Whereas private highway contractors primarily aim to generate profit, which can lead to compromised safety and quality in highway construction and maintenance; And whereas the essential goal of highway management should be to prioritize public safety and infrastructure integrity over financial gains; And whereas recent evidence suggests that highways under private management are experiencing deteriorating conditions, posing risks to public safety and transportation efficiency: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call for the re-establishment of public management of highway contracts to prioritize safety, durability, and public service over private profit; And be it further resolved that a review and transition plan be developed for existing private highway contracts, ensuring effective public sector oversight and safeguarding the rights and employment of the current workforce.
Ministry of Transportation and Transit The Ministry of Transportation and Transit takes its commitment to provide a safe and reliable transportation network very seriously, and the performance of our maintenance contractors is an essential part of this commitment. Maintenance performance specifications are aligned with those of other jurisdictions across North America, and ministry staff closely monitor and audit contractor performance to ensure compliance with these standards. Overall, maintenance contractors meet or exceed maintenance standards more than 90 percent of the time. At this time, the ministry does not anticipate changes to the existing delivery model for maintenance services. The current model has produced positive results, including a 12 percent reduction in serious collisions since contracts were tendered in 201819. Additionally, the condition of provincial highways and bridges remains strong with over 90 percent of highways and more than 99 percent of bridges in fair or better condition.