For 60 years, ATS Traffic has grown and flexed with the changing needs to keep vehicles and people safe on the road. What started with basic signs and equipment has evolved to include smart technology and scalable integrated products and processes to ensure people can get home safely every day. Family owned and operated from day one, ATS Traffic is poised to build an even safer future for Canadian drivers.
ATS Traffic was founded in 1966 by Lorne Hooper, who had a vision of safer and more efficient traffic control solutions for Alberta roads. He offered steel barricades with flashing lights attached, which was a considerable improvement over the flare pot hazard markers commonly used at the time.
From there, the innovations continued.
Bobby Cantera, CEO, explains, “ATS Traffic began as Alberta Traffic Supply Ltd., Western Canada’s first flashing light barricade rental company. In 1987, we became a 3MTM certified fabricator. In 1990, ATS Traffic secured its first group procurement contract with the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. Across the decades, we’ve steadily expanded across Canada from British Columbia to Ontario.”
ATS Traffic has grown to offer a full range of services from traffic rentals and installation to intelligent transportation systems (ITS) integration. With streamlined procurement, customers have access to products and services through e-commerce platforms, GPO contracts and a global supplier network. Operating across North America, ATS Traffic provides scalable support thanks to 16 branches. Additionally, as Canada’s largest 3M-certified sign manufacturer, ATS Traffic produces high quality signage at scale using LEAN processes and a sustainable, ethically managed supply chain. The company is a very proud to be a Canadian manufacturer, producing its traffic signs locally and collaborating with dozens of Canadian-owned companies to ensure all of its products are reliable and high quality.
The company fulfills its commitment to safety in the most reliable, most efficient manner.
Cantera explains, “The ATS Traffic Customer Portal provides real-time updates, billing access, equipment tracking and customizable dashboards for work zone management. It enhances communication, accuracy, transparency and efficiency for our clients.”
“In 2017, we were named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, proudly holding that designation ever since,” adds Cantera. “In 2022, we surpassed 500 employees nationwide. In 2023, we expanded into the United States, acquiring Tacoma-based traffic control company, Advanced Government Services. In 2026, we celebrate 60 years of putting Safety Forward.”
“ATS Traffic is driven by a vision to help get people home safely, every day,” Cantera reaffirms. “We help our customers reduce risk, improve safety and achieve better outcomes through integrated traffic technology, connected infrastructure and real‑time performance insight. We help infrastructure owners and contractors make roads safer and projects run smoother by combining traffic control services, intelligent transportation systems, connected work zone technology and in-house manufacturing. Our team is known for combining innovation, local expertise and a deep commitment to community. Our people work every day to improve the lives of road users.”
The City of Leduc is one of ATS Traffic’s success stories, and an example of what is possible when industry expertise and progressive clients collaborate.
“We worked with the City of Leduc to upgrade their pedestrian and school zone infrastructure with solar-powered crosswalk beacons. This investment by the City of Leduc provided an energy-sufficient and sustainable way to reduce speeds and improve pedestrian safety. With this solar-powered and data-backed technology, Leduc now has a long-term, eco-friendly approach to pedestrian safety.”
Part of ATS Traffic’s success is driven by this mission. Cantera says, “What sets us apart is our ability to design, supply, deploy and monitor everything, from signage and rentals to real-time data and smart infrastructure, as one integrated solution.”
It is that innovation, however, that presents a challenge for ATS Traffic. Technology, AI and ML are changing rapidly. ATS Traffic is committed to not just keeping pace, but leading the industry in early technology adoption.
“Our greatest challenge is keeping in step with the rapid evolution of traffic control as cities grow, projects become larger and new technologies change the landscape and scope of the traffic industry,” Cantera admits. “However, the most rewarding aspect of ATS Traffic is seeing the positive results of our work on road safety and public infrastructure. We are helping to provide safer travel for drivers, pedestrians and workers. Specifically, what is the most rewarding is being part of the culture at ATS Traffic and working with passionate people who really care about delivering quality and continuous improvement. It’s also very gratifying to me as a leader, seeing our people grow and develop.”
The care for people extends deep into the community.
“ATS Traffic supports causes that advance local community safety and well-being. Lorne believed in the importance of giving back and this philosophy carries forward to this day,” Cantera says. “ATS Traffic invests in our communities by partnering with charities and organizations across the country. For example, we are longtime partners of YOUCAN Youth Services located here in Edmonton, as well as the AMA Community Foundation and Canadian Cancer Society Run For the Cure events across the country, to name a few. We also provide traffic control services and products to help manage parking, pedestrians and crowd safety for community events.”
ATS Traffic’s commitment to people, communities, safety and innovation has been recognized through numerous industry honours, including recognition as a Platinum Member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.
Cantera says, “I would like to say thank you to ATS Traffic’s exceptional teams, past and present. Each and every one has been instrumental to our 60 years of success.”
He concludes, “With an eye to the future, we see that traffic control is evolving at an unprecedented pace as cities move faster and projects grow larger. The future of ATS Traffic is built on data, technology and innovative solutions that keep communities moving safely and efficiently.”