Time to vote for worst Ontario road in 2005

TORONTO, It’s that time of year again, when truckers and motorists let off some steam over the province’s crumbling infastructre and vote on the worst municipal roads in Ontario.

The Municipal Roads Coalition — which includes the Ontario Trucking Association, CAA, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Ontario Motor Coach Association, and the Ontario Road Builders’ Association — launched the 2005 Worst Roads campaign.

This ‘shame campaign’ is designed to bring public pressure to bear on the issue by allowing consumers to go online and vote for the worst roads in the province. They will also be able to send emails directly to their mayor and participate in an e-survey on the issue.

The website, www.worstroads.ca, is now accepting nominations. The top 20 worst roads in Ontario will be announced in November.

So far the leading contenders are Carling Ave in Ottawa; Albert St. in Norwich County; Steeles Ave. in Toronto; and Western St. in London.

Many of the “worst roads” vying for contention this year appeared on the top 20 list of 2004. The top six from last year are, in order: Albert St. in Norwich; Paris St. in Sudbury; Bathurst St. in Toronto; Municipal Side Rd. in Sudbury; Steeles Ave. in Toronto; and Huron Church Rd. in Windsor.

With pump prices at record levels, it is now estimated that the federal government will siphon some $2 billion in gas taxes and related fees from Ontario motorists this year, says the OTA. But almost none of that will be pumped back into roads in the province, the association quickly adds.

“Both Ottawa and Queen’s Park, awash in gas tax revenue, are increasing spending on infrastructure. But because of conditions attached to the funding, most municipalities are finding that they can use the money for public transit, but not for road development or maintenance,” OTA states in a release.