Transport Minister responds to auditors report

Transport Minister Steven Del Duca wants a plan to fix winter maintenance standards in place in the next 60 days.

This, in response to the Ontario auditor general’s latest report, that states the province sought to cut costs in 2009 by contracting out work to the lowest bidder, even if that bidder didn’t have the proper equipment to clear roads.

He says one of the biggest resposibilities as the Minister of Transportation is to help keep highways safe and all Ontarians can travel with confidence on them.

“Over the past few years and following an internal review, the Ministry of Transportation and its maintenance contractors have been working together to improve the quality of winter maintenance in the province,” said Del Duca.

“We’ve added over 100 pieces of equipment, strengthened our oversight, enhanced the way we plow truck climbing and passing lanes and freeway ramps and shoulders, and tendered an improved contract in Kenora.”

With harsh winters, locals know just how important it is to have safe roads.

The report stated that since 2009, the time it takes to clear popular highways has more than doubled from an average of 2.1 hours to 4.7 hours.

Del Duca says the report confirms what they already know.

“Despite the improvements we have made – the additional equipment, additional oversight and organizational changes – the current system of winter highway maintenance needs to be better,” he added.

“That is why last week’s budget includes funding for more equipment changes – dedicated spreaders for both urban congested areas and select locations in northern Ontario and funding to improve driving conditions with the increased use of de-icing liquids.  We are also taking swift action on the Auditor’s recommendations, with several to be in place by the start of next winter.”

Things they plan to implement include a revamped 511 website—one that’s easier to read and is more time-sensitive—more roadside cameras and weather stations to determine road and weather conditions, and an education campaign.

He adds there’s much work to be done by both the ministry and contractors.

“I will be meeting with (contractors) in person as soon as possible, to determine how we can work together to improve this program and their performance,” said Del Duca.

Furthermore, the Transport Minister states that the plans to fix standards need to further strengthen and improve winter maintenance, while addressing the Auditor’s recommendations, to ensure that we are doing everything possible to provide Ontarians with safe highway conditions.

“I will make that action plan public,” he added.

A follow up review was also requested for the end of the next winter season, to see where they’ve progressed.

“I look forward to reporting back on our action plan, our progress implementing the auditor’s recommendations and the additional steps we will be taking to enhance winter maintenance in Ontario.”