Ontario's Election Campaign Ignoring Roads, Bridges

"The lack of funds to repair Ontario's aging roads and bridges may be a serious problem for many cities, but political scientists say it's one issue party leaders are unlikely to address in their campaigns.

But Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien wants party leaders to discuss how they can provide stable, consistent funding for infrastructure through the re-direction of income or sales taxes.

Much of Ottawa's roadways were built in the 1950s and 1960s and now the city is responsible for 700 bridges, more than 5,000 kilometres of roads and the sewer lines beneath them.

Although many need upgrades, funding shortfalls mean renovations may be put off, said Wayne Newell, Ottawa's director of infrastructure services."