The annual CAA Worst Roads Campaign 2026 is back, giving Windsor-Essex drivers a chance to call out crumbling streets as repair costs continue to climb. The campaign, now in its 23rd year, invites Ontarians to nominate roads they believe are in poor condition, with the goal of drawing attention from decision-makers and prompting repairs. “The CAA Worst Roads campaign is one of the largest campaigns we do here,” said Brian Pirvu, a government relations consultant with the organization. “It serves as an opportunity for road users to voice their concerns over the state of their roads.” Pirvu said recent survey data suggests frustration is widespread, with roughly 80 per cent of respondents venting about road conditions to friends and family, but not necessarily to governments. “Seventy per cent agree that not enough is being done,” he said. In Windsor-Essex, several roads have appeared on regional “worst roads” lists in recent years, including Banwell Road and Riverside Drive. Pirvu noted some progress has been made, pointing to major infrastructure work on roads like Lauzon Parkway and funding for upgrades along University Avenue West. “We’re glad to see that Windsor is paying attention to the campaign,” he said. “They know about these roads, and they’re doing the best that they can to make sure they’re fixed in a timely manner.” Still, for many drivers, deteriorating road conditions are hitting close to home — and the wallet. Pirvu said vehicle repairs linked to pothole damage can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the severity. At MacDonald’s Automotive Supercentre on Howard Ave., owner Peter Solly said the costs can climb even higher. “It could be as simple as an alignment … or it could be wheels, tires, some suspension components,” he said. “It could easily escalate to $1,000 to $3,000 or $4,000 for not too much visible damage just from a hard impact on the road” Solly said busy, high-traffic roads — especially those with heavy truck use or bridges — tend to break down faster, pointing to a stretch of Howard Avenue as a problem area. “Intersections get a lot more use than a straightaway,” he said. “So intersections pop like crazy for sure.” Residents say the issues are persistent. Jonas Duran, who lives along Howard Avenue, said repeated patchwork repairs haven’t solved the problem. “It’s been years … it’s just patching, patching, patching,” he said. “They don’t really solve anything.” He pointed to a roughly one-kilometre stretch between Kenilworth Drive and Cabana Road as particularly frustrating. Other drivers echoed concerns about potholes and rough pavement across the city. “Between Tecumseh Road and Wyandotte, they really need to work on these potholes,” James Assef said. He added, “We’ve got some pretty mean roads here.” Motorcyclist Phil Hill said uneven pavement can be especially noticeable — and dangerous — on two wheels. “Riverside Drive … it’s a beautiful road to ride, but that’s a terrible road,” he said, also pointing to Walker and Airport roads as trouble spots. CAA says the campaign has led to real improvements in some communities, as municipalities respond to public pressure and prioritize repairs. “It’s actually a better investment to fix roads in a timely manner than wait for them to deteriorate,” Pirvu told CTV News. “Then you’re paying millions for full reconstruction.” For drivers like Solly, avoiding damage often comes down to vigilance. “If you see a big pothole, try to avoid it,” he said. “It could cost you no money — or it could cost you a pile of money.” Voting in the CAA Worst Roads Campaign is open online, with results expected later this year.
