Higher gas prices affecting summer plans, survey finds

A new survey shows many people are changing their summer travel plans because of rising gas prices. CTV’s Peter Szperling reports.

Rising gas prices have many families rethinking their summer vacation plans, a new survey suggests.

According to Canadians for Affordable Energy, gas prices in Ottawa rose eight cents per litre on Wednesday, to an average of 173.9 cents per litre. Prices are forecast to go up another two cents on Thursday.

A new survey by CAA South Central Ontario found seven-in-10 Ontarians aged 35 to 54 say rising gas prices are affecting their day-to-day activities, forcing many families to make difficult decisions in how they drive, spend and plan their daily lives.

• MORE: Ottawa gas prices

“For many Ontario families, higher gas prices aren’t just affecting how often they fill up the tank, they’re changing everyday decisions about where they go, what they buy and how they spend their money,” says Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice-president, government and community relations for CAA SCO in a news release.

According to CAA, the survey findings highlight “how higher fuel costs are contributing to broader affordability challenges, with many families driving less, cutting back on discretionary spending and reducing everyday purchases such as takeout meals and coffee to keep spending in check.”

CAA says rising fuel costs are making it harder for families to fully participate in the activities they enjoy.

“Families are doing their best to preserve important moments like vacations and day trips, but affordability pressures are forcing more careful planning,” adds Di Felice.

Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy, says the rising prices are due to a “major supply crunch.”

“The only way in which to address that, given the pent up demand, is by higher prices, which are inevitable here in Canada,” McTeague said.

The rising cost of gas has many Ottawa residents watching their wallets, and re-thinking summer travel plans. Iva Clarke and her children are keeping it local with a visit to the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

“We definitely changed our plans,” Clarke said. “We were hoping to travel a little bit further because we have the week off. But we’re going to be very mindful about where we travel and how we plan those travels so that we can save on, on gas”

Clarke says her family will be taking advantage of the Canada Strong Pass, which offers free admission to those under 18 years of age, to save on admission.

“We are taking advantage of the Canada Free pass to enter the museum to try and save on some costs, because everything now is super expensive.”

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