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MEDIA RELEASE: More than potholes: The annual CAA Worst Roads campaign includes poor design, unsafe conditions

Mar 21, 2023

3 min


Voting is now open to all Manitobans – including pedestrians, transit users and cyclists - to have their say on the province’s “worst road.”


As CAA’s annual Worst Roads campaign begins, the safety-oriented organization encourages Manitobans to vote on more than just potholes.


“Potholes make a road bad; however, our Worst Roads campaign is about so much more,” says Tim Scott, president CAA Manitoba.


Voters who head to the website can vote for a road based on a lack of sidewalks and bike paths, congestion, poor traffic signal timing and more.


“Fixing potholes and regular road maintenance is important,” says Scott. “No matter how Manitobans use their roads, they should be able to do it safely, meaning we need to consider all road infrastructure and traffic issues.”


With that in mind, CAA Manitoba is launching its largest awareness campaign around the issue of poor infrastructure. Voting for the province’s “Worst Road” opens to all Manitobans today.


“Provincial Road 307 in Whiteshell Provincial Park was voted the worst road in 2022. It earned the top spot due to constant winter heaving, poor patching and its tendency to flood nearly every spring. The road was underwater for weeks last year, including when it was announced the ‘winner.’”


While potholes are still top of mind for most CAA Manitoba Members, a new survey shows that 82 per cent of Members believe not enough is being done to maintain roads in their area in general, and 64 per cent believe the roads in their area have become worse over time.


The survey also showed that 53 per cent of Member respondents believe there is a lack of pedestrian access on roads, and 57 per cent cited that a lack of cycling infrastructure is also a significant concern.


However, there have been some notable success stories:


Taylor Avenue and Empress Street

Both streets were constants on CAA Manitoba’s Worst Roads list but have since fallen off. In the past few years, extensive rehabilitation, as well as repairs and replacements for the roads, have been completed.


Empress Street is now home to some of the best-in-city bicycle and active transportation paths that are separated from the road and protect cyclists and drivers alike from harm.


Saskatchewan Avenue, Winnipeg

Taking the second-place spot in the Worst Roads list in 2022, a large part of Saskatchewan Avenue, from Route 90 to Midland Avenue, was recently replaced. The improvements included new sidewalks and accessibility features.

However, the westernmost part of Saskatchewan Avenue is still in considerable disrepair.


For more than a decade, CAA’s Worst Roads campaign has given decision-makers a snapshot of the public’s perception of the roads in their communities.


Last year’s “winners” included:

1. Provincial Road 307

2. Saskatchewan Avenue, Wpg

3. Waller Avenue, Wpg

4. Provincial Trunk Hwy 34, Pilot Mound

5. 18th Street, Brandon

6. Provincial Trunk Hwy 44, Lockport to Whiteshell

7. Leila Avenue, Wpg

8. Kenaston Boulevard, Wpg

9. Dawson Road North, Wpg

10. Goulet Street, Wpg


If you want to see your worst road make the list, visit www.caaworstroads.com to cast your vote. Voting is open to all residents of Manitoba, and you can vote daily.


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

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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.

MEDIA RELEASE: Manitobans paying more for vehicle repairs as CAA Worst Roads campaign launches featured image

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MEDIA RELEASE: Manitobans paying more for vehicle repairs as CAA Worst Roads campaign launches

Submitted photo of Saskatchewan Avenue, Winnipeg’s Worst Road in 2025. Manitobans are paying more out of pocket to fix their vehicles as concerns about road conditions continue to grow, according to new survey data released as CAA Manitoba launches its annual CAA Worst Roads Campaign. The survey found 92 per cent of Manitobans are concerned about the state of roads in the province and are spending an average of $944 to repair vehicle damage caused by poor road conditions. This is $122 more than last year, when the average repair cost was $882. As Winnipeg grows and congestion worsens, fixing key trade and connector routes isn’t just about road conditions; it’s about protecting the economy, keeping our city moving, and prioritizing affordability. “Most of the roads people flag as priorities are the same routes our supply chain depends on, they’re how goods get in, out, and across the province,” says Ewald Friesen, manager, government and community relations for CAA Manitoba. “With Manitoba’s growing population, especially in Winnipeg, there is a need for improved infrastructure.” At the same time, the rising cost of living has made consumers more mindful of their spending, and people are opting to keep their cars longer rather than buy a new one. Poor roads increase the wear and tear of tires, lead to higher fuel consumption, and increase the risk of other costly repairs. Nearly half of drivers (45 per cent) reported experiencing vehicle damage due to poor road conditions, with potholes cited as the leading cause, accounting for 86 per cent of damage. Most drivers (75 per cent) are paying for repairs out of pocket; 12 per cent filed a claim with Manitoba Public Insurance. Another 14 per cent said they chose not to repair the damage, up six per cent from last year. Despite widespread frustration, the survey suggests most concerns are not reaching decision-makers. It found that 85 per cent of Manitobans commonly complain about road conditions to a spouse, coworker or mechanic rather than to the governments responsible for road maintenance. Manitobans encouraged to nominate roads most in need of repair “The Worst Roads campaign is a proven platform that gives Manitobans a voice and helps governments identify the roads causing the most frustration,” says Friesen. “We know it works because we see governments prioritize budgets and move up road repairs every year after appearing on the list.” Manitobans can nominate any road for issues, including potholes, congestion, faded road markings, poor signage, traffic light timing, and pedestrian or cycling infrastructure. CAA Manitoba is encouraging all road users to participate. Nominations are open at www.caaworstroads.com from March 17 to April 10. Once nominations close, CAA Manitoba will release a list of the top 10 worst roads in the province, along with regional lists. CAA conducted an online survey with 649 CAA Manitoba 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 +/-3 per cent.

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Survey Reveals Canadians Remain Eager to Travel, but Rising Costs, Global Instability, and Shifting U.S. Attitudes Are Reshaping How and Where They Travel featured image

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