My Op-Ed Started a Conversation — Now It’s a National Call to Action

What started as an op-ed I wrote back in May has really taken off and turned into a national conversation about an issue that affects every driver, cyclist, and pedestrian in Ottawa—and across Canada. My article, “Can’t see any lines on the road when you drive? It’s an increasing hazard,” published on May 8, 2025, highlighted how new federal environmental rules aimed at reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in road paint are causing serious safety risks by making road markings fade much faster than before. You can read the full piece here: https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/traffic-lanes-washing-away-hazard

The federal government introduced these VOC regulations in 2023 with good intentions to reduce air pollution, but the unintended consequence is that the paints municipalities now have to use don’t stick as well and fade quickly. This means we’re forced to repaint lines two or three times a year, which drives up costs, increases greenhouse gas emissions from paint trucks, and—most importantly—creates dangerous conditions on our roads. I know many of you have noticed how quickly lines vanish after rain or during the winter, making intersections and crosswalks hard to see. It’s not just frustrating, it’s a safety hazard.

The issue has sparked a lot of attention. I’ve received hundreds of messages from residents, and there are over 200 comments on the Globe and Mail website alone. The story has been covered extensively, and I want to share some of the links where you can see the discussion and media coverage:

• Road lines fading faster after environmental rule, say local politicians – raising costs and safety concerns — The Globe and Mail: https://theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-road-lines-fading-faster-after-environmental-rule-say-local/

• Disappearing road markings in Ottawa: Councillor raises concerns about paint for road lanes, intersections — CTV News Ottawa: https://ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/disappearing-road-markings-in-ottawa-councillor-raises-concerns-about-paint-for-road-lanes-intersections/

• Morning Rush with Bill Carroll — CFRA Radio: https://omny.fm/shows/580-cfra/the-morning-rush-cant-see-the-lines-on-the-road-when-you-drive

• Moore in the Morning — Newstalk 1010 Podcast: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/962-moore-in-the-morning-sound-73948749/episode/its-actually-something-that-affects-every-279975859/

As chair of Ottawa’s Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, I’m committed to finding a real solution. I’ve requested an update at our June meeting on what lobbying efforts have been made through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and what progress we’re making with the federal government. I’m also working closely with paint manufacturers like 3M to explore safer, more durable paints that meet environmental standards without compromising safety.

We shouldn’t have to wait for more accidents to prove what we already know: when road lines vanish, danger increases. This is about balancing environmental responsibility with public safety. I want to assure you that I’m pushing hard for solutions that reflect the real conditions we face here in Ottawa and across Canada.

If you’ve seen fading lines or dangerous intersections in your community, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your voices make a difference, and together we can make our roads safer for everyone.

Thanks for staying engaged on this important issue.