57 Years in the Making

What once started as a small family-owned grocery store selling propane in the quiet town of Dorion, Ontario, has over-the-years grown into one of the largest RV & marine dealerships in Northwestern Ontario.

Smith’s RV Centre began in Dorion in the early 1960’s when Alex Smith started making utility trailers from scrap vehicles and his wife, Doris, began selling groceries and propane out of the back porch of their self-built home. The small business grew when they began selling and servicing propane appliances and power saws and later added gasoline, tires, sporting goods, live bait, boats, motors, truck caps, RV’s, snowmobiles, and in-house van conversions to the mix of products they carried. Alex and Doris wanted to provide as many products as possible so that their customers didn’t have to travel to Thunder Bay as often to pick up the essential items they needed. Customer service has always been at the forefront of the business and was what the Smith’s cared about most.

After many years in business, and having opened a second location in Thunder Bay, Alex Smith was ready to retire. In 1981, his son, Scott Smith, bought the business, while his parents traveled North America in their RV.

The business in Thunder Bay relocated several times, and landed in their current location in 1994 when Scott bought the 20,000 sq. ft. building that originally housed Wheelies Roller Rink. It was not long after that Scott’s sister, Sherry, returned to Thunder Bay and took on the role of Controller in the dealership.

Scott and Sherry quickly came to realize that running both locations was difficult. At this time, most residents of Dorion would travel to Thunder Bay to make their purchases anyway. In November of 1995 they decided to close the Dorion store and solely operate the Thunder Bay location.

Scott and Sherry both worked long hours for many years operating Smith’s. In 2013, Scott sold the business to his nephews, Sherry’s sons, Jason and Brad Johnstone. Sherry worked alongside Jason and Brad and recently retired in the fall of 2017.

After nearly 60 years in business, Smith’s RV Centre has certainly grown, but their philosophies have never changed. Still family-owned and operated, with 30 plus full-time staff members, Smith’s RV Centre strives to provide quality products and exceptional service year-round.

Smith’s RV has stood the test of time by working hard for their customers and for their community – just as Alex and Doris did when they first started their small store in Dorion. Smith’s RV Centre today focuses on giving back to their community of Thunder Bay through their partnerships and fundraising initiatives for various local charities – an integral part of their business.

With hundreds of RV and marine products to choose from, Smith’s RV Centre is your one-stop shop for everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors with your family and friends.