As automobiles became more com-
monplace, governments scrambled
to create new laws to deal with the
advancing technology. In September
1917, the Saskatoon Phoenix news-
paper reported on some new regula-
tions: Vehicles travelling north and
south had the right of
way over vehicles going
east or west. If turning,
a driver was required to
“extend his hand or give
some other visible sign to
signal to vehicles in the
vicinity that he intends to
make such movement.”
On a traffic bridge, “the
regulations forbid the pace to be faster
than six miles an hour.”
The time had arrived for a provincial
motor club.
The Saskatchewan Motor League
was formed on April 19, 1917, with
The Leader reporting that it was an
“enthusiastic meeting” with a “strong
executive.” Fittingly, Ed Corbeau was
named the first honourary president
of the new organization. The news-
paper reported that the “question of
improved roads is a leading issue—
motorists appreciate what has been
done, and will lend aid to further the
good work.” Delegates adopted the slo-
gan “Good Roads for Saskatchewan.”
CAA’s Road
Patrol aids a
stranded driver;
1917 Morning
Leader report
about the motor
league (left)
Saskatchewan Motor League
badge from 1917 (top);
a 1915 Ford Model-T
In spite of several name changes over
the years, one thing has remained con-
sistent: The motor club is committed
to meeting the ever-changing needs
of car owners. Originally mandated to
push for better roads, the league later
provided maps and guidebooks for
travellers. Services expanded to offer
driver training, vehicle safety checks,
licensing and registration.
Emergency roadside service and a
travel agency were later introduced.
Automotive and battery services were
also added via the CAA Car Care
Centre and Regina Battery Depot.
We can’t imagine what the next cen-
tury will bring—anymore than the
Saskatchewan Motor League founders
could have predicted what today’s cars
and roads would be like. But no matter
what changes lie on the road ahead,
CAA Saskatchewan will be here to help
its many thousands of Members get
from point A to point B—just like Ed
Corbeau and others envisioned when
they met 100 years ago.
1975
The Saskatchewan
Motor Club
accounts for
10 percent of
CAA Members
nationwide, though
Saskatchewan has
just three percent
of the country’s
population
1953
A driver
education program
is launched
1961
The Saskatchewan
Motor Club opens a
new provincial head
office in Regina—it’s
still used today
2017
CAA Saskatchewan
celebrates 100
years; Government
of Saskatchewan
proclaims June 18-24
“CAA Saskatchewan
Celebrates 100 Years
Week”: caask.ca/100
1967
The club opens a
travel agency to
provide additional
services to its
Members
31