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What Orillia roads belong on CAA's dubious Worst Roads list?

Laclie Street was voted the worst road in the region last year; CAA spokesperson says 'bad roads continue to impact safety' for drivers
2021-03-14 Laclie Street
Laclie Street was voted as the worst road in the region last year as part of the CAA Worst Roads survey. It's time to vote once again for the dubious nominees.

Are the bumps in Orillia's roads getting any better? 

Have your say during the 20th annual Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) Worst Roads Campaign, which kicked off today. 

“We need to hear from you … your voice matters and we all have a role to play in making our roads safer,” said Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice-president, government and community relations, CAA South Central Ontario.

“Thanks to the voices of tens of thousands of Ontarians, the annual … campaign has been able to influence change,” she added. “Every year, these votes have helped inform various levels of government with an important perspective on what roadway improvements are most important to Ontarians. And where infrastructure funding and investment should be made.”

According to recent CAA polls, one of the region's worst roads is one of the Sunshine City's busiest arterial roads.

In last year's survey, Laclie Street was voted as the worst road among all roads in what the CAA calls the Central Region — a large area that includes all of Bruce County, Dufferin County, Grey County, Muskoka District Municipality and Simcoe County.

The road is riddled with potholes and requires some creative efforts by drivers to avoid what can be bone-jarring impediments on the north-south artery that runs through the north ward to Highway 11.

The previous year, Laclie Street was rated the fourth-worst road in the region.

And while it will likely be in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons again this year, hope is on the horizon. During budget deliberations earlier this year, the city set aside funding for the first phase of the long-anticipated reconstruction of the busy road.

The city also voted to double its road resurfacing budget for 2023 from staff's suggested $1.08 million to $2.08 million, as a number of council members outlined concerns, both their own and from their constituents, about the state of Orillia’s roads.

“I commend staff for the excellent work that they do now, but I think we need to do more,” said Coun. Ralph Cipolla during budget deliberations. “That is the concern of the majority of the citizens in this community, is our roads. I think it's just a question of time before we get a lawsuit against us from somebody getting hurt.”

While many in town might carp about the state of roads at local coffee shops, Di Felice said Orillia drivers are not alone. She said that 78 per cent of respondents vent about the state of roads to their friends, families and loved ones, rather than to local government officials.

In addition, the average cost of repairing pothole damage to vehicles can be $300 to $6,000, and that 85 per cent of Ontarians are paying for the vehicle damage out of pocket and are choosing not to, or are ineligible, to file an insurance claim.

The survey also revealed that 59 per cent of Ontarians say the province’s roads have worsened, citing cracks in pavement, potholes and congestion being the top road-related issues.

As a result, about 66 per cent of Ontario drivers are slowing down or swerving to avoid potholes.

“Bad roads continue to impact safety and many drivers are altering their driving behaviours to accommodate for poor road issues,” Di Felice said.

Di Felice said nominating worst roads helps decision-makers understand what improvements are important to drivers.

“Since 2003, thousands of roads have been put forward and 114 roads in Ontario have appeared on the provincial top 10 Worst Roads list,” said Di Felice. “Many have had repaving and repair work done.

“The Worst Roads campaign directly impacts infrastructure and helps all levels of government prioritize projects because it provides a window into how their constituents (are thinking).”

Nominations for 2023 worst roads end April 21. Visit caaworstroads.com to have your say.

-- With files from Greg McGrath-Goudie


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Bob Bruton

About the Author: Bob Bruton

Bob Bruton is a full-time BarrieToday reporter who covers politics and city hall.
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