Where are the worst roads in northern Ontario?
From crumbling asphalt to potholes to poor signage, the annual Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) Worst Roads campaign to influence local and provincial governments to fix damaged and aging roadways is now open for voting.
A photo of a pothole in North Bay, Ont. on Mach 24, 2023. (File photo/Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario)
In 2023, Algonquin Boulevard East in Timmins earned the not-so-coveted first place in CAA’s worst roads in the region list – for the second year in a row. Fielding Road in the Greater Sudbury community of Lively was second, Premier Road in North Bay third with two other Sudbury streets rounding out the top five.
Some Timmins residents told CTV news that they feel Algonquin Boulevard still tops the list.
“I helped encourage people to vote for it to be the worst road, keeping it on there,” said Timmins city councillor Steve Black.
“Since that time, we’ve got some funding and are starting to chip away at the large amount of work that needs to be done.”
North Bay residents taking a walk or driving down Premier Road are frustrated with the pothole problem.
“It never seems to go away,” said Peter Bodle, who lives on Premier Road, in a recent interview with CTV News.
CAA is again calling on all levels of government with the Worst Roads campaign to address problem areas and have roadways properly repaired or repaved.
"Poor roads affect us all. They make us late, cause delivery delays, contribute to congestion, and most importantly, can endanger those who use them," said CAA on its website.
“Obviously there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done on the highways,” said Black.
“So, I won’t be surprised if we’re still on the top 10 list for a couple more years.”
Black added that the Worst Roads List helps communities advocate for more government funding.
“Voting for Ontario's Worst Roads helps shine the spotlight on where more work is needed,” said the association.
“Over the years, we have heard about potholes, congestion, poor road signs and other safety concerns.”
Bad roads are more than annoying for motorists; they can be expensive. According to a CAA survey, on average, vehicles damaged by potholes cost $852.
CAA has run the campaign for more than 20 years now.
The campaign runs until April 19 and is open for those wishing to vote on CAA's Worst Roads.
CAA’s data shows that more than 80 per cent of its members are worried about the state of their local roads.
After the nominations are gathered, the top 10 worst roads in the province will be revealed to the public.
– With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Eric Taschner
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Jesus is their savior, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
Israel-Hamas war protesters temporarily take over building on University of Chicago campus
A group protesting the war in Gaza and demanding that the University of Chicago divest from companies doing business with Israel temporarily took over a building on the school's campus.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Impaired driver sentenced to 7 years after double-fatal Cambridge crash
A man who killed two people in a drunk driving crash was sentenced Friday to seven years behind bars.
His SUV was stolen on Montreal's South Shore. Then he got a $156 parking ticket
A couple is frustrated after their SUV was stolen from Montreal's South Shore in March and they received a parking ticket for the same vehicle last week.