--- title: Celebrating the last 50 years | CAA, Niagara & the World description: A look at the last 50 years for CAA, Niagara and the world. image: https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hubfs/Yellow%20CAA%20Niagara%20Trucks-1.png --- [ ![CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB.png?width=160&height=41&name=CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB.png)](https://caaniagara.ca/) [![CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB.png?width=165&height=41&name=CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB.png)](https://caaniagara.ca/) - [My Account](http://caaniagara.ca/redirect/redirect_myaccount.jsp) - [Find a Branch](https://caaniagara.ca/contact-us) - [Careers](https://caaniagara.ca/careers) - [CAA Niagara Blog](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/) ## Search Search Search - [Membership](https://caaniagara.ca/membership) - Manage Membership - [Join CAA](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/compare) - [Renew Membership](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/renew) - [Compare Memberships](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/compare) - Member Perks - [Member Benefits](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits) - [Save at Shell](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/shell-fuel-savings) - [Gift Membership](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/gift) - [CAA Mobile App](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits/mobile-app) - Digital - [Sign Up for CAA eNews](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits/enews) - [CAA Magazine](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits/magazine) - [Payment Options](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/payment-options) - [CAA Rewards](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards) - Save More - [Places to Save](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards) - [What are CAA Dollars?](https://portal.caarewards.ca/niagara/how-it-works/) - Online Perks - [Shop Online](https://portal.caarewards.ca/niagara/partners) - [Tickets & Activities](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions/discounts) - Exclusice Offers - [Offers & Deals](https://portal.caarewards.ca/niagara/?_gl=1*oja1hn*_ga*MTE4MjE3MDA2OS4xNjgzMDU5Njkw*_ga_GM4GC8CRYZ*MTcwNjAzNjk4NC4yNTQuMS4xNzA2MDM3NzQwLjAuMC4w) - [Gift Cards](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards/gift-cards) - [Travel](https://caaniagara.ca/travel) - Travel Reservations - [Flights](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/flight) - [Hotels](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/hotel/) - [Car Rentals](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/car/) - [Cruises](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/cruise/) - [Vacation Packages](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/prepacked/) - Travel Styles - [Journeys](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/journeys) - [CAA Solo Travellers](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/solo-travellers-club) - [Disney Destinations](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions/disney-destinations) - [Universal Orlando Resort](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions/universal-orlando) - [Travel Information & Planning](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/travel-information) - [Maps, TripTiks & TourBooks](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/maps-triptiks-tourbooks) - [Passport Photos](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/before-you-go) - [Travel Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/travel) - Plan Your Trip - [Attraction Tickets](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions) - [Destination Weddings](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/destination-weddings) - [Travel Events](https://caaniagara.ca/events/travel-presentations) - [Theme Park Attractions](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions/theme-parks) - [Find an Agent](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/find-an-agent) - [Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance) - Get Covered - [Get a Quote](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance) - [Home Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/home) - [Auto Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/auto) - [Travel Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/travel) - Health - [Life Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/life) - [Health & Dental Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/health-and-dental) - [Pet Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/pet) - Make A Claim - [Personal Accident Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/personal-accident) - [File a Claim](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/claims) - [Find an Agent](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/find-an-agent) - [Auto](https://caaniagara.ca/auto) - Roadside Assistance - [Approved Auto Repair Service](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/approved-auto-repair-service) - [Roadside Assistance](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance) - [Service Tracker](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/service-tracker) - CAA Rescue - [Mobile Battery Service](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance/mobile-battery-service) - [Bike Assist](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance/bike-assist) - [Motorcycle Rescue](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance/motorcycle-rescue) - Essentials - [Driver Education](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/driver-education) - [Buying & Selling a Vehicle](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/buying-and-selling) - [Maintenance & Repairs](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/maintenance-and-repairs) - [Community](https://caaniagara.ca/community) - Member Engagement - [Events](https://caaniagara.ca/events) - [Community Boost](https://caaniagara.ca/community/community-boost) - [Worst Roads](https://caaniagara.ca/community/worst-roads) - [CAA Niagara Blog](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/) - Community Protection - [Impaired Driving](https://caaniagara.ca/community/road-safety/impaired-driving) - [Distracted Driving](https://caaniagara.ca/community/distracted-driving) - [Senior Drivers](https://caaniagara.ca/community/senior-drivers) - [Submit Your Ideas](https://caaniagara.ca/idea) - [Ontario Road Safety Resource](http://ontarioroadsafety.ca/en/) - Community Involvement - [Road Safety](https://caaniagara.ca/community/road-safety) - [Community Donations](https://caaniagara.ca/community/donations) - [Contests](https://caaniagara.ca/community/contests) - [Slow Down Move Over](https://caaniagara.ca/community/road-safety/slow-down-move-over) - [Get Roadside Assistance](https://caaroadside.ca/CAA-console/AddSubmitRRA.action?request_locale=en&club=288) - [Membership](https://caaniagara.ca/membership) - [Member Benefits](https://caaniagara.ca/membership) - [Compare Memberships](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/compare) - [Gift Membership](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/gift) - [Renew Online](https://caaniagara.ca/redirect/redirect_login.jsp) - [CAA Mobile App](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits/app) - [CAA Magazine](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits/magazine) - [Payment Options](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/payment-options) - [Sign Up for CAA eNews](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits/enews) - [CAA Rewards®](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards) - [Places to Save](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards) - [What are CAA Dollars®](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards/caa-dollars) - [CAA Member Experiences™](https://portal.caarewards.ca/niagara/member-experience/?mem_exp=2) - [CAA Rewards® MasterCard®](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards/mastercard) - [Offers & Deals](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards/offers) - [Travel](https://caaniagara.ca/travel) - [Flights](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/flight) - [Hotels](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/hotel/) - [Car Rentals](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/car/) - [Cruises](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/cruise/) - [Vacation Packages](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/prepacked/) - [Journeys](https://caaniagara.ca/journeys) - [Attraction Tickets](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions) - [Disney Destinations](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions/disney-destinations) - [Universal Orlando Resort](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions/universal-orlando) - [Destination Weddings](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/destination-weddings) - [Travel Information](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/before-you-go) - [Maps, TripTiks & TourBooks](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/maps-triptiks-tourbooks) - [Passport Photos](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/before-you-go) - [International Driving Permit](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/before-you-go) - [Travel Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/travel) - [Events & Presentations](https://caaniagara.ca/events/travel-presentations) - [Find an Agent](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/find-an-agent) - [Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance) - [Get a Quote](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance) - [Home Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/home) - [Auto Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/auto) - [Pet Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/pet) - [Travel Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/travel) - [Personal Accident Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/personal-accident) - [Life Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/life) - [Health & Dental Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/health-and-dental) - [File a Claim](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/claims) - [Find an Agent](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/find-an-agent) - [Auto](https://caaniagara.ca/auto) - [Roadside Assistance](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance) - [Service Tracker](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/service-tracker) - [Mobile Battery Service](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance/mobile-battery-service) - [Bike Assist](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance/bike-assist) - [Motorcycle Rescue](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance/motorcycle-rescue) - [Buying & Selling a Vehicle](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/buying-and-selling) - [Maintenance & Repairs](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/maintenance-and-repairs) - [Community](https://caaniagara.ca/community) - [Worst Roads](https://caaniagara.ca/community/worst-roads) - [Distracted Driving](https://caaniagara.ca/community/distracted-driving) - [Senior Drivers](https://caaniagara.ca/community/senior-drivers) - [Road Safety](https://caaniagara.ca/community/road-safety) - [Community Donations](https://caaniagara.ca/community/donations) - [Contests](https://caaniagara.ca/community/contests) - [Events](https://caaniagara.ca/events) - [Slow Down Move Over](https://caaniagara.ca/community/road-safety/slow-down-move-over) - [Join CAA](https://auth.caaniagara.ca/join/primary) - [My Account](https://auth.caaniagara.ca/account/requirelogin) - [Find a Branch](https://caaniagara.ca/contact-us) - [Join CAA](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/compare) - [Get Roadside Assistance](https://caamobile.ca/CAA-console/AddSubmitRRA.action?request_locale=en&club=288) # Celebrating the last 50 years | CAA, Niagara & the World December 11, 2020 | CAA Niagara   ![Yellow CAA Niagara Trucks-1](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Yellow%20CAA%20Niagara%20Trucks-1.png?width=1992&name=Yellow%20CAA%20Niagara%20Trucks-1.png) Over the last half century, the world has gone through incredible events and transformations. Technological breakthroughs, fashion trends, global events, the list goes on and on. With so much change going on, it can be hard to remember everything that has happened in that time. Come take a walk down memory lane with us as we take a look at some moments that we will never forget. ## 1970 - 79 ![The Nokia LX-11 Car Phone](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Carphone-1.png?width=300&name=Carphone-1.png)The 70's were a very different time. How different you ask? Well get this – there used to be phones *in* cars. This innovative trend was a hit and was commonplace in pop culture. This is also the decade that CAA Niagara purchased its fleet of trucks from Willard’s Towing (1977). Our trucks also rocked a nice bright yellow coat back then – you couldn't miss a CAA Niagara driver! This was especially useful during the Blizzard of 1977. The conditions were so bad that many motorists required roadside assistance. Even some of our own trucks needed rescuing! Fortunately, all hands were on deck that day and we made it through in one piece. The following year, CAA Niagara was proud to introduce both its [Travel team](https://caaniagara.ca/travel) and [AARS (Approved Auto Repair Services) program](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/approved-auto-repair-service) – which helped us extend our services across the Region. ## 1980 - 89 ![Desktop Computers](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/desktop%20computers.png?width=300&name=desktop%20computers.png)One of the most influential events from this decade would have to be the release of personal computers. Launching in 1981, The IBM PC led a charge of new devices that would soon start popping up in homes and offices everywhere. CNN also became the first 24-hour news network, changing the media landscape forever. CAA Niagara reached some big milestones in and around this time as well. Not only did we reach 40,000 Members in 1984, but just a few years later in 1987, we extended our Membership options and rolled out what we now know as [CAA Plus](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/compare). ## 1990 - 99 ![1990s Computer](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/internet.jpg?width=300&name=internet.jpg)Building off the momentum from previous years, the 90s brought forth a series of significant events that impacted life for the better. The internet took off and provided people with a new resource that not only allowed them to explore the web but also connect with people across the globe. After moving into our Thorold Headquarters in 1990, CAA Niagara proudly hosted the National CAA Conference in 1991. This conference would be the catalyst to solidifying consistent brand colours for all CAA clubs. In the latter half of this decade, we were very excited to start running our Day Tours (1996) and began offering [Home & Auto Insurance (1996)](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/home-and-auto) in some of our branches. The following year, a program known as “Swipe and Save” was implemented – which we now know today as our [Rewards program](https://portal.caarewards.ca/niagara/). ## 2000 - 09 ![First Generation iPod](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/ipod.jpg?width=204&name=ipod.jpg)As the clocks struck midnight, and the fear of the Y2K Bug was alleviated, the world was excited to kick off a new millennium. In March of 2001, CAA Niagara reached the 100,000 Member mark. An incredible accomplishment that would not be possible without a loyal base of Members. 2001 was also the year that the first ever iPod was released. Yet another advancement in technology that has helped shape the way we consume modern media. Keeping with the entertainment side of things, hockey fans from the area rejoiced as the Niagara IceDogs came to town – giving the area its first OHL team in years. The IceDogs have since become a staple in the community and a loyal partner of CAA Niagara.     ## 2010 - Present day ![Peter Van Hezewyk (President & CEO, CAA Niagara) delivers a Thank You package to a 50-Year Member](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/image00005.jpeg?width=254&name=image00005.jpeg)The last 10 years or so have been filled with fun and exciting news both locally and internationally. Yet another new gadget – the iPad – hit the market and gave users a much device that acted like a computer but in a much smaller form. They’re so handy that even our drivers began using tablets in their trucks to help direct them to roadside calls. CAA Niagara was also pleased to celebrate the 100 years of service, doing so in 2011. Four years later, St. Catharines was the proud recipient of [The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (The PAC)](http://firstontariopac.ca/). The centre features four performance spaces in one venue including cinemas and dance halls, and hosts theatrical events, concerts, children's based events, ballet, comedy shows and more. [CAA Niagara is proud to partner with The PAC](https://portal.caarewards.ca/niagara/?s=FirstOntario%20Performing%20Arts%20Centre&post_type=product&orderby=date&order=DESC&sel=nf&ulat=43.1980544&ulng=-79.2199168) and help members save on entertainment year-round.   While there’s no telling what the future has in store, chances are things will be much different. One thing that will continue though is CAA Niagara’s appreciation for our Members. Each year, we celebrate the devoted Members who have been with us for 50 years at an in-person event. Given the need to social distance, this year we will be delivering packages to the doorsteps of these Members as a thank you for being a part of the CAA Family. Visit us [here](https://caaniagara.ca/membership) to find out how you can become a Member and reach that 50 year mark as well.   Tags: [Community](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/topic/community), [Membership](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/topic/membership) [Tweets by CAA Niagara](https://twitter.com/caaniagara) ### Recent Posts - [Contact Us](https://caaniagara.ca/contact-us) - [About CAA Niagara](https://caaniagara.ca/about-caa) - [Annual Report](https://caaniagara.ca/AnnualReport2024) - [Board of Directors](https://caaniagara.ca/theboard) - [News & Media](https://caaniagara.ca/news) - [Careers](https://caaniagara.ca/careers) - [Terms & Conditions](https://caaniagara.ca/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://caaniagara.ca/privacy-policy) - [Consumer Email Policy](https://caaniagara.ca/consumer-email-policy) - [AODA Customer Service Policy](https://caaniagara.ca/accessibility-standard) ![tico.ca](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hubfs/Caaniagara_September2017/pdf/TICO-Logo.png) Ontario  Registration  #01381980 **Member Service** 1-800-263-7272 **Roadside Assistance** Niagara Region: 1-800-263-3616 Canada & US: 1-800-222-4357 or \*222 CAA Niagara serves Members in the Regional Municipality of Niagara. If you live outside the Niagara Region, [visit the CAA National website](https://www.caa.ca/) to find the CAA club that serves you. Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. ® CAA, CAA logo and CAA Dollars trademarks owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association. © Copyright 2025 CAA Niagara, Canadian Automobile Association. ® All rights reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "CAA Niagara", "url" : "https://blog.caaniagara.ca/author/caa-niagara" }, "dateModified" : "2020-12-11T20:41:54.025Z", "datePublished" : "2020-12-11T20:41:54.000Z", "headline" : "Celebrating the last 50 years | CAA, Niagara & the World", "image" : [ "https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hubfs/Yellow%20CAA%20Niagara%20Trucks-1.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.caaniagara.ca/celebrating-the-last-50-years", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hubfs/CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB-1000x250.png" }, "name" : "CAA Niagara" } } ```