As Barrie and Simcoe County residents brace for another season of dodging craters on their daily commute, the annual CAA Worst Roads campaign is once again giving frustrated drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians a way to sound off.
While potholes remain the biggest gripe across the region, this year’s campaign highlights a growing range of concerns. “It’s not just about potholes,” CAA's Government relations Consultant Brian Pirvu told Barrie 360. “In terms of the CAA Worst Roads campaign, it's always been focussed on potholes in the beginning, but we've seen it shift. It's focussing on other road issues like congestion, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure–related issues. Even public transit users can nominate a road.”
“We do get quite a bit of response,” the spokesperson said. “We use the CAA Worst Roads campaign as a voice to state your concerns over the frustrations you may deal with on a day‑to‑day basis regarding your commute.”
From Complaints to Action
Many residents assume reporting road issues to their municipality doesn’t accomplish much - CAA says that’s exactly why the campaign exists.
According to survey research, “about 80 percent of the respondents are talking about their frustrations at the road, but more to their spouse, friends, family, co-workers and not necessarily as much to their elected officials.” CAA’s role, Pirvu explained, is to collect those concerns and take them straight to municipal and provincial leaders.
Once the results are tallied, the organization begins “continuing the dialogue with different levels of government… about dedicated infrastructure funding and making sure it still remains a priority and that those roads get fixed as soon as possible.”
And there’s evidence this pressure works.
The province recently announced a full revitalization of County Road 49 in Prince Edward County -a stretch that spent years on the Worst Roads list. What began as a $20‑million investment has now more than doubled.
Closer to home, residents may remember that Laclie Street in Orillia was repeatedly ranked among the region’s worst. As of last year, the long‑anticipated paving project is finally complete. Huronia Road also made CAA’s regional list and has been under construction.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Beyond inconvenience, damaged roads can come with real financial consequences. CAA’s research shows vehicle repairs related to potholes and damaged pavement can range “from $500 up to $2,000,” depending on the severity.
“CAA members… are willing to put up with that short‑term inconvenience to make sure that those roads are completed,” the spokesperson added, noting that support for long‑term fixes remains strong.
Nominate a Road Until April 17
This year’s campaign is open until April 17, with the final list of Ontario’s Worst Roads set to be revealed in late May or early June.
Residents can nominate any road in Simcoe County - or across Ontario - at caaworstroads.com, including the specific intersection and type of issue, whether it’s potholes, congestion, or concerns related to walking, cycling, or transit access.
