CAA's Worst Roads campaign kicks off in certain regions
Spring. It's a time of renewal, rebirth, fresh horizons. But when it comes to driving, the maintenance problems that have dogged a road don't magically disappear with the snow. If anything, they start looking even worse after a winter of cold weather pressure.
Luckily for frustrated drivers in most regions of Canada, there's a way to do something about it. Returning for a fifth year is the Canadian Auto Association-sponsored Canada's Worst Roads campaign. It's a widespread survey that allows Canadians in Atlantic Canada, Manitoba, Niagara, North & East Ontario, Québec, Saskatchewan, and South Central Ontario to nominate the roads that they believe are the absolute worst roads, with the hope of bringing infrastructure to the top of government agendas. While maintenance issues like potholes are a major focus of this campaign, it also factors in traffic congestion and general unsafeness for drivers.
For their trouble, voters receive entry into a weekly prize draw that features a grand prize of a $500 car care package. Voting has already opened in most of the aforementioned regions, with the Ontario ones beginning early next week.
The campaigns tend to attract varying degrees of participation. Last year in Ontario, over 2,500 different roads were nominated. Topping the list was County Road 49 in the Prince Edward County area. Most of the top 10 entries came from smaller cities and towns such as Timmins, Thunder Bay, St. Catharines, and Sudbury. Only two Toronto roadways made it into that upper echelon of bad roads: Bayview Avenue and Dufferin Street. The next highest Toronto entries were Lawrence Avenue East, Markham Road, and Scarlett Road.
To vote for what you believe is one of Canada's worst roads, follow this link and specify your region.