100 years old in 2032

Tourism Depends on the Trail

Like many rural businesses, our livelihood is closely tied to tourism. Each season, visitors arrive eager to experience the beauty, culture, and hospitality our region proudly offers. The scenic 298-kilometre coastal drive is the main draw, bringing motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, and hikers from around the world. Their journey should be memorable for breathtaking views and welcoming communities—not for the condition of the road beneath their wheels.

Visitor Expectations and Reality

Too often, travellers leave disappointed. Instead of smooth pavement and safe shoulders, they encounter rough surfaces, potholes, and uneven stretches that distract from the natural beauty surrounding them. Visitors speak openly about the decline, and word of mouth travels quickly. When the driving experience suffers, so do the businesses, accommodations, restaurants, and attractions that depend on positive reviews and repeat visits.

A Milestone Worth Preparing For

With the 100th anniversary approaching in 2032, Victoria County has invited input on how this historic milestone should be celebrated. Anniversaries are moments of pride, reflection, and renewal. They are opportunities to showcase the very best of what a place represents. For a route known worldwide for its scenery, the foundation of any celebration must begin with the road itself.

Celebrate Progress, Not Potholes

Our answer is simple and shared by many locals: repave the trail and celebrate a smooth, safe journey. Around kitchen tables and community halls, residents jokingly describe the route as a “series of holes held together by strings of asphalt.” While said with humour, the concern is real. Restoring the road would honour the past, support today’s tourism economy, and ensure future generations can experience the drive as it was meant to be—beautiful, safe, and worthy of celebration.