Chronic congestion is compelling residents to avoid shopping, dining, seeing family and friends, and even consider leaving the Toronto region
July 16, 2024 – New polling conducted by Ipsos for the Toronto Region Board of Trade about the state of congestion in our city reveals a significant number of residents are reconsidering their future in the region due to increasing traffic. The findings highlight the profound impact congestion has on daily life and our economy, driving home the urgent need for progress.
“We’re steadily cementing our reputation as a place where you can’t get around. Gridlock is driving people’s decisions on whether to go to work, the store, a sporting event, or even continue to call Toronto home,” said Giles Gherson, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of the Trade. “This has a profound impact for our downtown recovery and investment in business and jobs. We need solutions. Our Congestion Task Force is working on practical, high-impact solutions to get the city moving again.”
The polling data shows that not only is congestion influencing day to day behaviour such as going into the office and visiting the city, but it also reveals that a staggering 53 per cent of respondents have contemplated moving away outside the GTHA traffic and congestion issues. This sentiment is even stronger among one of our key talent demographics - younger residents aged 18-34 - with 64 per cent considering relocation. The data highlights a troubling trend: traffic congestion is more than an inconvenience it stands as a driving factor behind the potential exodus of our future workforce.
The economic consequences of traffic congestion are substantial, affecting various aspects of daily life and local businesses. Residents are altering their routines and avoiding vital economic activities, like:
- 42 per cent of respondents said they avoid shopping, going out for entertainment or a sporting event due to congestion, significantly impacting the retail sector. This avoidance leads to reduced revenue for businesses and potential job losses in the retail industry.
- 38 per cent also said they refrain from dining out, which may directly impacting restaurants and the hospitality sector.
- 31 per cent said they avoid visiting family and friends, showing the personal toll congestion may take on social lives. This avoidance can also have mental health implications as social connections are strained.
These disruptions to daily activities not only highlight the personal inconvenience caused by traffic congestion but also underscore a threat to our quality of life. The reduced foot traffic in commercial areas can lead to a decline in business investments and a slowdown in economic growth within the GTHA.
The survey paints a stark picture of the struggles faced by residents. Traffic congestion is a pervasive issue impacting various facets of daily life:
- 86 per cent of respondents said they believe there is a traffic and congestion crisis in the GTHA, underscoring the urgency for effective solutions 57 per cent said there are too many cars and trucks on the road, pointing to overcapacity on our streets as a significant contributor to the problem.
- 61 per cent also said unpredictable journey times is their biggest concern, reflecting how congestion disrupts daily schedules and increases stress.
- 85 per cent agree that traffic and congestion negatively impact the economy in the GTA, showing that residents understand the broader economic implications.
There is robust support for immediate measures. Residents are willing to endure short-term inconveniences for long-term benefits if it means clearing up congested streets faster.
- 73 per cent of respondents support 24-hour road construction and 74 per cent support 24-hour public transit construction
- 68 per cent believe "too much construction at the same time and mismanagement of construction schedules" is the main reason for congestion, indicating frustration with current practices seen across the region.
Importantly, support for 24-hour construction remains strong regardless of the construction's proximity to residential areas. Whether the work is happening nearby or farther away, residents recognize the necessity of expedited construction to alleviate long-term traffic issues.
Congestion is not only a personal inconvenience but also a significant barrier to improving an already declining economic productivity. The daily grind of traffic jams takes a toll on work-life balance and professional efficiency.
- 64 per cent of respondents are reluctant to travel to work because of traffic and congestion, which can lead to higher absenteeism rates and a decrease in overall workforce participation.
- 59 per cent reported reduced productivity at work due to time spent commuting due to traffic and congestion. The stress and fatigue from long commutes can lead to lower job performance and decreased employee satisfaction.
- 24 per cent are discouraged from applying for jobs in different parts of the GTHA, affecting career growth and business operations. This deterrent limits the talent pool for employers and hinders economic mobility for workers.
A representative sample of n=1,000 Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) residents 18 years of age and older have been surveyed online.
Ipsos conducted research among Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area residents about topics including the impacts of traffic and congestion on quality of life, productivity, life choices, and opinions about impact of efforts to mitigate impacts of construction, even if they caused more disruption for a period of time. The survey was fielded between 7 and 14 June 2024. Quota sampling and weighting were utilized to design a sample frame that is representative of the population of adult (18+) GTHA residents according to age, gender, location of residence (region). The GTHA regions included in the study were: Durham Region, Halton Region Peel Region, The City of Toronto, York Region, and the City of Hamilton. The latest Statistics Canada Census data (2021) was utilized for the quota sample and weighting scheme.
The Toronto Region Board of Trade is one of the largest and most influential business chambers in North America and is a catalyst for the region’s economic agenda. We pursue policy change to drive the growth and competitiveness of the Toronto region and facilitate market opportunities with programs, partnerships and connections to help our members succeed – domestically and internationally.
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