Back in the spring of 2016, the Saab Club of Canada dropped its annual membership fees from $36 to $18. At that time, the Club had a substantial bank balance that had been required to put on events such as the driving schools. The surplus was to be used to support the Club’s activities, while being reduced to an appropriate level for a non-profit with reduced expenses.
As of 2020, the Club’s cash balance is at the appropriate level for long-term operation at our present level of activity. To maintain the balance–and to not go bankrupt–the Club’s Board of Directors have agreed to raise the membership dues back up.
Effective March 1st 2020, the membership dues will be:
- $40 for one year
- $70 for two years
For the rest of January and February, you can renew your membership for $18. One year will be added to your membership, whatever its original expiry date.
The Club will continue to provide the following services and benefits to its members:
- Use of the Club’s Tech II and security software, which allows diagnostics and service changes to Saabs, including later 9000 models, new-style 900s, 9-3 of both generations through 2009, and 9-5s through 2009. The Tech II will be available at Tech Sessions, at other Club events, and where possible, by appointment (please email [email protected])
- NEW We have a volunteer to edit/produce the Club’s newsletter, Gryphon. We are hoping to publish at least two issues a year, and mail a copy to all members.
- On-line access to the Saab Club of North America’s Nines magazine as they are published. A limited number of paper copies are distributed to interested members at various Club events.
- Discounts for parts and service at Budd’s ‘Saab’. It’s actually called Budd’s Chevrolet/Cadillac on the building, but they still service Saabs and have direct access to Orio, the Saab parts distributor. Budd’s also does recall work, for instance the Takata airbags found in later 9-3 and 9-5 models. Budd’s can determine if your car has an open recall.
- Membership in Canadian Sports Car Clubs–Ontario Region. Membership in a CASC-OR club is a prerequisite to getting a racing licence.
- First notice and invitation to Club events, such as the Wine Tour, Fall Colours Tour, Winter Drive, Tech Sessions, and other unique driving and social events
It is true that online forums and social media are ‘free’. However, there are tangible benefits to being a member of actual incorporated club, including: tools and technical experience, insurance coverage for events, and a variety of real, physical meetings where members can look at other Saabs and hang out with other Saab owners. The Board of Directors are committed to delivering those benefits!