History

Canadian Power Squadrons began in 1938 right here in Western Ontario when a group of boating enthusiasts from Windsor took the United States Power Squadrons' Junior Piloting course and later formed the Windsor Power Squadron.

Shortly thereafter two other Squadrons formed in Sarnia and London.  On October 14, 1941 these three groups met in Chatham and formed Canadian Power Squadrons.   Little is known of activities of Canadian Power Squadrons during WWII, but on October 27, 1947 the organization was incorporated through the granting of a charter by the federal government.

By 1959, the corporation had 2,500 members and 42 Squadrons and extensive changes were made to its Constitution to introduce a District structure, so that District Commanders replaced Squadron Commanders as Members of the Governing Board.

Canadian Power Squadrons began as an all-male organization and various changes were made throughout the years to define a role for women in the organization.  In 1973, the By-laws were amended to allow full membership to women.

In 1985, the corporation changed its name to Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS) and added, in French, Les Escadrilles canadiennes de plaisance (ECP) to recognize its broadening membership identity, growth and market trends.

With the formation of Squadrons in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland in 1990, Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons became a truly national corporation with Squadrons from coast to coast in every province.

The significant event for boaters in our area was the formation of the Port Stanley Squadron in 1960.

Be It Known that upon application duly made and pursuant to resolution of the Governing Board of Canadian Power Squadrons, a Squadron has been constituted, known as

Port Stanley Squadron

to consist of Philip Birch, John DeWetter, F.W.Glover, H.Holmes, S.W.Luke, D.M.Mansell, R.Moore, H.A.Secord, D.A.Waud, Dr.R.A.Waud

and such other members of Canadian Power Squadrons, as may be elected to membership therein.  This warrant is granted subject to provisions of the By-Laws of Canadian Power Squadrons, and the Regulations of its Governing Board now or hereafter in force.  In Witness Whereof, this Warrant bears the seal of Canadian Power Squadrons and is issued under the hand of its Chief Commander and Secretary this 19th day of November 1960.

Donald E.Wood S                                      Alex R.Neville AP

      Secretary                                                                                      Chief Commander

Today the Squadron is known as the St.Thomas Power and Sail Squadron and it has served boaters in this area for over 45 years.

CPS - ECP is:

• A national organization that extends from coast to coast.

• An organization of boating enthusiasts banded together to increase their knowledge of seamanship and navigation.

• A charitable organization.
• A recreational boating organization - all of the administrative work and teaching is done by its Members without remuneration (i.e. we're volunteers!)
• Interested in teaching and promoting safe boating through education.

CPS - ECP is not:

• A government agency.
• Connected with the Armed Forces.
• A super yacht club or group of yacht clubs.
• Restricted to boat owners or yacht club members.
• An organization that lobbies government agencies for the financial or political benefit of CPS-ECP or its members.