For over a hundred years, CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe and protected. The CAA Club Group is Canada’s largest automotive association comprised of two clubs, CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba, providing roadside assistance, travel, insurance service and member savings for over 2.3 million members. It also includes the CAA Insurance Company (a national property and casualty insurance company), the Orion Travel Insurance company and Echelon Insurance Company (a specialty insurer).


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Canadian Automobile Association - Aug 22, 2018

CAA Launches Towing Bill of Rights to help consumers.
New consumer protection campaign includes distribution to 10,000 Ontario motorists.

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) officially unveiled a Towing Bill of Rights for consumers this morning, as part of a series of initiatives for Tow Safety Week.

CAA Launches Towing Bill of Rights to Help Consumers

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) and Mirvish Productions are proud to announce a new marketing partnership that brings together one of Canada’s largest membership associations and the country’s leading theatrical organization.      

The multi-faceted partnership puts the CAA brand and its members front and centre within the Mirvish Theatre network. It includes the naming rights of the new CAA Theatre (formerly the Panasonic Theatre), home of the Off-Mirvish series; branded lounges at the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre and the Princess of Wales Theatre; and benefits for CAA members.      

The newly named CAA Theatre is located at 651 Yonge Street south of Bloor Street and has a capacity of 700 seats. This is the flagship venue for exciting new theatrical works, from popular entertainment to the latest cutting-edge plays including the Off-Mirvish series.

CAA Theatre (former the Panasonic Theatre)

Canadian Automobile Association Announcement: 

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) in partnership with Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) unveiled a new outdoor classroom for the students of Tecumseh Public School.

CAA - June 20/2017

CAA reveals provincial and regional lists for 2017
Hamilton’s Burlington Street East voted Ontario’s Worst Road

CAA - June 1/2017

Canadian Automobile Association 
Voting now open for CAA Worst Roads in Ontario
Annual campaign highlights needed roadway investments across Ontario

CAA Worst Roads - April 10/2017

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MEDIA RELEASE: New school year, new safe habits: CAA encourages families to make a School Year Resolution for safer school zones

Manager, Community Relations

Community Relations

Charity

Marketing

Road Safety

Community Affairs

Corporate Social Responsbility

Road User Safety

School Zone Safety

CAA School Safety Patrol® Program

 As students head back to class, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is encouraging families to make one simple resolution this school year: help create safer school zones.

New CAA research shows that school zone congestion remains a significant concern for Ontario parents. Eight in 10 parents report congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times, while 84 per cent say they have witnessed at least one dangerous driving behaviour in their child's school zone. The most observed behaviours include speeding, double-parking, stopping in undesignated areas, and blocking school bus drop-off zones.

 
"Back-to-school season is exciting, but it can also be hectic," says Tracy Marshall, manager, community relations at CAA SCO. "The good news is that small changes to our daily routines can make a meaningful difference. By planning ahead, following school drop-off procedures and staying alert, we can all help make school zones safer for children, parents and school staff."

Ontario parents raise concerns about school zone safety as risky drop-off and pick-up habits persist  According to the survey, 63 per cent of Ontario parents reported that their child's school zone was not very safe. Three of the four most frequently observed unsafe behaviours are directly related to school drop-off and pick-up activity, highlighting the need for safer habits during busy school travel periods. 

CAA is encouraging families to set a few 'school year resolutions' to create safer school zones as children go back to school:

 
Give yourself a few extra minutes: We know mornings don't always go according to plan. When possible, build in a little extra time for the school run. A less rushed arrival can help reduce behaviours such as double parking, stopping in undesignated areas, or dropping children off in unsafe locations.  Follow your school's drop-off routine: Every school has procedures designed to move students safely and efficiently. Following designated pick-up and drop-off practices, even when the line is long, helps improve traffic flow and creates a safer experience for children, families, and school staff.  Consider a "park and walk": If it's practical for your family, parking a short distance from the school and walking the last block can help ease congestion near entrances while giving children an opportunity to build road safety awareness.  Help reduce traffic with active school travel: If possible, incorporate active school travel into your family's routine, even one or two days per week. Encouraging your kids to walk or wheel to school helps to ease traffic congestion, among other benefits.  Reinforce road safety rules: Proactively chat with children about how to safely walk, bike or scooter based on their age and neighbourhood. Simple reminders like looking "left, right, left" before crossing, paying attention to adult crossing guards and staying alert around driveways and parking lots can make a big difference.  CAA SCO is also asking all motorists to remember that when you're in a school zone, children are nearby. Drivers can support school zone safety with a few simple actions:

 
Stay alert: Put away distractions and focus on the road. Children can appear unexpectedly between parked vehicles, near crossings or around school buses.  Slow down: Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop. School zones require extra attention, particularly during arrival and dismissal periods.  Watch for school buses and crossing guards: Always obey school bus signals and be aware of adult crossing guards, safety patrollers and students crossing the road. Not only is it illegal to pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended, it is also incredibly dangerous.  For more school zone safety information and tips, visit caasco.com/schoolzone. 

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MEDIA RELEASE: CAA survey finds 96 per cent of Ontario drivers have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours on Ontario roads

Community Relations Consultant

Speeding

Impaired Driving

Pedestrian Safety

Cycling Safety

Vulnerable Road Users

Distracted Driving

Cannabis and Road Safety

 Nearly every Ontario driver has witnessed dangerous driving in the past year, yet many do not believe they contribute to the problem, according to a new survey from CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO). The survey found that 96 per cent of Ontario drivers have observed dangerous driving behaviours, including speeding (78 per cent), aggressive driving (69 per cent), unsafe lane changes (68 per cent) and distracted driving (67 per cent). However, only 57 per cent admit to engaging in at least one dangerous driving behaviour, revealing a disconnect between what drivers see on the road and how they assess their own actions. This number rises to 62 per cent among drivers aged 18 to 34.  
Most Drivers See Dangerous Behaviour, Fewer Admit to It   “Most Ontario drivers can identify dangerous behaviours when they see them, but many don't realize they may be contributing to the problem themselves,” says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant, CAA South Central Ontario. “The good news is that small changes in driver behaviour can make a big difference. By slowing down, staying focused and making safe choices behind the wheel, we can help create safer roads for everyone.”  
 

Speeding remains the most common dangerous driving behaviour reported by Ontario drivers. More than one-third (38 per cent) admit to speeding, with more than half of those drivers say they typically travel 10 to 19 km/h above the speed limit. Even small increases in speed can significantly increase the likelihood and severity of collisions. Many drivers may not realize that fines increase depending on how far over the speed limit they are travelling and can be doubled in community safety zones.  

Encouragingly, most Ontarians say they slow down when they realize they are speeding, suggesting awareness and education can play an important role in changing behaviour. According to the data, 87 per cent of drivers also support the fines and penalties for speeding, and 37 per cent claim that penalties and fines affected their driving behaviour in the past year. 

Distracted Driving Also Remains a Serious Concern Across the Province   A separate survey conducted by CAA SCO found that 16 per cent of Ontario drivers have been involved in a collision caused by distracted driving, a figure that has gradually increased in recent years. Rear-end collisions remain the most common type of crash associated with distraction, according to this study. 

 
“Distracted driving is preventable, yet it continues to put lives at risk every day,” says Stewart. “Whether it’s checking a notification, interacting with in-vehicle technology or taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds, the consequences can be devastating. The safest choice is to stay focused on driving.” 

 
As Ontarians prepare for the upcoming long weekend, CAA South Central Ontario is encouraging drivers to stay focused, alert and aware behind the wheel.  

 
For more information about road safety advocacy and research, visit www.caasco.com/advocacy Speeding and Dangerous Driving Behaviour Survey Methodology:  The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from March 10 to March 20, 2026, with 1,504 Ontario drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,504 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)  Distracted Driving Survey Methodology:   The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from February 3 to February 13, 2026, with 1,500 Ontario drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,500 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)   

media-release-new-caa-survey-finds-ontario-families-are-feeling-the-impact-of-higher-gas-prices-in-their-daily-lives-summer-plans-and-household-budgets

MEDIA RELEASE: New CAA Survey finds: Ontario families are feeling the impact of higher gas prices in their daily lives, summer plans and household budgets.

Assistant Vice President, Government and Community Relations

Community & Government Relations

Policy Advocacy

Towing Regulation

Congestion Management

Roadside Assistance

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

 Seven-in-ten Ontarians aged 35 to 54 say rising gas prices are affecting their day-to-day activities, as fuel costs continue to put pressure on household budgets and force many families to make difficult trade-offs in how they drive, spend and plan their daily lives, according to a new survey from CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO). The findings highlight how higher fuel costs are contributing to broader affordability challenges, with many families driving less, cutting back on discretionary spending and reducing everyday purchases such as takeout meals and coffee to keep spending in check. 

“For many Ontario families, higher gas prices aren’t just affecting how often they fill up the tank, they’re changing everyday decisions about where they go, what they buy and how they spend their money,” says Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president, government & community relations for CAA SCO.  

Many households report driving less, cutting back on discretionary spending and reducing small but regular purchases such as takeout meals and coffee to manage rising costs.  

Affordability pressures are reshaping summer plans   While summer is typically a time for travel and recreation, rising fuel costs are making it harder for families to fully participate in the activities they enjoy. Nearly seven in ten Ontarians aged 35 to 54 say gas prices are affecting their recreational activities and vacation plans, with many scaling back or rethinking how they spend their time off.  

For many, gas prices around $2.10 per litre represent a tipping point where driving habits and travel decisions begin to shift. Among those planning road trips, nearly six in ten say rising gas prices will influence their plans, often resulting in fewer trips, closer destinations or tighter budgets.  

“Families are doing their best to preserve important moments like vacations and day trips, but affordability pressures are forcing more careful planning,” adds Di Felice. 

CAA calls for continued focus on affordability for drivers   CAA SCO says the findings underscore the need to keep affordability front of mind when it comes to policies and decisions that impact drivers. 

“Transportation is a daily necessity for many Ontarians, not a luxury,” says Di Felice. “When fuel costs rise, it affects everything from commuting to grocery runs and adds to the financial strain households are already feeling.” 

CAA SCO continues to advocate for practical solutions that help keep mobility accessible and affordable, while supporting consumers with tools and advice to manage rising costs. 

Practical steps to help stretch your fuel budget   To help mitigate the impact of higher fuel costs, CAA SCO encourages drivers to take simple steps to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary spending for their summer road trip plans: 

Plan routes in advance to avoid backtracking and unnecessary mileage: Plan the most efficient route to your destination and avoid backtracking and unnecessary mileage.    Remove extra weight from your vehicle: Reducing your vehicle’s weight can help improve your fuel efficiency when on trips.      Avoid leaving your rooftop luggage carriers or bike racks on your vehicles when you are not using them: Items on top of the car significantly increase aerodynamic drag, reducing fuel economy.    Control your speed: Fuel consumption starts to increase above 90-105 km/h. For long stretches of road ahead, use cruise control to maintain your speed to save fuel.   Drive conservatively: If you find yourself stuck in long weekend traffic, avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can lower fuel economy by 15 to 30 per cent at highway speeds and 10 to 40 per cent in stop-and-go traffic.   Keep up with regular car maintenance:  Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption by up to four per cent. With regular maintenance services, you can help your vehicle run more efficiently.  Take advantage of reward programs and tools to find lower prices: CAA members save three cents per litre when they load their membership card in the Shell app or use it at the pump.    “These small actions can help drivers keep their summer road trip plans while managing their budgets more effectively,” adds Di Felice. 

CAA South Central Ontario continues to provide timely information and practical advice to help Ontarians navigate rising costs and stay mobile year-round. 

For more information on how to make the most out of your tank, please visit: https://www.caasco.com/membership/member-benefits/shell Methodology This report presents the findings of a survey conducted by Ipsos from May 27 to June 4, 2026. For this survey, a sample of 1,000 adult Ontario residents were surveyed online, with sample sourced through the Ipsos panel. Data was weighted by region, age and gender, in accordance with Census proportions. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. The Ontario (n=1,000) data are accurate to within ± 3.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had the entire Ontario population aged 18+ been polled.    

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MEDIA RELEASE: Hamilton's Barton Street East is named CAA’s Worst Road in Ontario for a third time

Government Relations Consultant

Transportation Logistics

Government Relations

Communications

Legislation

 Ontarians have spoken, and the 2026 CAA Worst Road in Ontario is Barton Street East in Hamilton. This year marks the third time Barton Street East has taken first place.
The 2026 list reflects feedback from thousands of Ontarians who experience the province’s roads every day, highlighting the roads drivers say need urgent repair and calling on all levels of government to prioritize investments for safer infrastructure.

“The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives Ontarians a voice and helps shine a light on the roads that need attention most,” says Brian Pirvu, government relations consultant for CAA South Central Ontario. “When people speak up, it helps drive action and ensures governments understand where investments are needed to keep communities safe and moving.”

Four of this year’s Worst Roads are located in Toronto, underscoring ongoing challenges in some of the province’s busiest corridors. Across both the city and the province, road users commonly cited potholes, poor maintenance, and uneven surfaces as top concerns affecting safety and mobility.

 
“Reliable infrastructure isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety, affordability and quality of life,” says Pirvu. “Investing in roads helps reduce repair costs for drivers and ensures people can get where they need to go safely.”

CAA’s annual Worst Roads campaign helps spark dialogue with municipal and provincial governments and prioritize infrastructure improvements where they are needed most. 
“CAA will continue to advocate for stable, predictable investment in road maintenance and long-term solutions to address Ontario’s growing infrastructure needs,” adds Pirvu.

Ontario’s Top 10 Worst Roads for 2026 1.	Barton Street East, Hamilton
2.	Hurontario Street, Mississauga
3.	Notre Dame Avenue, Greater Sudbury
4.	Sider Road, Fort Erie
5.	Steeles Avenue East, Toronto
6.	Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto
7.	Panache Lake Road, Greater Sudbury
8.	Bathurst Street, Toronto
9.	Unwin Avenue, Toronto
10.	6th Line, Innisfil
Ontario’s Worst Roads by Region for 2026 •	Toronto Region - Steeles Avenue East
•	Halton, Peel, York, Durham Region - Hurontario Street, Mississauga
•	Hamilton Region - Barton Street East
•	Ottawa Region - Carling Avenue
•	Central Region - 6th Line, Innisfil
•	Eastern Region - Leveque Road, South Frontenac
•	Western Region - Ira Needles Boulevard, Waterloo
•	Southwestern Region - Blackwell Sideroad, Sarnia
•	Niagara Region - Sider Road, Fort Erie
•	Northern Region - Notre Dame Avenue, Greater Sudbury

The annual list is based on nominations submitted by Ontarians and provides decision-makers with a snapshot of public priorities. Roads that appear on the list often receive accelerated attention as governments respond to community feedback.

 
The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) has verified Ontario's top 10 list and is a technical partner in the CAA Worst Roads advocacy campaign. "People across Ontario have spoken. The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives voice to residents who experience firsthand the impact that deteriorating roads and aging infrastructure have on our lives daily," says Nadia Todorova, executive director at RCCAO. "The results underscore the importance of sustained investment in state-of-good-repair infrastructure.”

For more information and regional results, visit caaworstroads.com. 

media-release-caa-warns-drivers-of-emerging-auto-theft-tactics-that-prey-on-the-goodwill-of-drivers

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA warns drivers of emerging auto theft tactics that prey on the goodwill of drivers

Director, Government Relations, Insurance

Government Relations & Public Affairs

Issues Management

Policy Analysis

Strategic Advocacy

Stakeholder & Public Engagement

Ontario Politics

Insurance

Travel Industry

  CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is warning that car theft is becoming more sophisticated and more personal, with criminals now targeting drivers directly using a mix of distraction tactics and high-tech tools.

Police services across Canada have recently warned of an increase in “distraction thefts” occurring in parking lots, shopping centres, and other busy areas. At the same time, thieves are continuing to use relay attacks and key-fob signal-interception technology to unlock and steal vehicles without physical force.

 
CAA cautions that these tactics are now being used together, creating new risks for drivers.

A New Combination of Tactics This emerging method involves criminals engaging drivers in brief interactions near their vehicle while simultaneously using electronic devices to capture or amplify key fob signals.

As a result, key fob-related auto theft is no longer limited to driveways or overnight incidents.
Close physical proximity between drivers, their key fobs, and their vehicles can be exploited.

 
These thefts can occur quickly and subtly, often without the driver immediately realizing anything has happened. In some cases, drivers may later notice an alert that their vehicle key is missing. This is an early sign that something is wrong.

 
“Today vehicle thieves are becoming increasingly calculated, using distraction tactics alongside electronic tools designed to intercept or relay key fob signals,” says Elliott Silverstein, director, government relations, CAA South Central Ontario. “A brief interaction in a parking lot can quickly become an opportunity for organized criminals to target both drivers and their vehicles. Public awareness and simple preventative measures remain some of the strongest tools drivers have to protect themselves.”

 
How Drivers Can Protect Themselves With these evolving risks, CAA is encouraging drivers to stay alert and take proactive steps to reduce their vulnerability:
	Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas. Be cautious of unsolicited interactions near your vehicle, including:  Persistent or unusual requests for help Offers of gifts or incentives. Requests that require you to stay near your vehicle or move closer to another vehicle. Trust your instincts—if something feels suspicious, disengage and move to a safer area.  Lock your vehicle immediately after exiting and confirm it is secure.  Store key fobs in RFID-blocking or Faraday pouches to prevent signal interception.  Keep key fobs on your person; avoid leaving them in carts, purses, or exposed areas.  Consider visible anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks or two-factor authentication such as after-market engine immobilizers. Remove personal information from vehicles and clear saved home addresses in GPS systems.  Report suspicious behaviour to local police.  Raising Awareness Is Key CAA emphasizes that as auto theft tactics continue to evolve, awareness and vigilance are essential to reduce risk.

Drivers are encouraged to remain mindful of their surroundings, particularly in public spaces, and to take simple precautions that can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a target of auto theft.



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MEDIA RELEASE: Survey finds Ontarians are concerned about road conditions as CAA launches 2026 Worst Roads campaign

User-submitted photo of Barton Street in Hamilton, which placed second on Ontario’s 2025 top ten list.   Concern about road conditions continues to be top of mind for Ontarians, with eight in 10 CAA members worried about the state of the province’s roads, according to new survey data released as CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) launches the 2026 CAA Worst Roads campaign. The survey also found that nearly 70 per cent of CAA members don’t believe enough is being done to maintain Ontario’s roads, up five per cent from last year, reinforcing what many road users experience daily. Cracks in pavement remain the most common issue (88 per cent) identified by respondents, followed closely by potholes (87 per cent), uneven or bumpy road surfaces (81 per cent) and congestion (80 per cent).

“Ontarians are telling us loud and clear that road conditions are not keeping pace with expectations,” says Teresa Di Felice, Assistant Vice President, Government and Community Relations for CAA South Central Ontario. “The Worst Roads campaign gives Ontarians a direct way to raise their concerns and helps decision-makers understand what roads need attention according to their constituents.”

Despite widespread frustration, the survey suggests most concerns are not reaching decision-makers. It found that nearly 80 per cent of Ontarians commonly complain about road conditions to a spouse, co-worker or mechanic rather than to the governments responsible for road maintenance.

CAA calls on Ontarians to nominate roads in urgent need of repair  “We know this campaign works,” says Di Felice. “When Ontarians speak up and nominate roads they want to see repaired, we consistently see action.”

Many nominated roads are critical trade and supply‑chain corridors, linking the CAA Worst Roads campaign to community growth and economic strength. 
“Growing population pressures in Ontario, particularly in the GTA, are driving the need for improved infrastructure to mitigate congestion issues, and the rapid wear and tear of our roads,” adds Di Felice.

Poor road conditions contribute to vehicle damage, congestion, and safety risks for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. With the cost of living already high, the added expense of repairs caused by potholes and deteriorating roads is placing further strain on household budgets. The survey found that 80 per cent of Ontarians are paying out of pocket for those repairs, while ten per cent are forgoing repairs altogether.

 
For more than two decades, the CAA Worst Roads campaign has influenced infrastructure decisions across the province. Roads that appear on the annual Worst Roads list often see repairs prioritized or moved up, as governments respond to public feedback. In the last five campaigns, over 10 roads have received attention due to their appearance on the CAA Worst Roads list. Most recently, County Road 49 in Prince Edward County received a large provincial investment supporting the repair of over 18 kilometres of the road. County Road 49 has been a popular road on the CAA Worst Roads Campaign’s top 10 list for some time. 

Ontarians can nominate any road for issues, including potholes, congestion, faded road markings, poor signage, traffic light timing, and pedestrian or cycling infrastructure. CAA SCO is encouraging all road users to participate.

Nominations for the 2026 CAA Worst Roads campaign are open now and can be submitted online at www.caaworstroads.com until April 17. Once nominations close, CAA will compile and release Ontario’s Top 10 Worst Roads later this year, as well as regional top five lists.  CAA conducted an online survey with 2,718 CAA SCO Members between January 6 to 14, 2026. Based on the sample size and the confidence level (95 per cent), the margin of error for this study was +/- 2 per cent.  

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