CAA begins work on 2025 Worst Roads list, nominations open

As Ontario transitions from winter to its other season, construction, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has begun compiling its annual list of the worst roads in the province.

Each year, road users can nominate a road they find particularly frustrating due to its disrepair. Voters then select the worst roads in each region of the province. A top ten province-wide is also put together.

Ira Needles Boulevard, on the western edge of Kitchener and Waterloo, consistently makes the list. Last year, it was the fourth worst road in the western region, which also includes London, Woodstock and Guelph.

Brian Pirvu, government relations consultant with CAA South Central Ontario said while the list can be somewhat cathartic for road users and also a fun talking point, it can also be a useful tool.

“We’re seeing that road users are venting about the state of their roads to friends, spouses, mechanics, but not necessarily to governments. So, we want to provide a platform where they can have that chance to nominate a road that tends to frustrate them on a day-to-day basis.

He went on to say that local governments take the list seriously.

“We want to give municipal leaders a snapshot, in terms of what their constituents are thinking about regarding the state of their roads, so that they can have the opportunity to add dedicated funding or prioritize or fast track some of the roads that end up on our list.”

Pirvu mentioned the case of Barton Street East in Hamilton. The road topped the list in consecutive years and that prompted city government to prioritize making repairs on the route.

The nomination period is now open. It closes April 8.