Back in 1966, the only hazard delineation product on the market was the flare pot, a primitive device full of kerosene with a burning wick. A man named Lorne Hooper wanted to create a safer device, so he developed a flashing light fixed to a steel barricade.
Lorne launched a small company called Alberta Traffic Supply Ltd., which was the first flashing light barricade rental company in western Canada. Armed with a handful of business cards and plenty of enthusiasm, Lorne introduced his product to Edmonton. The rest, as they say, is history.
Over the years Lorne kept meeting the growing needs of the construction industry. His company grew, and as a result of his efforts, we now have over 500 people across Canada.
1966
Edmonton Branch
Alberta
We opened our first branch in Edmonton, Alberta.
1969
Calgary Branch
Alberta
We opened our second branch in Calgary, Alberta.
1985
Regina Branch
Saskatchewan
We opened our third location in Regina, Saskatchewan.
1987
Trafco Canada Ltd.
Western Canada
We bought Trafco to expand into installation and intelligent traffic systems.
1990
Work Area Protection Services
Alberta
We started WAPSI as a lane closure division to reduce risk between ATS and our work areas.
1994
Langley Branch
British Columbia
Tired of sending Alberta reps into the next province, we opened a branch in Langley.
1996
Union Traffic & DC Traffic
British Columbia
We bought two flagging companies so we could expand our services in British Columbia.
1998
Winnipeg Branch
Manitoba
We opened a new branch in Winnipeg so we could offer service further east.
1998
Dauphin (Signal) Branch
Manitoba
We bought Signal Industries in Dauphin as part of our eastern expansion.
1998
Regina (Signal) Branch
Saskatchewan
We bought Signal Industries in Regina as part of our eastern expansion.
2004
Guide Sign Industries Ltd.
Alberta
We opened this division to meet Alberta Transportation’s tourism highway signage needs.
2009
Union Traffic & DC Traffic
British Columbia
We sold our flagging companies to focus on different areas of service.
2009
ATS Traffic Group
Western Canada
We combined all our businesses into one group with a similar identity and different names.
2015
Trafco & Guide Sign
Western Canada
We absorbed Trafco and Guide Sign, integrating them into the rest of the ATS Traffic Group.
2015
Work Area Protection Services
Western Canada
We reorganized WAPSI to become On-Street Services, our new services division. Every branch now has an OSS division.
2016
ATS Traffic
WESTERN CANADA
We rebranded the company with a single name and identity.
2016
ATS Traffic
WESTERN CANADA
Thanks to our ATS family, we celebrated 50 years in business in 2016.