiastic about continuing our efforts on new initiatives as we move into the coming year.
The Fall convention was a great opportunity for all of us to reconnect with fellow members and suppliers. The keynote speaker set a fun and positive tone for the entire event. Melanie and I both left the event feeling optimistic, energized, and ready to take on any potential challenges that may arise.
I encourage all members to read the section in this issue on the Association Update from convention, which covers key outcomes from both the AGM and the Municipal Consultation session This is a critical and important matter for the entire membership, and has the potential to affect every single campground in our province at some point down the road. If you have any questions about any item in the article, please reach out to a board member. A full list of the board members’ names and contact information is on the last page of this publication.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Holiday Season I look forward to catching up with many of you at our Spring meeting In the meantime, enjoy the winter season and the chance to put up your feet and enjoy your well-deserved downtime.
Mark Jaycock Chair
Willow Lake Campground and RV Park
A Message from our Executive Director
Well, another year has passed and what a year it has been! I think I share the sentiment of many people –2026 is going to be better.
Since last August, we have worked steadily on the launch of the new website. This was a huge task to undertake, and we thank everyone who completed the information for the new website during the busy summer months. Work continues on the site as we add content and refine some features.
The 2026 directory production is well underway. This year, we pushed back the printing of the guide to better fit the timing of when the directory is needed for consumer shows. This timing allows you more time to update your information and place ads, and it is better for the association to add new members.
Noah Ciani returned to working part-time for the Association in late October. Noah is working on member recruitment, and we are fortunate to have him come back. To aid us in the transition to the new website, Kiri North-Harris joined the team for the fall as an intern.
Convention was such a positive experience this year for the staff. We all left feeling engaged and energized by the conversations with our members and suppliers We know we are on the right path and are eager to get to work with the Board to ensure the financial success we know is on the horizon.
On a personal note, I would like to thank the board of directors and the members once again for acknowledging my twenty years with the Association. Time flies when you love your job and work with amazing people.
Happy Holidays, and all the best in 2026. It is going to be a good year.
Alexandra Anderson Executive Director
Camping In Ontario
Meet our 2025 Board of Directors
Mark Jaycock
Willow Lake Campground Chair
Matt Den Hollander Experience Camping Vice Chair
Patricia Maat North Shore RV Park Treasurer
April Hearns McGowan Lake Campground Secretary
Peter Bingeman Country Gardens RV Group
Cyndy Bonello Glen Haven Resort
Warren Sheridan Shore Acres Trailer Park
Jeff Kavanagh Green Acres Campground & Restaurant
Paula Rajkumar Islandview Trailer Park
Dave Hillhorst Skycroft Campground Resort
Lynn Cheeseman Killam Seasonal Resorts
Convention 2025 Highlights
CampgroundTour:
Aperennialfavouriteamongdelegates,attendeesbegantheirday atWillowLakeCampgroundandRVPark,enjoyingbreakfast poutinewhileexploringthesmall-but-mightypark.Next, delegatesvisitedHappyHillsResort,whereascenicwagonride showcasedtheexpansiveproperty.Adeliciouslunchawaited everyoneatCountryGardensRVPark,accompaniedbyremarks fromtheTourSponsor,AppMyCommunity.Thetourconcludedat LandingsCampground,highlightingitsimpressivestate-of-theartsepticsystem
Auction:
As always, our Monday night auction was a highlight for the attendees. Hosted by our own Lynn Cheeseman and April Hearns, this year the event raised just over $27,000 for the Special Projects Fund Thank you to everyone who donated and bid on the auction items. All funds go towards the Special advocate for your campgrounds on many l
Keynote:
This year’s keynote address by Dr Jasmin Bergeron on the “WOW Effect Sales and Business Development” took the audience on an emotional journey that they quoted for the rest of the conference.
Convention Committee:
AspecialthankyoutoourConventionCommitteemembers:
MarkJaycock
EllieAbucayGiamattollo
AprilHearns
SusanMoelker
Convention 2025 Highlights
Sessions:
For the first time, we introduced a dedicated session for managers focused on navigating in-season pivots through the use of operational intuition and data-driven decision-making Delegates also benefited from a wide range of sessions designed to strengthen and modernize their businesses. Topics included boosting SEO performance, merchandising strategies and store layout techniques, planning and prioritizing winter projects, practical applications of AI, and hands-on workshops to develop camper loops.
Use the QR Code to listen in on a session!
CampEx:
SESSIONDECKS:
Convention Attendees - check your inbox for links to each presentation deck
All Others - purchase the presentation decks for only $35/presentation or $150/all presentations. Contact the office for access.
With more than 40 suppliers attending, CampEx 2025 was an exceptional opportunity for campgrounds and suppliers to connect and plan for next season. Delegates were able to engage with suppliers offering everything from safety training, engineering, docks, water toys, retail clothing and uniforms, to rental accommodations and gate systems.
Annual General Meeting Highlights
Mark Jaycock, Chair of the Board of Directors, welcomed all to the AGM. With no new business being identified at the beginning of the meeting, the Agenda as presented was approved The Association update was presented by Alexandra Anderson, which highlighted the Association’s achievements from the past year Patricia Maat, Treasurer, reported on the financial health of the Association April Hearns, Secretary, presented the slate of candidates for board positions. All candidates were returning board members, which resulted in the membership accepting the slate. With no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
The board of directors then voted on the Executive for the coming year. All incumbents were re-elected with Mark Jaycock returning as Chair, Matt Den Hollander as Vice Chair, Patricia Maat as Treasurer and April Hearns as Secretary
Municipal Consultation Highlights
As part of convention, the Association convened a meeting to discuss industry relations with municipalities and recent legal developments affecting its members One portion of the consultation was soliciting ideas for building positive relationships with Municipalities. Campgrounds that have positive relationships appear to all follow the same formula:
Work to establish a relationship with Town Councillors before any issues arise.
Have encouraged town councillors to tour the campground.
Have economic impact data of their business on the community (if asked to share)
The next segment focused on providing the board of directors’ direction with respect to the Association’s future with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) case vs the Township of Selwyn While no specifics were allowed to be discussed, the Association was allowed to share some details. The Township of Selwyn has levied a development charge on the installation of park model trailers in its township in the amount of several thousand dollars The sentiment of the members in the room was that development charges should never be charged on an individual site in a campground. The members agreed that the Association needs to work to reverse this through either the Courts, OLT, or government lobbying.
The Association will form a committee to coordinate legal challenges, engage with government representatives, and prepare advocacy materials for lobbying efforts.
Thank you to our
SPONSORS
Visionary Sponsor
Collaborative Partner
Supportive Partners
Campground Tour
Sponsor
Campground Tour
Lunch Sponsor
Camper’s Choice Sponsor Education Sponsors
Best Swimming
Happy Hills RV R
Best Comfort St Rock Island Ca
Best Customer S
Cedar Rail Family Cam
Best Rec/Facilities
Summer House
Best Beach
Cedardale Family Cam & Seasonal Re
Best Dog Pa
Fisherman's Cove Tent &
Best Tent Sit
Batman's Cottages and
Best Store
Windmill Family Cam
Best Rental Accomm Riverwood Pa
Best RV Site North Shore RV
Goal #1: Foster an engaged campground ownership community throughout Ontario
CIO Team Campground Tour 2025:
Each year in June, the CIO team takes to the road and tours a region of the Province. Experiences like these deepen our understanding of your offerings and strengthen our ability to promote your campgrounds to the camping public.
This year, the CIO team explored Ontario’s West Coast and we were absolutely blown away The region’s stunning shorelines, reminiscent of Caribbean waters, continue to captivate both us and the campers who visit.
Over three days, we toured 28 campgrounds and witnessed firsthand the immense pride owners invest in their parks We began our Coast Tour at Mackenzie Tent and Trailer and drove along the highway, and ended at Paradise Valley.
A heartfelt thank you to Auburn Riverside Retreat and Experience Camping for their generous hospitality throughout our visit.
New Members: New Suppliers:
Wilderness Tours
Irwin’s Cabins
Little Mis and Camp
Riverside Woods of Splash Va
Summerl
Yellow Bu Campgro
Kilsyth Co
Leisure H
Moonligh y Campground
Mystical Distributing Company
Sunset Retreat on Rice Lake
Terrawoods on Muskoka Shores
NETWORKING
& PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Goal #2: Provide education and resources to support members in operating sustainably successful hospitality tourism businesses
Professional Development:
Regular virtual sessions keep members engaged and connected during winter, covering topics such as emergency planning, social media design, industry updates, and invasive species. The 2026 Virtual Education Series begins in January 2026.
Education Committee:
AspecialthankyoutoourEducationCommittee members:
MarkJaycock
EllieAbucayGiamattollo
SarahMann
PaulaRajkumar
LynnCheeseman
Campground and Outdoor Hospitality Management Program:
This spring, the COHMP offered a Level 1 training program that coincided with our Spring Meeting. The program had 10 participants from around the province. For the first time, we offered the culminating Case Study day in both in-person and hybrid formats This proved to be a positive option and will be the way we move forward with the Case Study day, as it provides additional flexibility for students.
This fall, we offered Level 2 and had 5 participants join the program. To enhance learning and curb learning overwhelm, the online sessions were broken into twice-weekly, 3-hour sessions This format worked well for all involved and will continue with future programs The Case Study day was again offered in a hybrid format and continues to work well for participants.
Future Growth:
A new Learning Management System (LMS) is in development to further expand access, track credits, and accommodate busy schedules More to come in 2026!
2026UPCOMINGEVENTS
March 23, 2026
Children’s Convention
More details in January 2026
CIO Family Meeting will take place on the 23rd
Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls, ON
April 6, 2026
Group Dinner
Location to be announced
April 7, 2026
Spring Meeting
CIO meeting at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Hotel: Courtyard Marriott, Hamilton
April 8, 2026
CIO Board Meeting & COHMP Case Study Day
Campground & Outdoor Hospitality Management Program
Level 1 Begins March 3, 2026
2026UPCOMINGEVENTS
HotelDetails
Children’s Convention
Meeting Monday, March 23, 2026 @ 2:00
Please click to Register for the Meeting. There is no cost to attend, but we need to know who is attending the meeting.
Wehavereservedhotelroomsfor2nights,March23 &March24,2026.Youmayreservefor1nightorbothnights. Themeeting,however,isonlytakingplaceonthe23 . rd rd
Therateis$229.00pernightplustaxesandfeesforaFamilySuite,Balcony/Patioroom.Theroomsarebasedon1-4 guestsperroom.Eachadditionalpersonis$75.00perpersonpernight.Roomcheck-inis4pm.Roomcheck-outis 11am.Waterparkpassesarevalidfrom9amonthedayofarrivaluntilthewaterparkclosesonthedepartureday. Therearerenovationsunderway;however,theywillnotimpactourstay
Additionalroomtypesmaybeavailableatanadditionalcost.Pleasecalltoseeiftheroomtypecanbeaddedtothe groupblock.
KidKamp&WolfDenSuite$50additionalpernightandincludeswaterparkpassesforupto4guests.
KingCabinSuiteis$140additionalpernightandincludeswaterparkpassesforupto6guests.
InclusiveMealplansareavailableforpurchase,canbeaddedatanytimeduringorafterthereservation,orupon arrival
Breakfastbuffetwithanon-alcoholicbeverage(specialtydrinksnotincluded).
LunchfromBearClawCafe,NorthwoodsPizzaCompanyorBucketsortheWateringHole(specificlunch optionsmayapply)
Dinnerbuffetwithanon-alcoholicbeverage(specialtydrinksnotincluded)
Adults(age13+)=$64.99|Child(age4-12)=$32.99includesgratuity,plustax
For more information, or reservations call 1 800 605 9653
USE GROUP CODE: 2603CAMP
Must book by: FEBRUARY 8, 2026
Limited Availability—Book Early!
Goal #3: Market member campgrounds to the camping public
Directories = 60,000 copies
Show Bags = 7,500 bags
Brochure Distribution = all shows
Website Revitalization:
CIO Booth:
Montreal RV Show, Toronto Spring RV Show, Toronto Sportsman Show
Directories available at partner booth: Ottawa & Kitchener RV Shows
After an initial attempt with a new vendor, CIO renewed its partnership with Blue Lemon Media Inc A fully redesigned, user-friendly, and SEO-optimized website was launched in 2025 Almost instantly, we noticed an increase in traffic on the website, and our ranking increased in organic searches Great results for a September launch
If you have not yet updated your listing, logo and photos, please take 15 minutes to accomplish this important task. You will use the login details from the old site to update your listing.
If your campground is not appearing on the website, it means you have not updated your listing.
Scan the QR Code to access the training video
Campground Name:
Primary Contact Name:
Email:
Brochure Distribution
Phone Number:
Feb 26 - Mar 1, 2026
Mar 5 - 8, 2026
Mar 19 - 22, 2026
For a fee of $85 00 per show, your campground brochures will be placed on the table Please send 150 brochures per show
Brochures must be received at the association office 14 days prior to each show
Brochures larger than 9” x 4” will cost extra Please contact the office for pricing
Cheque (payable to Camping In Ontario – please include copy of order form) Credit Card – you will be invoiced and can then pay online at https://campingold.bluelemonmedia.com/payments By Interact E-Transfer use opca@campinginontario ca and quote your campground name and invoice # Credit Union or Bank of Montreal online banking portal – invoice required (Registered name: Ontario Private Campground Association)
Authorized signature:
Please return by email to Sandra at info@campinginontario.ca
Camping In Ontario, 230 Westney Rd South, Suite 306, Ajax, ON L1S 7J5 T: 877-672-2226 P: 289-660-2192 info@campinginontario.ca; www.campinginontario.ca
NEW SHIPPING ADDRESS – CAMPING IN ONTARIO, 230 Westney
ADVOCACY UPDATE
Goal #4: Advocate on relevant issues through a proactive and preventative approach
Key Conferences & Engagements:
ParticipationattheFederationofCanadianMunicipalities(FCM)conferenceinOttawa,buildingnational relationshipsandawareness.Spokewithmultiple Municipalofficialswhowanttostartorimprovetheir municipalcampgrounds.
AlexandraAndersoncontinuestositontheTourismIndustryofOntario(TIAO)PolicyAdvisoryCommittee.
SarahNorth-HarrisremainstheViceChairontheRTO12BoardofDirectors.
Septic Flow Rate Issue:
The conclusions from the Design Septic Flow working group were shared with the convention attendees. When the final document is posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO), the Association will provide the membership with a list of changes We anticipate the document being posted early in the new year
CIO & ORVDA Partnership for SDF R6 Funding:
In October, Camping In Ontario and the Ontario RV Dealers Association (ORVDA) submitted a joint funding proposal to the Skills Development Fund Round 6 (SDF R6) This funding application proposed to create and deliver RV Technician training and Campground Management training to tariff-affected, and under/unemployed workers We hope to hear positive results in the Spring of 2026
Merry Christmas
From the Camping In Ontario Team
Camping In Ontario is the representative body of privately and publicly owned and operated campgrounds in the province of Ontario. The Camping In Ontario team works on behalf of the campground members by lobbying government on issues that affect their business, negotiating cost savings on the products and services they use every day, and market camping in Ontario
Alexandra Anderson
Executive Director aanderson@campinginontario ca
Sandra Galego
Membership Coordinator info@campinginontario ca
Sarah North-Harris Director of Education education@campinginontario.ca
Executive and Staff campinginontario.ca
230 Westney Road South, Suite 306 Ajax, Ontario L1N 2J5
Telephone: 289 660 2192 Toll Free: 877 672 2226
Contact
Membership Inquiries membership@campinginontario ca
Connect with us
Board of Directors
Mark Jaycock Chair
Willow Lake Campground Chair@campinginontario com
Matt Den Hollander Vice Chair
Experience Camping Ltd Vicechair@campinginontario.com
April Hearns
Secretary McGowan Lake Campground mcgowan.lake@gmail.com
Patricia Maat Treasurer North Shore RV Park nshore@northshorepark com
Lynn Cheeseman Killam Seasonal Resorts lcheeseman@KillamREIT com
Dave Hilhorst Skycroft Campground Resort dave@skycroft com
Peter Bingeman Country Gardens RV Park info@cgrvpark.ca
Paula Rajkumar Islandveiw Trailer Park Info@islandpark.com
Jeff Kavanagh Green Acres Campground & Restaurant jackiandjeffok@yahoo ca
Warren Sheridan Shore Acres Trailer Park warren sheridan77@gmail com
Cyndy Bonello Glen Haven Resort Cyndy@glenhavenresort com