Comments
August 31, 2009
I think I got whiplash this spring driving down highway #32 from Leader to
Abbey. What a disgrace for the governments over time gone by to let this
highway get into the shape it is presently.
Work on the highway is being
done at present. Over the last 50 years since I traveled down this so called
highway it really has had alot of repairs on it.
I'm wondering just how much money has been wasted trying to patch a highway
that should have been built properly.
The highway
is presently being upgraded and rebuilt and it actually looks like they are
going to finally do a great job on it. It will be a wonderful trip down #32
once this is done, lots of things to see and explore. We are really looking
forward to visiting again and again once the road has been completed. It's
long overdue and the many people who live along and use this highway are
proably the most patient people in Saskatchewan.
G&D
Alberta
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June 2, 2009
This past weekend I was travelling from Indian Head SK to Lacombe AB and decided to take (if I can be so bold to steal a line from Robert Frost) “The Road Less Taken” as my map and GPS both indicated that Highway 32 was exactly that…a highway! Being an avid motorcycle enthusiast I do enjoy taking the smaller roads as I generally encounter less traffic, better sights and have the advantage of experiencing small town Canada. One other reason that I travel these roads is so that I can do my best to support the small towns. I tend to purchase all of my gas, food and accommodations in the small towns as I know that at times there economies are not that of the towns and cities where our 4 lane highways pass through. Typically I average about 20,000 Km per season but after this past weekend I am not sure how much more time I will be spending travelling the secondary roads of Saskatchewan.
It is most unfortunate that the Government of Saskatchewan has let these secondary roads deteriorate. Travelling by motorcycle on some of these roads can be detrimental to one's health and equipment. I found that the Province did an extremely poor job of warning the traveler that there was about to be an abrupt change from so called pavement to gravel and potholes. However, I did get a kick out of the signs that stated Rough Road ___ Km. What exactly does this blank mean? Are they not sure how many Kilometers are going to be rough or is it an embarrassment issue. I started this paragraph by suggesting that these types of roads can be detrimental to one's health and equipment. As I was proceeding down the road I kept thinking to myself how hard this road was being on my suspension and the small trailer that I was pulling. In the end my trailer took on the appearance of the Canadian Loon…nice black trailer with white spots all over it…rock chips, not what I was expecting after turning off of Highway 1!
So, as I was worrying about my own health and safety and the condition of my motorcycle and trailer I then started to think about the people who travel this road on a daily basis. Whether the travel be for work or pleasure I would assume that the citizens of West Central SK are most likely fed up with this highway. My thoughts turned to those who provide goods and services to the residents, emergency response, school buses etc. and how their travels down this stretch of highway must infuriate them. Perhaps the glass repair, suspension and vehicle body shops in Swift Current and surrounding communities have formed a powerful lobby group but I doubt this is the case.
For the Minister of Transport…travel down “The Road Less Taken” and see for yourself. A word of advice before you head out…leave the Beemer, Lexus, Cadillac, Lincoln or motorcycle at home as it will be a different vehicle upon your return. And for the people who live in the area and need this road…my thoughts are with you and I sincerely hope that someday your road will be repaired so that travelers can enjoy the vast vistas of the country side and the hospitality of the communities along the route.
J. Bryant
Lacombe, AB
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August 17, 2008
With the rising price of fuel, a lot of Saskatchewan residents have chosen to visit local places and appreciate what we have close to home.
We are from Leader and decided to travel to Cabri Regional Park for the weekend. It is a beautiful campground along the Saskatchewan River and is about a 1 hour drive. Highway 32 adds about 25-35 minutes to this journey, as we slow down for potholes, deep ruts, swerve upheaved sides and experience reduced visibility from the dust kicked up on the gravel.
Our province is very beautiful and diverse, and we welcome visitors and tourists warmly. It is very frustrating as well as embarrassing to be so well known for our terrible highways, especially 32.
We certainly hope with the fame that the Pothole Calendar has generated, there will be some action taken.
One day we may be able to say, “Remember back when Highway 32 was the worst highway in Saskatchewan?” Could it be possible? .....
S and W from Leader
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June 18, 2008
Just back from a German/Russian genealogy conference in Leader, SK.
Thanks for the great experience of travelling down Highway 32. I
really felt like I was back in Ukraine exploring the old, forgotten
villages. Unfortunately, I was travelling by car not horse - sigh.
Maybe next time.
It's a beautiful area and I like the way you keep
inaccessible. You Saskatchewanites are clever - keeping the best parts
of your province to yourselves. But next time I want to focus more on
the living sky than on the deathly potholes.
I love your website. SK is a great place inspite of the bumps along the
way.
Gabe in Winnipeg
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January 24, 2008
I was lucky enough to be barrelling down #32 today while delivering oilpatch equipment. Dang, when I come back to pick it up I think I'll just hit the gravel.
Ted V.
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January 1, 2008
I wanted to send you a message of congratulations. Of course the highway's not paved yet, but it sounds like it might be within the next couple of years. If by some chance, you need to do future calendars, there is still a market for them. My sister and I each bought one and had many friends that expressed interest in supporting your efforts. Once again, Congratulations!
Karen G.
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December 4, 2007
My last trip on #32 was to the Lancer Chokecherry Festival in October of this year. As I drove between the potholes I prayed for a change in government. That prayer has been answered. Now the new government gets a chance to respond. Your new Premier is from Swift Current and must have traveled #32 at some time in the recent past. Keep up the pressure.
While I grew up in Portreeve, I am now a member of the government of Alberta and am keenly aware of grassroots pressure to get things done. There is nothing as powerful as written letters to your MLA with copies to the Premier. Please don’t relax thinking that now something will happen. Renew all your efforts. Change is in the air.
Good luck to all my Saskatchewan family and friends.
C. Dunford, MLA
Lethbridge West
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October 3, 2007
We by chance drove Highway 32 this summer on a drive down to Swift Current to see my Grandma, and my Dad subsequently let me know that this is known to be the worst road in the province (if not the country and pointed me to your website).
I was born in Saskatchewan but now live in Germany and was back to visit family. My German husband and son were with me in the car as we swerved from side to side and bumped and splashed along. The experience was amazing (the contrast to a German Autobahn could not have been greater) but the big positive was that as soon as we crossed the Alta/Sask border and headed along No.32, the first driver we met in a pick-up truck sent a friendly wave our way.
Your calendar looks hilarious and I was wondering if you were planning to put one out for 2008 as I would like to buy one to remind me of our experience!
H. Caswell
Germany
July 16, 2007
In August of 2006 I drove from my home town in east central Alberta to Ontario for a bachelor party and subsequent wedding in Grand Beach, MB. I had a friend living in Swift Current whom I planned to visit, so after stopping in Kindersley I headed south down to Glidden and then connected with 32 at Lemsford. I’ve always loved small towns and the lonely roads that connect them.
At the time I didn’t realize that 32 was any worse than any other Sask highways because I hadn’t driven them since I was too young to care. I thought 32 was pretty bad, but I am an Albertan and rather spoiled in a lot of ways so I chalked it up to that. 32 paved was far worse than any unpaved gravel roads I’d been on, but I enjoyed seeing the towns along the way and decided to bring my girlfriend down the highway later that year, as she is just as enchanted with small towns and lonely landscapes as I.
On the Labour Day weekend, then, we took a trip to the Cypress Hills and decided to come back along the whole length of 32 so I could show her this highway. By then I’d learned about this website and read about how serious a problem it is for the residents and the health system. My friend in Swift Current was a production operator for a local oil company and had no shortage of experience with 32 and surrounding roads so I’d also learned about the road network from him.
I was a little disappointed that the road had been 'paved' during my absence because it had lost some of its frontier appeal for me; it didn’t seem any worse than most other secondary Sask roads, but it was obvious that the materials and methods used would not stand up to a prairie winter and the residents along the road would be right back where they started in another year. We made several stops to see what there was along the way and each time we pulled back onto the highway it became more of a chore to continue. With the slowly setting sun in our eyes each pothole became that much more dangerous.
My girlfriend wanted to meet Gordon, the creator of this site, so when we got to the gas station in Leader the lady there phoned him and he was generous enough to come down to drop off some bumper stickers in person. In talking with him and after experiencing the highway for the second time I gained a real appreciation for the situation the residents are in. It’s one thing to choose to live in a remote community; it’s another thing entirely to be living in the 21st century and still not be sure if you can get to a hospital using the road right outside your front door.
It’s a testament to the people along the highway that they are still promoting their towns and using whatever is available to try and bring people in despite the condition of the road that gets them there. It is very refreshing to see towns looking forward to any ideas that might bring people in, because up where I am the prevailing attitude is 'It won’t work', simple as that. My town speaks from a position of not really having to work hard at it because we’re on a relatively major road, but I’m sure the tune would change if we had a highway like 32 cutting through town. From Eastend to Empress and beyond, though, I was impressed with the generosity and positive attitude of the people we met.
One thing your towns might consider is approaching Alberta for funding of the road as a private project of some description, perhaps in conjunction with a tourist district in AB. I’m just tossing that idea out there and I don’t know how you’d do it, but just that gesture alone would raise a lot of eyebrows in Regina!
R. H.
Holden, AB
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May 3, 2007
My congratulations on your dramatic approach to seeking road work. Perhaps a broader viewpoint, so to speak, will bring results.
In contrast to Highway 32, the Trans Canada Highway (TCH) has become a twinned, straight and fast freeway that avoids every point of interest for tourists crossing our prairies. No sandhills, no river valleys, no parks, and only "flattened fauna" for wildlife watchers. I joke that the TCH was designed by the Banff Chamber of Commerce, to get people to the mountains as fast as possible.
Recent road work in Alberta has made a scenic drive across Saskatchewan and Alberta possible, once Highway 32 is improved. Imagine going from Swift Current northwest to the river valley park near Cabri, with the enormous numbers of geese in the fall. Then on to the sandhills and Leader, with a quaint ferry ride across the South Saskatchewan River at Estuary. Continue to the art galleries at Empress, then across the native grassland to Dinosaur Provincial Park. Head west to Bassano, where you join the Trans Canada Highway for about 40 km. Then visit the new Blackfoot Crossing Native Heritage Centre before heading due west on Highway 22X, passing just south of Calgary to Bragg Creek. From here, you can head north through the foothills on Highway 22 to Cochrane, then continue west on Highway 1A past Canmore and along the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise. Travel from Swift Current to British Columbia while hardly crossing the TCH.
Along the way, you will see wildlife, parks, natural landscapes and scenery, and cultural points of interest. And all the while, you can drive at a comfortable speed, perhaps 80-100 km/h. You will only see about five traffic lights and perhaps a dozen STOP signs in eight hundred kilometres of unforgettable scenery.
Alberta has a new tourism program called Alberta Badlands that is promoting this part of our province. Tying in the Saskatchewan locations along Highway 32 is a natural fit. The tourism aspect may well help get some action, because it leads directly to improved economic benefits.
R. Gardner
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April 4, 2007
Oh wow. What an awesome site. I think it's cool that you guys are actually trying to do something about this road instead of just whining about it. That road is an absolute gong show. It could become a big tourist attraction. "Come Drive On The Worst Road In The World!" You could make millions... ok maybe not. Anyways, keep on keepin on!
D. Gruchy
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March 22, 2007
I have not traveled on Highway #32 personally but judging by the highways we have around our small town of Ituna, #310 in particular, I have no doubt that highway #32 is as bad as you say it is. What a great idea ... using the calendar, etc. Hopefully the website will achieve its purpose.
P. Krushen
Ituna, SK
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January 1, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR SASKATCHEWAN! We love it!!! Will be ordering some soon.
Sandy in B.C.
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December 26, 2006
I was employed in Leader from 1981 to 1984 as the Town Administrator. During that time I drove Highway # 32 many times as my father was very ill in a Regina hospital and my family all lived in south east Saskatchewan. The highway was one of the worst I have ever driven.
After I left Leader I went back to visit friends occasionally. Much to my disappointment the highway had not improved with age. I guess that distinction is reserved for fine wine and cheese.
I want to congratulate the committee who "hatched" the idea of the calendar. What a unique and hilarious way to raise awareness.
Just a quick comment on the models, many whom I know, they are in way better shape than that highway.
J. Lazar
Creston, B.C.
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December 11, 2006
My mother moved to Lancer 3 or 4 years ago. I've driven on some bad roads, especially in Saskatchewan, but Highway 32 is
the worst one I've ever been on. I have driven back and forth on it for holiday trips, and I have always had to leave very early for fear I would get stuck on this stretch of highway at night and hit a big pothole.
I drove a little green volkswagen bug, and last Christmas, the good people of
Lancer, Leader, Portreeve, Abbey, Sceptre, and others, almost saw it launched into the sky off of a huge pothole that was nearly the whole lane wide. I'm lucky I didn't die....
My husband complains about some of the roads around here, I keep telling him to wait until we go visit my mum in Lancer to see a really bad one!
I kept asking my mum why they wouldn't fix such a horrible road, and she didn't know why. She won't drive at night for the same reasons...
I hope that this calendar will draw enough attention to the issue. I'm glad that the people of Leader took a brave and humourous step to achieve this!
K. Adams
Hubert, N.C., USA
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December 9, 2006
Traveling along Hwy 32 from Swift Current to Leader I was surprised that roads in these condition still exist in our modern society. Now, knowing more about the history of hwy 32 and the attempts to get this "kill" road repaired, I'm even more disappointed in our provincial government than I already was.
It's already not a secret that our government is more focused on Saskatchewan's cities than it has ever been on its rural areas, but I wasn't aware of the fact that also the safety of the rural residents and visitors wasn't a matter of importance. Now I know.
Unfortunately this hwy isn't unique in this province. By neglecting issues like this, our government shows once more that it's not interested in Saskatchewan's rural areas, in Saskatchewan's infrastructure and therefore not interested in Saskatchewan's economics and future.
C. Brouwer
Gravelbourg, SK
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December 8, 2006
Great Idea! What do you get someone who has everything for Christmas? This Calendar of course! I just ordered my Father (a retired city bus driver) and my Father-in-law (a retired farmer) both a calendar.
I too have to drive these treacherous highways. I have a brand new Jeep Liberty and needed to replace both front ball joints thanks to our amazing highway system!
K. McLaren
Saskatchewan
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December 7, 2006
Thank you so much for your 2007 Pothole Calendar. My 10 copies arrived promptly, in good order and are now on their way to others who will appreciate it as much as I do. The excited recipients include my mother, my brother, my two sisters, and two Saskatchewan-born friends.
One of those friends is a prominent lawyer here in the Big Smoke and has placed her copy in a place of honour on her office bulletin board in one of those fancy-schmancy office towers dominating the skyline here in the Centre of the Universe.
I have not yet decided where to place my personal copy, but it shall be in a position where I can appreciate it every day.
I congratulate you on behalf of all on your initiative, cleverness, sense of humour, and production values.
Best wishes for a stunning financial as well as artistic success. May it long outlast the said potholes.
M. Raycheba
Toronto, ON
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December 6, 2006
My hat is off (although, unlike Gordon, I am fully clothed) to all of you who have survived highway 32. Congratulations: you have turned around and chosen to do something good with this undesirable predicament.
Having lived in this good province of ours for over ten years now I can certainly relate and sympathize. I pray that this hits home for the Government enough for some long overdue action.
I hope that you turn some heads at long last. God knows ... if you can't make them listen, well, show them some pictures!!!
S. Stecyk,
Kindersley, SK
Fellow dodger of Saskatchewan potholes
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Congratulations, you made the MSNBC website.
Having driven Highway 32 (very slowly), I wish you all the best trying
to have all of the potholes repaired. Good Luck!!
N. Brown
Calgary, AB
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December 3, 2006
I too have finally travelled this appalling highway. When first leaving #1, I thought, "Oh good! It is not so bad after all!!" Boy did I get a surprise a little farther along------I could not believe my eyes!!! Thinking that it was just a "bad spot", I kept merrily driving along, but soon realized it was only getting worse. I was really glad that I had started out an hour early to get to Sceptre, otherwise I would have been very late, not having travelled this road ever before.
This "road" is in the worse condition of any highway I have ever driven on in my life!!!! And I have driven many miles-----just 14,000Km from April to October of this year, for example. And a lot of those Kms were in Sask., as well as Alberta and B.C. When I returned home to B.C., I was commenting to relatives that they should never decide to take a detour up that road!!!!
P. Spetz
Cranbrook, BC
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While I still farm near Kindersley, I live (most of the time) in Calgary and
work there, but am always amazed at the shape of the major highways back
home. Dodging potholes, etc is truly a hazardous sport there!
Over the past
couple of years there was a sign at the border, at Alsask, which read "caution rough roads for next 19km". Every time I passed by I kept thinking, "I should repaint that to read, 'next 19 hrs'"..!!!
J. Baker
Calgary, AB
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I read about your situation on AOL. I will be calling with an order. Good luck raising the funds for the repairs! I think the calendar is a great idea, and plan to tell my friends.
Best Wishes for Success!
T. Williams
Newark, Ohio
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December 2, 2006
This past summer we travelled to our ancestral home of Saskatchewan to
spend our summer holidays. On the trip home to Calgary, I suggested we
turn off from Swift Current, head to Leader with a stop at the Great
Sandhills, then head north to Kindersley.
What should have been a fascinating trip through parts of Saskatchewan
that were new to us turned into an all-day nightmare of crawling along
the highways. I found myself apologizing over and over for even
suggesting this route. We were fortunate that we did not experience any
damage to our vehicle.
If the purchase of your calendar is an act of protest and helps your
community in any way, it is a small gesture that I can do.
Keep up the fight!
C. Tubman
Calgary, AB
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December 1, 2006
This is one of the most refreshing funding campaigns I've seen
in years!
Why doesn't someone research new technology to engineer a
better design of a highway to combat Canadian soil and weather conditions?
Build it better the first time and the highway won't have
potholes.
2,000 years ago Romans built roads with cobble stones, each
stone could "float" up and down as freezing and thawing occurred each
night and day.
Why not design the Canadian version of the "Floating Highway"?
Environmental waste materials can be recycled into building
cylinders. The circular shape allows water to drain away and not
collect upon the road surface.
Lets build the future!
P. Chilton
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November 28, 2006
Although I haven't experienced your wonderful stretch of highway in 30
years, I congratulate you and the other Leader participants in this endeavor
for your ingenuity and creativity. You hit the top 3 in news stories on my
internet news site!
I lived in Fox Valley for 6 years as a teenager and my parents spent a few
nights stranded in the Leader hotel during snow storms. I remember clearly
all these times as I was stuck with the farm chores which was NOT my
favorite thing.
Best of luck in your struggle to get that nasty stretch of highway fixed!
One thing you can say about Saskatchewan politicians is that they never move
too quickly on a decision. Perhaps a little skin will prod them along!
H. Lowe
Richmond, BC
PS. I'll call and place my order tomorrow during normal business hours.
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November 10, 2006
I was born and raised in Alberta (the province next door with good roads!) not far from Highway(?) 32. My husband and I were coming home from Regina, and looking at the map, Highway 32 looked like a good route to take. We even thought, very briefly, that it would be quicker!!
I am sure that you residents of Saskatchewan know that all the other provinces make fun of your roads, and after driving the #1, I already knew why. You don't even have to see the "Welcome to Saskatchewan" sign before your teeth start chattering. I have to tell you that we have roads in our pastures and grain fields that are smoother than that which your government laughingly refers to as the Highway 32.
I read some of the other comments posted by other people, and I totally agree that it would be a beautiful and delightful drive down that road with some lovely little towns to stop at, if you weren't bouncing up and down so hard that you can't read the signs to tell what attractions that each town might offer.
I hope someone in your government is monitoring your website and decides to actually spend some of your tax dollars doing something that actually benefits you taxpayers. Good luck with your fight and I look forward to the day that the road is fixed to drive down it again someday. We really enjoyed the scenery and the country side.
C.Stopanski
Alberta
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October 10, 2006
This past Thanksgiving I attended a wedding in Cabri. Usually I go the long way around to get there but this time I didn't. When are they going to fix that bleeping highway? I could see them not fixing it if it wasn't used that much, but it is always full of travellers. I have to take my new truck 06 Dodge Mega Cab in to have the tires balanced after driving that highway. It's such a beautiful area and I think those little towns along 32 would benefit big time if they just fixed the highway properly. Come On Saskatchewan Government, get off your butts and fix it.
P. Innes
Rocky Mountain House, AB
(born and raised in Sask)
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July 23, 2006
It is no secret that improved infrastructure, including transportation enhancements, is a key indicator to the future economic health of an area. In the case of the residents at the west end of highway 32, the provincial government has made both a decision and a statement by supporting a de-enhancement, if there is such a thing.
Leader and area are able to boast some envious natural resources including tourism and gas/oil. All this potential, with no support. In fact, the province's decision to turn a blind eye to the condition of highway 32 takes AWAY opportunities from those wanting and willing to improve their livelihood, their community and area of the province.
The only progressive thing I'll have to say about my June highway run from Swift Current to Leader was that it was in the daytime - I had time to look for oncoming traffic in order to pull off the road; and I had time to slow down from 100 km to 90 km to 50 km to play dodge-the-pothole. The state of the highway is beyond poor - it is downright unsafe.
Minister of Transportation and Highways Eldon Lautermilch has been noted as saying "Public safety is of the utmost importance, and if extra money needs to be found in the coffers to make sure roads are safe, safety comes much before a budget number.” Both Lautermilch and Calvert have been around long enough to know the importance of the creed "Prevention is better than cure." Find the money. Improve the road. The cure is not well-wishes at a funeral.
Is physically slowing westward traffic the provincial government's plan to hinder the out-migration of Saskatchewan's most important resource? What they are in effect doing is creating a lasting impression. The Saskatchewan provincial government needs to get its priorities in order and figure out what is important before it's all gone. I honestly don't think anyone is expecting miracles; just some vested interest, some action, and some lasting results. But continuing to ignore the problem isn't going to make the problem go away.
Will I visit Leader again? Absolutely. There are a lot of great people, natural resources, and potential there. Will my visit be dependent upon the condition of highway 32? Again, the answer is absolutely. And quite frankly, that sad situation is nothing short of lose-lose for both my benefit, and the businesses there where I would spend my money. I don't think the provincial government will understand the hostage situation they have placed on that area of the province - until they open their ears, eyes and minds - and travel a mile in someone else's shoes/vehicle.
R. Stevenson
Eckville, AB
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July 21, 2006
Welcome to the Beautiful Southwest corner of the province!
A big congratulations goes out to you and your family for arriving here alive and well. Out here its not the sand hills you have to worry about but getting stuck in the potholes.
Enjoy a relaxing soak in any of the potholes between Leader and Sceptre, bathing suit required. Or just take the time for a leisurely drive like the rest of us that would like to keep their windshields intact. Take defensive driving lessons from any of the area's residents. We have 80-year-old drivers that can take highway 32 at an astounding 90 Km and hour and still pull off the tight turns and abrupt braking required with cat-like-reflexes. It's all here and more, if you can get here safely.
All kidding aside, it's a sad state the highway is in, and even sadder that we are still putting up with it. I think it would be a great idea for Lorne Calvert and his merry men to take a trip down highway 32 in their own vehicles. Even better, the back of our Stock Trailer.
Take care and safe driving everyone.
J. LaSalle
Sceptre, SK
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July 5, 2006
As we traveled home from the cottage (driving on Highway 32) my mind wanders until we hit another bump............... oh back to reality.
The bump brought my thoughts to the new hospital being built in Swift Current. My question to the government is how can we get our ambulances down highway 32 to the new hospital? The lives of the people being transferred are at risk when traveling on this dangerous, run-down highway. We desperately need your assistance in fixing this highway. Please help!
Also, hats off to Gordon Stueck for all of his efforts in trying to build a stronger Saskatchewan. All communities need a guy like Gord on their team.
G. Resch
Leader, SK
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July 4, 2006
I frequently travel from Alsask to Abbey. In the 17 years that I have been making the trips, the road has never been as bad as this past trip. The road is appalling. In many sections the speed limit was stated as 100km. If I had done the speed limit, I would have slid off the gravel.
I am spoiled, coming from Vancouver, British Columbia, but surely your government can see how atrocious the highway is to motorists. For the time it takes to place a flag at the pot hole, someone could have spent some time fixing the hole.
Never have I seen road repairs as there is on that stretch of highway, gravel dumped, loose asphalt. A semi-truck going the opposite direction, going full speed, dragged up the asphalt as the truck went by and scattered the rocks into my windshield.
I will be writing to the government to express my disappointment as to the state of disrepair of Highway 32.
C. Dishaw
Vancouver, BC
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July 1, 2006
Having been born in Leader and raised in Leader I do remember a time when Highway 32 was actually not a bad highway to travel.
Saskatchewan is famous for many things, but the conditions of our roads is one of the things this province has become extremely well known for. It is often said, and not just by residents of Saskatchewan, but from visitors from other provinces and other countries, that it would be better to drive in the ditch. With the condition of our so called HIGHWAY 32, how do you distinguish between ditch and highway?
This narrow little death trap has more red signs than I have ever seen and the "soft shoulder" and "rough road" signs make me chuckle to myself. You cannot call something that doesn`t exist a shoulder, and maybe we should rename this stretch ROUGH ROAD 32. There should also be warning signs to proceed at your own risk. Who knows, the way our government works I am very surprised that there isn`t some form of waiver to sign before venturing out on this wonderful example of our hard tax dollars at work.
Unfortunately, I don`t think inviting the Premier to this little corner of the world is going to do anything, I doubt he even knows we exist out here. I bet, though, if his street had one stone out of place someone would be there to remove it before he finished his complaint.
The solution put forward, well just cover it in gravel for the next three years or so. WONDERFUL Idea. Heck why not, that would be great if, and only if, all of us could send our vehicle and windshield repair bills to the Premier himself. Chances are if he had to pay for the repairs for his solution to this problem, some other solution would be presented, and quickly.
My personal opinion is that someone is going to have to be killed on this stretch (more than likely right at one of the famous signs) before anything is done. But again, there will be some way to blame the poor soul for his own fate (more than likely travelling too fast for road conditions). Maybe give us a HIGHWAY and not a ROAD, to deal with the conditions.
S.Farr
Leader, SK
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June 30, 2006
Me and my brother stayed in Leader about 3 weeks ago, and had to drive down that highway to Swift Current. It was horrible! I thought maybe they were preparing to pave it or something. I guess not.
We hit a pile of gravel in the middle of the road and could feel it scraping on the bottom of the car.
Anyway, at least you are doing something.
C. Attrell
Banff, AB
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June 29, 2006
My uncle is a peacekeeper in the Canadian Forces. In his travels, he has been to wartorn Albania. He rode on Highway 32. He compares Highway 32 to the roads in Albania. He believes they are similar, with Highway 32 being slightly worse. I think that if it is worse than in a poor wartorn country, it requires some work.
On a recent trip to the Sandhills, we were very excited to reach the grid road, because it was smooth, and somewhat roadlike. On the grid road, there were not sections of potholes where steering around merely put you in different potholes. It was refreshing, until the return trip. It is so awful, that we took video of the drive.
I feel truly sorry for the people of the towns on Highway 32. In order to go anywhere, they must travel this road. If only the Romans had conquered Saskatchewan in their time...
V. Houghtaling
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June 28, 2006
Quite an interesting website. It may seem unusual for someone like myself to be commenting on Highway 32 since I am currently living in Mississauga, Ontario, but I have a long time fascination with southwest Saskatchewan.
I hope that you people manage to get some relief and satisfactory solution regarding the deplorable state of the road.
Regards,
B. Dang
Mississauga, Ontario
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Dear Lorne Calvert
I’m inviting you to Leader Sask. Please come in your own vehicle on Highway 32 and we will have a drink. You will need one if you survive the trip.
Please don’t get upset if you roll your vehicle and we can’t get an ambulance to assist you because they can’t drive on Highway 32. I guess you will have to take your chances.
Lorne, the people in your own province are in desperate need of this infrastructure, not only here, but all over rural Saskatchewan. The world does not revolve around Regina and Saskatoon.
A. White
Leader, SK
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June 27, 2006
I am a born and raised Saskatchewan resident. I thoroughly enjoy my home town of Leader and will probably stay in the area for many years to come. The pleasures of living in a small town in Saskatchewan are endless. I am always optimistic about the future and part of this is because I live in such a beautiful part of Canada.
With that said I believe that optimism is key to a better Saskatchewan, but when I have to travel on the highway from hell I cringe with frustration at the condition of the 32 from Leader to Swift Current. My optimism dwindles.
I travel on that highway for pleasure, business and dental appointments. The safety of the travelers is in jeopardy and I blame the government for their complacency to step up to the plate and fix the highway.
The condition of that death trap is appalling, mortifying and down right irritating. Where are all of our tax dollars going to?
I challenge our premier to come for a drive. Reminder, Mr. Calvert, use a small car!
G. Resch
Area Resident
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June 24, 2006
As I write this I'm sitting on the side of the 32 highway just south of Abbey.
Unlike my father, my whole life I have seen this province decay. Small towns disappear, elevators & rail lines removed, hospitals closed, schools closed, farms bankrupt, businesses bankrupt, friends & family move to other provinces & the condition of our highways continuously decay.
I work in the Saskatchewan oilfield and I'm forced to travel the 32 almost everyday as well as the 21 and 37. A lot of oilfield services come from Alberta (where my whole life I've seen that province build & grow much like my father did with Saskatchewan), and I'm continuously defending my province and apologizing for its road conditions.
As anyone can tell you that has traveled down these once good highways, the conditions are unacceptable. It raises many questions such as: What is the fuel tax for and where does the money go? Where is the money from all the oilfield land sales & all the other new found revenue the government has come up with in the last 30 years?
I'm proud to have been born and raised in Saskatchewan and the quality of people that live here and are originally from here is second to none. It is time for our government to wake up and start rebuilding this great province of ours.
B. Foster
Swift Current, SK
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June 19, 2006
This is my prayer for highway 32.
Lord please grant me the courage to travel the 32 highway without saying all those harsh words when we nearly loose our vehicle in one of the many potholes; and Lord please watch over all those who travel highway 32 so no tragedy becomes them; and Lord please tell us what else we have to do to open the eyes of our great leaders of the Government that they may see the dire need we have for a New Highway.
Thank you Lord, maybe you will listen to our pleas.
B. Hopfauf
Lancer, SK
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Glad to see Saskatchewan people are finally standing up for our poor road conditions in this province.
We have lots of oil revenue over on the west side of this province, where is the money going? Do we have to keep socking it into the government workers pensions? Hey, come on it's time to start getting our highways back into shape.
Anyone I talk to that doesn't live in the west side of this province can't believe what shape our roads are in. They all make the comments "well I won't be taking that way again."
We have lots to see in the west, why should we suffer just because our roads are in such poor shape! Let's get people in the government that care about our highways!! We've been silent for too long!
K. Ritsco
Eatonia
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June 18, 2006
I grew up in Abbey and traveled Hwy 32 too many times to count. When I moved away 10 years ago, it was not in the best shape then, but I cannot believe how treacherous it has become! I come home to visit my family every year and I am APPALLED that folks have to drive on this road in the devastating condition it’s in, not to mention those in need of emergency healthcare!
I’ve seen a lot of places/things in both Canada and the States but I can honestly say that I have never seen such poor road conditions as Highway 32 and I’m sure all the folks I forward this website to will agree! It is disgraceful!!!!
I am thankful that there have not been many casualties or fatalities from driving on this road, and The Minister of Highways better be thanking his lucky stars as well ... Can you say “Law Suit?” I pray that my family and friends make it from point A to point B safely each day while traveling this road.
Kudos to Mr. Stueck and all the residents along the #32 for taking a stand!
M. Radloff
Austin, Texas
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June 17, 2006
The Saskatchewan Government spends millions of dollars through our wonderful Crowns, also millions building business ventures like Spudco.
There is lots of money to build the best highways in Canada if the NDP would consider highways an investment instead of a burden. It doesn't matter if a highway doesn't have big towns today, but good infrastructure will encourage development. Instead, people just leave, creating more depopulation and even less desire by Dept of Highways to build roads.
The people of Saskatchewan deserve better than this. Saskatchewan cities grow basically from rural migration, unlike Alberta. Perhaps this is just a tactic to concentrate everyone into a few manageable centres surrounded by nothing. Let's change our future and hire some people in the Highways department that know what's going on and what needs to be done with our highways.
K. Kruesel
Saskatoon
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June 14, 2006
I'd like to ask the Premier to take a ride in an ambulance on the #32 highway. I can't believe that he would expect a patient to have to be transported over such a mess of a road, if you even want to call it a road. Our cars can't even travel on this road; we'd get lost in the potholes. Just another reason to hit the road closest to the Alberta border.
Our gov't is the laughing stock of the country. Anyone that comes to our province looks for the quickest way out. I guess rural people just don't mean too much to the NDP. Just maybe with any luck all of us rural people will disappear, then the gov't is off the hook to spend any money on our roads out here.
Is it any wonder people leave the province?
L. Hunt
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Having settled in Leader in mid May, I now find myself driving down the lovely Highway 32 to my job in Sceptre every day and have found road conditions to be truly atrocious. So is the rudeness of some of the drivers that use this stretch. Often we can see the potholes coming, yet some of these "road bullies" still insist on overtaking at dangerous speeds at exactly the worst points, leaving me and my little Nissan to hug the ditch or risk disappearing into one of these "car traps".
Unlike some other commentators, I am an ardent socialist, and have travelled in both socialist and developing nations, and do not see that type of government as being linked to poor road conditions. Cuba, for instance, has blooming beds of roses in the middle of some of their highways. However, I have been taking great delight in sending the lovely Highway 32 postcards to friends there to say: "See! It's not all roses here either!"
Meanwhile, I do ask myself every day as I'm pothole-surfing up that road: "When exactly did WE become a 3rd World country?"
C. Wilson
Leader
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June 13, 2006
I've commented before, but I'll comment again.
I will never complain about BC’s northern highways after seeing that footage from Southwest News. That is absolutely unacceptable for a road in a rich nation such as Canada to be in that type of condition. There are highways in third world countries that are in better shape than that! You folks need to distribute this video everywhere ... send it to the government, send it to the CBC. The more people that know about this situation, the more the government will look bad – and since any government hates to look bad, they might reconsider and put more money into doing proper repairs to Highway 32.
I find the citizens of rural Saskatchewan to be some of the greatest people around! It just disgusts me to see you folks being treated so badly by your NDP government. Vote them out of office the next time you get the chance. Meanwhile, organize a class action lawsuit. Government will most times start to listen somewhat when the threat of litigation is pending!
Best luck to you folks.
E. Roy
Northern BC
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I find it incongruous that the provincial government would spend in concert with the City of Regina and Federal government $18 million on the urban renewal of a swamp - aka Wascana Lake - and not spend a similar amount on the rebuilding/repair of rural highways which actually contribute directly to the wealth of this province.
Why isn't money being spent on those areas which generate the wealth, instead of on prettying up a swamp, Premier Calvert?
Could it be that our roads and other infrastructure is abandoned and deteriorating because we don't vote for you and are unlikely ever to vote for you? Are we being punished for our independence, our belief in hard work and disbelief in the "Socialist Ideal"?
Minister Lautermilch is quick to laude the government's "massive" highway's budget of $300+ million this year, but still equally quick to blame the outgoing 1991 Conservative government for the dire straits the province was left financially when the NDP assumed control of the treasury benches. Hey Eldon, that was almost 15 years ago - in case you've forgotten you've had your hand on the economic throttle for the past while - the problems we face today are all of your own making - there's nobody left to blame but yourselves!
First of all, rural Saskatchewan has been all but abandoned other than to be a cash cow to be milked, milked and milked to top-up flights of fancy and pork barrelling to the urbans - particularly Saskatoon and Regina. Also to a lesser extent the other larger urban centres where this government might garner votes to stave off electoral defeat.
Secondly, the Southwest is doubly targeted first as one of the biggest cash cows, or more correctly a gas and oil well from which the vast resource revenues flow into an ever rapacious Regina-based centralist government with nary a dollar flowing back to prop up our ailing and rapidly deteriorating infrastructure.
Then there are the infamous "TMS Highways" - those ribbons of mcadam tar which weave around the province pretending to be economic lifelines, but in reality another cheap solution proffered by a government filled with marketeers (Lautermilch's own words) and non-technical people who have yet to see the damage done to the Trans-Canada Highway by multiple B-trains. These people and those who work for them within SaskHighways seem equally ignorant of the heavily loaded grain transports and the damage done by those behemoths as they roar from farm to elevator (now strategically placed along the railway lines beside the No. 1).
The tired old arguments that Saskatchewan has more roads than the rest of Canada, or is it the world, are always trotted out when anyone has the temerity to challenge this government over its highways' policy are wearing as thin as the TMS highways.
The latest laugh is the Minister and his SaskHighways' lackeys touting that the government's decision to turn many rural highways back into gravel roads - something no doubt the intrepid Metis ox trains and NWMP encountered during their epic March West - are for safety purposes and are only a temporary measure until Lautermilch can scrape up enough funds to fix the roads. But of course this will be difficult because of the heavy calls on govt. to fund Health and Education (something which they are funding less and less - relying on the municipalities and communities to fund at an ever increasing rate).
Now the Minister appears to be downloading some of the costs of highways maintenance onto the municipalities - something when challenged by the Member for Cypress Hills (Wayne Elhard) Lautermilch never properly answered during his recent appearance before the STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS AND INFRASTRUCTURE - Hansard: May 18, 2006.
The tax revolt staged last year brought some reaction by this government of ditherers over education taxes, but as usual it was too little, too late, and also as usual there was no plan to do anything more beyond the ever popular quick-fix. Perhaps another tax revolt is what is required to get the Premier's attention?
When Elhard asked for a plan to fix our highways, Lautermilch stood silent. But then that is the NDP way, unless of course to trumpet some groundbreaking measure such as the revitalization of a swamp - like Wascana Lake.
D. Lilley
Maple Creek
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I heard Gordon Stueck on CBC this morning. He was humorous and articulate as he described the state of Highway 32 and the efforts of the local residents to advertise the poor shape it's in. Personally, I am too steamed to be effective about the provincial government's virtual abandonment of rural Saskatchewan -- humour is the ticket, and the best of luck to you.
I live in Saskatoon, but have to drive down 368 to get to my hometown. This was another highway that was featured in news stories short weeks ago for the poor condition it's been in and how it affects businesses like Bourgault Industries. I dread the thought of what the road will do to my VW this weekend.
Any fool could see what would happen to our roads when years back they closed down elevators and forced farmers to move their grain in trucks too heavy for the highways or grid roads. Years of neglect and less than adequate maintenance have accumulated, and now government officials throw up hands and bemoan the $2 billion mess on their hands, as if it's a matter of some surprise to them.
Occasionally, at a campus cafeteria, I bump into the Ag-Economist fellow who was recently quoted as saying that Saskatchewan shouldn't waste resources propping up rural SK, that we should concentrate on the cities that hold the majority of the population. One day I almost accidentally spilled borscht on his white shirt.
R. Gerwing
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As a resident and business person in the Abbey area I would like to show my disdain for the horrible condition of the 32 highway. With all of the oil & gas activity along the 32, the government should have no excuse for funding decent repairs or rebuilding of the highway.
I would be thoroughly ashamed to be a minister in the current Calvert NDP government, especially the highways minister, when they know the conditions of the highway and still refuse to do anything.
The province is always trying to promote tourism. Who in their right mind would want to travel the 32 to see any of the sites? It's bad enough having to live in the area and put up with it.
Come on politicians, get out of the cities and see how the rest of us live. Make this province a HAVE PROVINCE not a HAVE NOT!!!! Some place to be proud of, not ashamed!!
S. Erickson
Abbey
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June 12, 2006
I have grown up in the Abbey/Lancer area and now currently reside in Red Deer, AB. Growing up, the highway was always in less than perfect condition but now I don't even have words to explain it! Every time I make the trip home, the highway is in worse shape than the previous time. The pot holes get bigger, the shoulders get smaller and it seems there is more gravel than pavement. It takes a lot of time and effort to make it down the road in one piece without wrecking your vehicle and keeping a sane mind at the same time.
I recently got married in Lancer and was warning out of town visitors what terrible shape the highway was in. As most out of town visitors were coming from Alberta, they had no clue what was in store for them and I don't think that they really comprehended the state of our roads! A few of our visitors were pulling trailers along with them and it took them twice as long to negotiate the highway. I even made the effort to clock out mileage and directions for travelling on the grid roads as to avoid the highway. Everyone appreciated these directions as they all said it was better travelling on the gravel than on the pavement. Does that sound a little backwards to you? I am so thankful that everyone got there in one piece and that there was no damage to any of their vehicles or trailers (that I know of anyway).
Overall, I am disgusted with the condition of highway 32. What will it take to get some action to fix this highway? I know that when I go home, I will seriously consider driving the backroads instead of the highway from now on, but how long will it take before the backroads are just as bad from extra traffic? There are so many little interesting stops to make on highway 32 and I don't think that the state of the highway is a good tourism promoter. Many comments already have stated that they will never travel that highway again. We shouldn't have to warn people of how bad the roads are. It is definitely a safety issue that needs to be addressed.
I think this website is a great idea and I hope that more people respond with comments to try and get the government's attention. It's really too bad that it has to come to this to get a highway fixed; I think that it should be an automatic thing that the government is responsible for.
G. Fanning
Red Deer, AB
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During the May long weekend, we decided to visit the Town of Leader stay at Gramma Shirley's B&B. We had no idea what we would encounter when we turned off Highway 1 onto #32. We have yet to total the bill for front end work on our van.
We toured each town on the road, and in particular the Museum at Sceptre. Then, we fortunately left the road to visit the Great Sand Hills. Then on to your town of Leader, and the great B&B. You are to be commended on your town. We very much enjoyed our stay, and toured the country. However, it will be some time until we are back if we have to travel #32.
Our hearts go out to the people who must travel it every day. Do the school buses actually use it? Upon returning home we wrote to the Leader Post listing our concerns, something we had not done before. Now we listen to the gov't make excuses. We loved the area, but as we have told friends, take grid roads if you can.
Thanks again for your town's hospitality, and hope very much that your efforts result in improvement to #32.
D. & M. Page
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June 11, 2006
We travelled highway 32 and highway 21 north of Leader a few weeks ago. It was truly a trip I will remember and not because of the points of interest. The road was horrendous and despicable. I have never voted NDP and be assured I never will.
How come we have new liquor stores in this province and we will soon have a new casino in SC, but the roads in rural Sask. have all but been forgotten. How sad is that?
I, also, invite the premier of Sask and his cabinet ministers to travel this stretch of highway in their own vehicle and not one that the tax payer pays for, because we need the money for our own car repairs.
E. Thomas
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I have not been a resident of Saskatchewan for some years, but do remember with fondness travelling the highways of the province through work and for pleasure and have been following the issue with great interest. The situation now is that the conditions have been ignored for so long that it will take tens of billions and probably decades for this to be improved. Looking at the photos of Highway? 32 (and I know it is not unique) it is obvious that what is required is not repair but total reconstruction.
Perhaps what is required now is for residents and non-residents who have suffered damage to their vehicles as a result of driving these goat paths to band together and file a class action suit against the provincial government for compensation of damages to vehicles as well as lost revenues for businesses affected by this deplorable situation.
Win or lose, the potential embarrassment suffered by Calvert and his gang might make them finally realize that the boundaries of the province aren't set at the city limits of Regina and Saskatoon.
G. Berube
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June 9, 2006
You folks think you have a problem with highway 32? How would you like to go everyday? We run the Leader Bus daily and it's just about too much sometimes. Our windshields are always wrecked, ball joints and tie rods are period expenses.
I used to believe it was all gov't fault, but now I think it goes down all the line. No one will listen to anyone.
Keep up the pressure, everyone.
I. Davidson
Leader,SK
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I am so disgusted that our Premier sits back and does nothing to light a fire under the Minister of Highways to get something done about these roads. They should change his title to the "Minister of Gravel Roads."
They feed us the line about they don't have the money to fix the roads. My question then is this: Why have the roads been allowed to disintegrate to the point they are? Why has money not been put into proper upkeep until they need to be totally redone? Where has all of the tax money been going until now?
I would like to see what would happen if Mr. Lautermilch tried to turn the highways around Saskatoon and Regina back into gravel and tell the residents they will have to live with it.
I drive to Medicine Hat as do most people, even though Swift Current is closer and the prices are lower. I have talked to people passing through from Alberta and their first response is that they will never come back here and drive on roads that beat them and their vehicle to death! And they can't figure out why tourism is so low? Last week when they put down gravel and tar between Leader and Prelate I got a cracked windshield and 3 out of the 4 headlights on my car are cracked. I challenge both Mr. Lautermilch and Mr. Calvert to ride in the stretcher in the back of an ambulance between Leader and Abbey to see first hand what it is like.
What we need now is an election and to vote out Lorne Calvert and elect anyone who will make replacing Eldon Lautermilch their first act as Premier. The Government is here to serve the people and they have forgotten that fact. All they want now is to tax us to death and what does this Province have to show for it? It sure is not paved roads, that we know for sure.
The bottom line is fix the roads and quit the excuses!
D. Gledhill
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I was born and raised in Cabri and often go down the #32 to visit Mom who still lives there, and just outside of Cabri the road goes from a decent highway to a bumpy, holey, rough stretch that is not fun to drive.
My friend had come from BC a few years ago to visit and in my infinite wisdom I decided to show her the incredible sand dunes in our beautiful area. We were fine until we just got past Shackleton, and knowing that road so well, I of course was doing 100 KM an hour. By the time I had slowed, and avoided who knows how many potholes, I was ready to turn around and head back to Swift Current. There are so many beautiful hidden little spots along there. I remember Lemsford as a child, Portreeve, so many wonderful areas to visit. Sadly, even though that area is my home, I won't come visit. I can't take my son there and I sure will not take visitors there now.
I find it terribly sad that Leader cannot bring a Sask resident to a Sask hospital, especially when we have such a wonderful one here in Swift Current, with great caring doctors. However if it was me in the Ambulance I would probably be asking to head to Medicine Hat, too.
K. Isinghood
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June 8, 2006
My husband & I have lived in Swift Current for 32 years and have travelled the so-called highway #32 too many times to count. My husband's family lives in Leader. This highway has never, ever been in good shape.
Now, you are literally taking your life in your own hands driving on this deplorable road. One of these days, there's going to be a terrible accident and maybe someone will be killed. Is that what it will take to finally get some action to make this a decent highway?
Over the years, it has always been a quick & cheap fix which obviously doesn't work! I personally would like to take the Minister of Highways & the Premier for a drive on highway #32...in their car, of course! There are so many signs saying "rough road" because that's exactly what it is - not Highway #32. They could save all the money they use on rough road signs & red flags and actually put it towards fixing the highway.
Even though Swift Current is building a new hospital, I don't blame the people of Leader one bit for going to Medicine Hat for medical attention. If you were being transported by ambulance from Leader to Swift Current and were in serious condition, I'm afraid that person wouldn't survive the trip. Now how sad is that! Our politicians should be ashamed of themselves! They just don't care about our smaller towns & rural areas. We certainly pay enough in taxes and gas prices keep going up & up, but we sure don't see any improvement in the roads & highways. I'm sure there are other areas of the province that feel the same way.
Hopefully many more people will voice their concerns and finally wake these politicians up!
A. Neufeld
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Having relatives in the Leader and Eatonia Regions I have driven Hwy 32 many times.
Last September, I drove in my Camaro Z28 from Leader to Swift Current on Hwy 32. Let me say it was quite the ride, dodging potholes, driving in the left lane to avoid the them when I could. Shortly after arriving back in Regina, I needed to have $1500 of repair done to the front end of the car.
Since I spent the money repairing my car due to conditions of Highway 32, I believe that the Saskatchewan government can spend the money on repairing the highway.
I am off to region in the coming weeks. Rest assured I will take an alternate route.
R. Youck
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June 7, 2006
These are a few of my experiences regarding Hwy. 32.
My husband works in Swift Current and drove hwy 32 for 3 yrs. to his office, and when the decision was being made whether we should move from our farm to SC one of his comments was that it sure wouldn't hurt his feelings not to have to battle that highway twice a day every day! We still farm and so make the drive home quite a bit through seeding and harvest - you can't EVER be in a hurry on that road. We have also driven back to Abbey for a lot of hockey - we would pick one son up off the rigs at Pennant and he would try to catch 50 winks before the game - needless to say that couldn't possibly happen on that deplorable road.
I had the pleasure of being in labor and trying to get to Cabri hospital in 1981 - the road was in a bit better condition then but I would hate to have to be in any kind of situation where you would be in an ambulance or whatever on that highway today!!
Last fall I drove my son to Lemsford where he was working building bins and I swear I had to take a Robaxacet when I got back to Abbey as I had been shook and bounced around so badly my back was out of whack!
My husband and others in our community drive to Leader or Eston to get parts at seeding and harvest time - it is almost faster to zip back to Swift Current for the parts and definitely safer and easier on the vehicles.
We could go on and on with stories about that road but the final disgrace is that when my husband's grandmother passed away in Medicine Hat she was brought back to Abbey for the funeral and burial. One cousin commented that poor Granny was shook right out of her coffin on that highway!!!
I can't honestly see our government doing anything for us but I am giving huge kudos to you for starting this website and perhaps getting ourselves heard!
R. Erickson
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June 6, 2006
We attended a wedding this past weekend in Lancer, SK and being from Alberta (home of really good highways lol), we were a bit shocked at the quality of highway between Leader, SK and Lancer....let's just say I was glad we didn't have to travel any further on that highway. We travelled to Lancer on June 2nd and back into Leader on June 4th to head back home.
A few of our experiences are as follows:
- no shoulders to the road
- travelling very slowly 30 - 50 km/hr IF that....when the posted speed is 90 km/hr
- huge pot holes throughout the highway
- gravel patches to fill in those pot holes - and if the gravel is not fresh it is still a gaping pot hole
- so much gravel in the pot holes I wouldn't even call it a highway anymore I'd call it a gravel road
- being scared to meet another vehicle on the road as no one drives on their proper side
Those are just a few things I can think of off the top of my head. I was very disappointed in the highway....we had already travelled 4 hours at this point on good highways and to come to a so-called highway like that I was pretty devastated that the province would allow such conditions. Thank goodness we drive an SUV but some of the people in our group were driving cars and they complained of scraping the bottom on the holes and gravel sections. It's getting pretty bad when people would rather take a completely gravel road rather than a highway in saskatchewan.
A lot of the families in Lancer have been living with a highway like that for years. And being from out of town - I can assure you I will never take highway 32 again unless I hear that it's been fixed and prepared into a good driving highway. I don't see how many out of towners would take that road ever again.
K. Banwell
Red Deer, AB
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I agree this highway is a nightmare and to be avoided at all costs. What a shame and how embarrassing. I find it ludicrous that the govt. spends all this money on glossy pretty brochures promoting tourism --- encouraging us to stay here and explore our province and inviting other provinces to see what we have to offer. What a joke.
How are you supposed to see the sights when most of the highways are a disgrace? Makes me want to head east or west or south to North Dakota and experience travel on real highways. At least you know you will get home with your car intact.
Before we promote tourism let's at least make this province accessible and possible to actually drive in.
K. Lawson
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I've travelled that highway many times to visit relatives in Sceptre and yes, it is as bad as they say it is. From broken blacktop, potholes, gravel stretches, no shoulders and basic neglect by the Dept of Highways.
It appears to me that when they attempt to do a repair on a stretch of that highway they try and go it the cheapest route possible. Remember, you get what you pay for!
D. Gardiner
Regina
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June 5, 2006
I live in northern BC, but I have been to Saskatchewan a few times and find that your highways are in horrible condition compared to Alberta’s. I have never driven highway 32, and after viewing your website I have no desire to! The reason I am writing this comment is because I share your grief, and can identify with your situation. Northern BC is in the same boat as southwestern Saskatchewan – the provincial government has forgotten we are here!
Just recently, our northern highways in this province have started getting “patch jobs” which have made them somewhat better, but after years of NDP rule in this province, there are still a number of projects that need to be completed. The votes are split urban/rural over here as well. My tax dollars are presently going to build a new highway to Whistler for the 2010 winter games – a highway that I will probably never travel, seeing as how I'm 17 hours drive from Vancouver, and when I need my dose of “city” I go to Calgary because it’s closer – and the roads are better!
I truly enjoy my time in Saskatchewan. The people in the rural areas of the province are especially awesome. It just aggravates me to no end that your NDP government is ignoring the condition of highway 32, and other highways in the province. Love the website, keep up the good work! Bring this one to the attention of the national media – the more exposure your plight gets, the better the chances something might get done. One thing about government and politicians is that they hate to be made to look bad! Good luck on your lobbying efforts. I hope to one day get the chance to drive a newly minted, hard surfaced highway 32!
E. Roy
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June 4, 2006
Our family recently drove down highway 32 on a visit from Manitoba. If we would have traveled what the speed limit indicated, we wouldn't have had a car to drive back with. You need good eyes, good brakes, strong nerves and a lot of time on your hands to take that road ... never again. We drove Highway 21 back to the Number one. Highway 32 is too dangerous. If we visit again, it won’t be on that road ... what a pity ... there are some good sights to see!
B. and G. Davies
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June 3, 2006
In the mid 1950s, the most infamous highway in Saskatchewan used to be # 21 in between Maple Creek and Cypress Hills Park. In those days (when it was not paved), the gravel was the ideal shape for sticking in tire treads and flying out to break the windshields of passing vehicles. Check with Saskatchewan Government Insurance which insisted that in the 1950s more claims came from those few kilometres than anywhere else in the province.
Now in the 2000s we have a new champion: Highway 32, between Cabri and Leader especially! In the 1960s we lived in Cabri and we were really pleased when the highway was connected to # 1 and paved. For some years, it was a reliable connector between Leader and Swift Current. Recently, however, my daughter-in-law has been working in Sceptre and Leader and my wife and I couldn't believe the deplorable condition of the road when visiting her and our son. In two years we deliberately avoided going to Sceptre after that one trip; we made sure to visit them when they were at their primary residence in Swift Current. We live in Moose Jaw.
Somebody, please do something about that disgusting broken-up trail called a "highway." When the Leader ambulance can't afford to use it, and when local people would prefer to take longer grid roads and side roads down to # 1 rather than use # 32, something needs fixing! How many vehicles have to be shaken apart to get action?
Dr. D. Laing
Moose Jaw
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June 2, 2006
I, too, have traveled many times on highway 32. I make the trek from Cabri thru to Leader to go to Edmonton.
It used to be the shortest way to go, but not anymore! The highway is a death trap, and it's appalling that our government has let it deteriorate so badly. You could drive on the highway blindfolded and still know when you've come to the Alberta border because of the immediate improvement of their highways. It's a joke!
Their solution is not to repave, but to gravel. Now isn't that moving forward? Most of the highways in Saskatchewan are disgraceful, but highway 32 is by far the worse I've ever seen.
The government can't figure out why so many people are moving out of province when they have so much to offer here? What has our government shown us in any way that they will take action on our many concerns, this highway being one of them ..... absolutely none!
Wake up and do something before we're all fed up with the way this province is run. Do something for the needs of the people in Saskatchewan for a change.
G. Fontaine
Cabri
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I agree Highway 32 needs attention now. Two years ago my school took the children to see the Great Sandhills. Highway 32 was so rough that children were being tossed around in their seats. We ended up going home via Maple Creek to avoid the situation of kids being hurt in their seats.
The reason I can relate to the situation is I live along Highway 13 between Shaunavon and Cadillac and there are areas along this highway that are terrible. For three miles they turned the highway back to gravel and it is so rough you could roll your vehicle if you were not careful.
This past fall we needed an ambulance for our 3 month old daughter and the driver took over 40 minutes to get to our home because they had to use the grid road to make better time because
of the state of Highway 13. On route to Swift Current the driver had the go ahead for a code 4 (140km) but had to slow to 100km because the road was so rough. I feel so much anger towards our government that they care so little about families like ours. Thank God our little girl was alright. My husband and I decided that if we ever need to make a emergency trip to Swift Current we are going to use the back roads because they are a lot smoother.
The Saskatchewan government should be ashamed of themselves and should step down and let a political party take over who has some ambition to making Saskatchewan a better place. No wonder people refer to Alberta as GOD'S LAND because Saskatchewan is HELL!
R. Saunders
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I commend you and your group on the work you are doing to bring awareness of the deplorable conditions of highway 32 to the government's attention. But to try to get this government to start believing there is more of a province west of Regina is a futile effort.
Everyone in this province knows where the votes are and consequently where our money is being spent. If this road problem was in the Regina or Saskatoon area there would be absolutely no question about finding the money and rebuilding it immediately.
I travel this highway in my job and I know first hand what it is like and how much it has cost me in vehicle repairs over the past six years. As a taxpayer, I say to this government, rebuild this road now or step down and let someone else do the job you can’t.
B. Bowers
Swift Current
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We attended our son's baseball game in Leader last week. We had heard that highway 32 was in bad shape.
We in no way thought it would be that bad! The trip was just horrible. The holes, loose gravel, narrow road, and soft shoulders were down-right dangerous! This is absolutely ridiculous!!!
There are a lot of towns along this highway and it must be needed for travel to
and from Swift Current by many people. I would like to tell the government to get with it and fix this highway NOW!!! It is shameful that they have let it get so bad!
R. Frank
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May 31, 2006
In the short time I have lived in Portreeve, the road has disappeared.
I prefer to travel the grid roads as they are smoother, and as many people in this area are traveling the grids, they are also becoming rough.
So I propose the government get into their fancy little cars and travel out this way for a visit.
This road is beyond belief. It's no longer who or what survives this road but how are farmers or anybody going to be able to travel to work or make a living.
Why are we so forgotten on this end of the province? Why do we not count? What's the future for our communities? How long do we have to wait, or is it how many have to die?
D.Vivone
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May 29, 2006
Hwy. 32 has been a Hwy for me for the most part of my life, I grew up at Portreeve and went to school at
Lancer and Abbey. Never as a young child or a teenager going to school have I ever seen the Hwy. like this. What has happened?
We raised our 2 boys on the farm and they also went to school at Lancer and Abbey, I can tell you that if they were going to school now on the bus, I do not think it would be at all safe for them. It is putting these children now, at a "Total Risk" for their lives! Something has to be done for their safety.
My husband and I now live in Leader, but our dentist is still in Swift Current. Let me tell you he has to be a heck of a dentist for us to travel that Hwy. 32. Beginning to wonder if it's worth it?
Well, one more thing, I would personally love to meet with the The Big Ones and take them for a drive down Hwy. 32 and see what they think? Let them count the holes or craters, or whatever you might like to call them. I would even pay for the trip myself!
J. Bachmeier
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May 28, 2006
Having been raised in the perineal hinterland separating Portreeve from Lemsford in the extremely rural municipality of Clinworth, it has been my profound blessing to have been influenced by the most wonderful people and arguably the worst roads on planet earth.
As a child, I was incarcerated in a plywood enclosure perched on the back of a pickup truck as conveyance to school in Lemsford. In those days, when the weather was rain the 32 highway was a divine freeway after the horrors of virgin Sceptre heavy clay, which turned from mucus when it was raining and to glue when it stopped.
Good old 32 was the link to school, friends, family adventures in Leader and Swift Current. It was the 32 highway which was my gateway to the great wide world and no matter how awful that old friend gets it will always have an irresistible attraction for me.
Perhaps the Province could generate huge savings if they would place a sign at the Trans-Canada junction and the 31-32 junction reading, "Bad road ahead - areas without loose stones, soft shoulders and cavernous potholes will be clearly marked!"
G. Wardell
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May 27, 2006
I travel highway 32 to visit the inlaws quite often and I don't drive a 4x4 truck like a person almost needs to drive through the 4 foot deep pot holes that are scattered throughout most of the highway.
On my recent travels back from the inlaws I counted many red bump and hole signs along that stretch of highway. I almost lost count but I came to a total of over 50 signs.
I see this as a major safety concern for all that travel the road frequently and any who plan to venture that way. Furthermore, we work hard for our vehicles and I can see damage or serious accidents becoming a problem due to the conditions of the highway.
M. Cathcart
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May 26, 2005
I grew up in Cabri, which for those of you who don't know, is on #32 half way between Swift Current and Leader.
I made many a trip to Leader when I lived in Cabri, and remember it as a beautiful, but narrow, highway. We used to ride our bikes out to Miry Creek golf course on weekends.
I have lived in Saskatoon now for many years, but return to Cabri to visit family and friends. On occasion my husband and I have taken our road bikes to Cabri, and cycled # 32 east towards Swift Current. One weekend last summer, I had the brilliant idea to cycle west towards Leader. My husband is a city-slicker, and had never been on # 32 east of Cabri. I told him, with much enthusiasm, how beautiful the area was, and assured him that we would have a lovely bike ride!
Imagine our reaction as we proceeded down that "highway" on skinny-tired bikes! I was absolutely shocked! I was so embarrassed and appalled that the province would let the road deteriorate to that state! It felt like we were on the surface of the moon! It would have been easier to ride down a summer-fallow field!
I don't know how those of you who still have to travel that "road" put up with it! I would be yelling and screaming if I had to!
Hopefully you won't have to endure those conditions forever. I commend you for setting up this web page.
Good luck!
W. Hickman
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May 24, 2006
I visited the Leader area in July and December of last year and found it to be a very nice community ... beautiful scenery and great people. The highway however, was a completely different story.
It seems such a shame to me that the hard-working people of that area have been continually denied the proper upkeep of their roads. The crops they transport are the livelihood of the community and a major source of revenue for the country, as well as the wear and tear of vehicles and potentially life-threatening situations that could be avoided by a maintained highway. Why are farming communities such as that of the town of Leader shown such a lack of respect?
As a visitor to the area I was appalled that the government would allow such poor infrastructure to exist. It certainly colored my view of the current quality of the Province's funds management. Please, take the time to review your current policies and do not allow the badly needed road repairs to be delayed any longer.
Jennifer H.
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We live in the Southwest part of the province and are appalled by the condition of Highway 32. We use Leader for our medical care and the thought of being in an ambulance on the way to Swift Current is unimaginable.
Government's lack of funding to build and maintain this highway is just another example of the rural people being shafted. Where are our tax dollars going? What about all the revenue the province collects from the oil and gas royalties coming from the Southwest? Why are rural people always treated like 'third' class citizens? Where is your appreciation of those of us who grow food?
We love rural life and rural people and would love to remain in Sask. , the place that was once a great place to live. Due to your inability to recognize us as equal citizens of this province, we just may have to move to Alberta. We are extremely angry with what is happening to this once great province.
H. Winter
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May 23, 2006
I too traveled the infamous "goat path" we try to call a highway. I had not travelled this ...road for some time, I was trying to return at night with a trailer in tow. This was quite a feat and I dare say it removed more than the token 40 miles it was to take from both me, my vehicle and trailer. I traveled through some holes near to the 70km sign at less than a snails pace in a 3/4 ton truck, having to nearly stop occasionally to check to see which holes would be the best route through.
I am truly worried about some stranger trying to navigate this highway at night or day for that matter, seeing the posted 70km sign may give the person a feeling that is the safe speed required to travel this ... road, only to find that their vehicle would be severely damaged and they may be putting themselves into imminent danger.
In all I feel we in this corner of the province have been neglected too many years and we need to be given the same treatment others in the province are receiving.
W. Neufeld
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May 22, 2006
My main concern with the state of Highway 32 is not so much with
vehicle damage or personal injury (though they are concerns), but
rather Saskatchewan economy. Living rather close to the Alberta
border I have two choices when it comes to travelling to a bigger
centre: Swift Current, SK, and Medicine Hat, AB. Every time I have
chosen Medicine Hat over Swift Current because of Highway 32.
I am a staunch supporter of Saskatchewan business (Alberta does not
need my money), but when I have to travel to get something, there is
no way I'll travel down the 32 to Swift. I wonder how many other
people avoid "Shopping Saskatchewan" because of deplorable highway
conditions.
A commitment must be made to Highway 32 not just this year, but in
future years as well to help encourage business and tourism.
J. Mitchell
Prelate
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As a weekly traveller from Swift Current to Leader for the past two
years, I have watched what I thought was a poor road get worse and worse.
I have replaced three windshields within 6 months, all due to cracks
obtained on this highway. I have tried to be exceedingly careful about
slowing down or swerving to avoid the potholes and have managed to keep
the car in reasonable shape.
One year ago I had memorized the worst of the potholes (usually by
hitting them at least once in the previous year) and managed to avoid
most of them. The drive yesterday (May 21, 2006) showed me that I can't
avoid them anymore. They reach right across the road and are often
hidden until too late. My backseat passenger was getting car sick with
all the swerving, sudden slowing down and bumps that we were going
through.
I laughed with frustration when I saw a few weeks ago that the course
of action that the highways department took this spring was to put a new
sign on the rough road sign, to reduce the speed to 70 Km/hr.
The road west of Lancer to Sceptre is so bad that I now routinely take
the grid roads instead. They are much better, smoother, and even though
they are graveled are safer to travel on. Hooray for the Rural
Municipality.
I have had two sets of visitors from Alberta decide to take that highway
from their home to visit us. Both groups said flatly that they would
never have taken that road if they knew how bad it was, and returned a
different way.
I urge Premier Calvert to get into his car, chauffeur driven or not and
drive Highway 32. With all the oil and gas exploration and revenues
flowing to the province from this area, I would like the provincial
government to use some of that money to fix up Highway 32.
B. Laing
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We invite all travellers to send their comments on the condition of Highway 32 for posting on this website.
Comments are edited for content, and printed copies of all posted comments will be forwarded to the Minister of Highways.
In the interests of privacy, we do not post your email address, nor is it distributed to anyone.
Please feel free to vent your fury (within permissible boundaries) to: comments@highway32.ca
