The rising popularity of RVs in Sarnia has prompted changes to local bylaws and an increasing presence of RVs in community events, highlighting a shift in both policy and culture.
As a border town with significant traffic through the Blue Water Bridges, Sarnia has seen more RV enthusiasts passing through, with some stopping to explore the area or staying in nearby RV parks.
While there are no dedicated RV resorts within city limits, eight parks within 50 kilometers cater to this growing demographic.
Until 2004, Sarnia’s zoning bylaws imposed strict limits on RV storage. Owners were required to keep their vehicles in enclosed buildings or specific residential zones, with storage limited to one vehicle in urban and suburban areas and four in rural zones.
Parking an RV in driveways during the summer was prohibited, with strict placement requirements for side or rear yards. These rules remained largely unchanged until a proposal to allow driveway parking during summer months emerged in 2015, although it initially failed to gain traction.
On June 22, 2020, Sarnia City Council approved updates to the zoning bylaw, permitting RV owners to park their vehicles in driveways from May 1 to October 31, provided they did not create nuisances or hazards.
During the off-season, RVs must return to side or rear yards, or be stored off-site if no suitable space exists. These changes align with a broader recognition of the growing RV community in the region.
According to a report by The Sarnia Journal, RVs have also begun appearing at local vehicle shows traditionally focused on classic cars and hot rods.
Groups such as Sarnia Street Machines and Sarnia Street Cruisers host events across Lambton County, including shows like “Vintage in the Village” in Point Edward and others in Sarnia and surrounding towns.
While these events have primarily showcased classic automobiles, RVs are increasingly making an appearance, driven in part by enthusiasts like Shawn Bryan.
Bryan, a Sarnia resident, brought his 1977 GMC Class A motorhome—a vehicle equipped with a 455-cubic-inch racing engine—to these shows, initially treating it as a hot rod.
He welcomed attendees into his motorhome, allowing them to experience its interior and enjoy refreshments, which set a different tone compared to the hands-off approach of many car owners.
Bryan’s participation sparked interest among other RV owners, who began attending these events and connecting with local car culture.
As Sarnia adapts its regulations and community events to accommodate RV enthusiasts, the RV lifestyle may become a more integrated aspect of local culture. With more opportunities to display vehicles and foster connections, RVers may play a larger role in the city’s summer activities in the coming years.
