CAA Manitoba launches 5th annual worst roads campaign

Pothole-filled pavement, crumbling concrete, rutty roads, heaving highways — Manitoba has plenty of all, but where is it the worst?

CAA Manitoba has launched its fifth annual worst roads campaign, calling on the public to cast votes and bring shame to the atrocious avenues — and to make it an election issue.

"This spring, Manitobans have two opportunities to cast a vote in favour of improved infrastructure: during our worst roads campaign, and on election day, April 19, when they choose a candidate at the ballot box," said Mike Mager, president and CEO of CAA Manitoba.

He launched the campaign on Broadway with the legislative building in the background to drive home the importance of infrastructure issues in the future of the province.

"Our roads are more than a way to get from A to B — they drive our economy. We rely on our streets and highways for trade and tourism, yet many routes are riddled with potholes and poor lane markings," Mager said, noting that a recent AAA survey said pothole damage has cost U.S. drivers $15 billion over the last five years.

"I shudder to think of what road conditions have cost Manitoba motorists and businesses.

"This campaign isn't about complaining — it's about making a positive difference," he added. "Whoever is in government in weeks from now will be faced with the reality that our roads need a lot of work.

"We're here to help give the public a voice, and provide recommendations and collaboration to improve the infrastructure that we rely on every day."

Manitoba needs new funding model 

Chris Goertzen, president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, said it's time for the province to step up with a new funding model.

The Steinbach mayor said local councils are responsible for 60 per cent of infrastructure but only receive just eight cents of every tax dollar to to fix the roads.

"For a good start, we want to see the PST rebated back to the municipalities, so they can put that directly into infrastructure to improve some of those roads that are going to be identified," he said.

The AMM said if the provincial sales tax were rebated, it would add up to $25 million - still a drop in the bucket when compared to the $11 billion infrastructure deficit the association says the province faces. 

'Potholes are sickening'

Drivers negotiating potholes Wednesday had no hesitation piping up with their picks for worst roads. 

Monica Acoby said it was the stretch of St. James Street between Dublin and Sargent avenues. 

"You don't even notice them. It looks like a puddle of water then all of a sudden you're in it," she said, adding she was worried because she just had a lot of work done on her car. 

Hannah Ross didn't mince words about the driving conditions, now that the snow has melted.

"Potholes are sickening," she said, laughing. "Especially on Keewatin. and over here on St. James. They're really bad." 

"We're going to have to go through MPI for our injuries," chuckled Effie Ross, her passenger. 

Earl Dano said it's pretty bad everywhere.

"I think it's all four corners of the city. Regent. Portage Avenue. Notre Dame and Dublin," he said. Dano said it's not fair. 

"It's been hard on the drivers, I believe, with their suspensions and we've got to pay for that expense. We shouldn't have to."

Past 'winners' 

St. James Street in Winnipeg, which was named the province's worst road in 2013 and 2014, was dethroned last year by Highway 280, which links northern communities like Gillam and Split Lake to Thompson.

Vote online through CAA Manitoba's website and see the current rankings, as well as locations on a map.

Voters can pinpoint specific stretches of the road they feel are the worst and identify the infrastructure issues, such as traffic congestion, potholes/crumbling infrastructure, pedestrian/cycling safety and poor traffic light synchronization or lane markings, CAA officials said.

• Tweeting about the worst roads? Tag @CAAManitoba and include #mbroads.