Important: Effective December 26, 2020, CAA Niagara Branch locations will be temporarily closed in accordance with the Province of Ontario's provincewide shut-down. Emergency roadside assistance will continue to operate 24/7.
Read the latest updates from CAA Niagara.
Niagara Falls, ON (March 23, 2015) CAA Niagara kicked off its 12th Worst Roads Campaign today with a request for motorists to be extra cautious this pothole season and a renewed call for the Ontario government to create a dedicated gasoline-tax fund for roadway infrastructure.
Dignitaries, including representatives of the Niagara Region, Ontario Provincial Police and Niagara Regional Police Service, gathered at Thorold Stone Road where it meets Stanley Avenue, the region's 2014 worst road, where CAA Niagara has erected a billboard to call attention to this year's Worst Roads Campaign. The initiative is designed to give the public a chance to voice concerns about the state of roads in the region and across the province.
"This past February was one of Niagara's coldest months on record. As the snow melts away, we're seeing a bumper crop of potholes and crumbling pavement," said Rick Mauro, vice-president of marketing and public relations at CAA Niagara. "As we launch today, we are asking motorists to take extra caution while driving, remembering that navigating around potholes can be difficult and dangerous."
Last year's Worst Roads campaign generated about 13,000 votes across Ontario, some 1,500 coming from Niagara. Ninety-five per cent of voters chose "potholes and/or crumbling pavement" as their issue. Worst Roads voters can also identify issues such as pedestrian and cycling safety, poor road signs, timing of traffic lights, or traffic congestion.
"We know it takes money to fix roads, and municipalities struggle with that," Mr. Mauro added. "We congratulate Niagara Region for the road construction they have completed but we know they must contend with limited funds. This is why our Worst Roads campaign also focuses on the need for a dedicated provincial gasoline tax fund for municipal road improvements."
CAA's Worst Roads campaign runs until April 17 and votes can be cast at www.CAAWorstRoads.com or on CAA's mobile app. Voters can also use share buttons to spread their concerns via their social media channel of choice. Post campaign, CAA will share its Top 10 Worst Roads lists with provincial and local government officials.
CAA Niagara is a not-for-profit auto club that also offers insurance and travel agency services. Founded in 1911 as the St. Catharines Automobile Club with just 16 members, CAA Niagara has grown to more than 119,000 members with five Niagara locations.
Contact: media@caaniagara.ca
