Pothole-ridden roadways caused by a particularly harsh winter will likely be highlighted during this year's Worst Roads campaign.
The 23rd annual campaign, organized by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), launched on Tuesday, March 24.
A recent CAA survey found that eight in 10 members are worried about the state of Ontario's roadways, and nearly 70 per cent of respondents don't believe enough is being done to maintain them.
Government Relations Consultant for CAA South Central Ontario Brian Pirvu said most respondents vent about road conditions to friends and family, but not elected officials.
"...Which is why we have this campaign. It encourages folks to voice their concerns over their frustrations regarding their daily commute," he said. "After the campaign, we then continue the dialogue with different levels of government to ensure infrastructure funding remains a priority."
Top concerns include pavement cracks, potholes, uneven or bumpy road surfaces, and congestion.
"It was a campaign that started on potholes, but now it's been served as an opportunity to nominate a road based on congestion, based on cycling and pedestrian issues, sunken sewer grates, other road issues as well," Pervu said.
Based on last year's campaign, Blackwell Sideroad in Sarnia was listed as the second-worst road in the southwest region, which encompasses Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent, and Windsor-Essex.
Sarnia's Michigan Avenue and Vidal Street South also made it onto the regional list.
However, Michigan Avenue underwent reconstruction work in 2025, from Colborne Road to Indian Road. The final topcoat of asphalt is expected to be applied this spring.
Windsor's Banwell Road topped the list as the worst in the southwest region last year.
"I wouldn't be surprised if some of the frequent flyers from last year that are still under construction make it on the regional list or even top 10, but this is what the campaign is about," Pervu said. "We encourage folks within their communities to have their say."
Previously, Plank Road was considered the worst road in the southwest region, but reconstruction work was completed in 2024.
"Sarnia does get a few roads on the list year after year, but we know that the City of Sarnia is well aware of these and that infrastructure projects are well on their way," he said.
Nominations can be submitted at caaworstroads.com until April 17.
"You have the option, not only to nominate a road but to choose the intersection and to choose a road issue that's associated with your nomination," he said.
Nominations will be compiled into Ontario's top 10 worst roads list and regional lists.
Results from 2025 can be found on CAA's website.
