Auditor critical of winter highway maintenance

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The findings of Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk’s review of winter highway salting and plowing have been made public today, and they don’t look good.

“At the end of the day they chose contractors based on cost and there was the realization that they may not have enough equipment to do what was required.”

Lysyk’s report says the average time it takes to clear the roads after a storm has more than doubled since 2009, when the province opted to save money by contracting winter road maintenance to the lowest bidder. Contractors used less salt, anti-icing liquids and other materials, resulting in less safe highways.

Transportation minister Steven Del Duca vowed the province will do better. “Let me assure all of you we will take action, and we will get it right.”

Del Duca says he’ll be meeting with contractors in person to plan for next year as soon as possible. A public update on the ministry’s plans will be coming in 60 days.