After a year’s hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CAA says it is proud to roll out its 17th annual Worst Roads campaign — with a renewed focus on education and safety — running from March 23 to April 18.
When CAA last published its Worst Roads list in 2019, North Bay's Lakeshore Drive tied for ninth with Algonquin Boulevard West in Timmins. Our neighbours to the west in Greater Sudbury placed eight entries in the top 10 (with ties), including the worst road in the Northern Ontario region — Regent Street.
See related story from 2019: Lakeshore Drive makes CAA Top 10 Worst Roads list
The worst road overall in Ontario in 2019 according to CAA's voting results was Eglinton Avenue East in Toronto.
CAA says it seeks to "spark dialogue with governments to pave the way for safer roads across the province." And, to encourage participation, a vote for the worst road in your community could win you free gas for a year. "The campaign provides a platform for Ontarians to make roads safer by helping municipal and provincial governments understand that roadway improvements are a priority for citizens, and to make the appropriate changes where they need to be made," says a CAA release.
“There have been a lot of bumps on the road over the past year, but despite a drop in the number of commuters going to offices, the importance of roadway improvements hasn’t changed,” says Jeff Walker, President and CEO of CAANEO. “The Worst Roads campaign is an important tool that highlights problem areas that need the focus of governments.”
The campaign provides a clear picture of ongoing issues, new hotspots and how government road maintenance is tackling them.
Yet, even with the average commuter in North America saving 41 minutes daily by not commuting or using public transportation, roads are feeling the impact of shifts in behaviour, as more cyclists, runners and pedestrians use roadways.
“Our roads are important for commerce, for travel and to keep goods and services operating. Even though there is lighter commuter traffic, the impact of potholes, crumbling shoulders, cracks and decaying roadways is considerable for cars, cyclists and motorcyclists,” says Walker.
“The Worst Roads campaign is a critical piece of advocacy for Ontarians, because it gives them a voice to identify hazards and help CAA hold governments accountable. Every vote counts,” adds Walker.
CAA invites all Ontarians to vote for their Worst Roads today and join the community of drivers, cyclists, transit riders and pedestrians committed to improving Ontario’s roads.
- Nominations for CAA’s Worst Roads can be cast at CAAworstroads.com until April 18.
- To encourage participants to act on their concerns, they will be entered into a grand prize draw to win free gas for a year.
- Once voting closes, CAA will compile a list of the 10 Worst Roads in Ontario, along with the Worst Roads in regions across the province.
- The regional top five lists will help shine further light on the state of local roads in municipalities across Ontario.
- CAA will present the list of 2021 Worst Roads to local and provincial officials to help inform future funding and planning decisions.
