Nearly half of Quebecers favour tolls to repair roads: Leger survey

A Leger survey found that almost half of Quebecers would be in favour of adding tolls to pay for road maintenance in the province.

It seems that Quebecers will literally pay to repair the beleaguered roads in the province.

When asked whether Quebecers would be in favour of reintroducing toll roads to fund maintenance on the province’s roads, a Leger survey found that 48 per cent were for it, with 46 per cent against it.

Seventeen per cent were “strongly in favour” of this, and 30 per cent were “somewhat favourable.” However, 25 per cent of those were totally opposed.

Of those most in favour, the poll found men (52 per cent) and those over 55 years old (55 per cent) were most in favour of tolls.

Quebec spends billions on road maintenance, yet the deficit for repairs sits at about $24 billion.

When it comes to political affiliation, over 50 per cent of those supporting four of five parties with MNAs in the National Assembly want tolls to fix the roads, with a majority of Quebec Conservatives opposed.

Differing viewpoints

Former Liberal Quebec transport minister Robert Poeti is surprised that many Quebecers want more tolls.

“Honestly, when you ask citizens of Quebec if they are willing to pay a little bit more, right now they are going to say we have so many taxes, pay for tolls? I don’t think they are going to be very happy,” he said.

Current Transport and Sustainable Mobility Minister Benoit Charette said that 71 per cent of Quebec’s 10-year infrastructure plan is dedicated to infrastructure maintenance.

“This approach cannot be sustained indefinitely,” he added. “I believe it is necessary to consider complementary solutions. Over the coming weeks, I will evaluate the best options with my colleagues to ensure the safety and quality of our road infrastructure.”

Poeti says the idea of money into roads is dated.

“Put money on the roads 50 years ago was a good idea for politicians; it’s not that anymore now,” he said. “We have to talk about health, we have to talk about kids, schools.”

Quebec Premier Christine Frechette said she will look into adding tolls, but doesn’t think they will be implemented province-wide.

With reporting from CTV News Montreal journalist Matt Grillo.