WATCH ABOVE: Calgary is the country’s least congested city. Dallas Flexhaug reports.
CALGARY – Calgary is the least congested of Canada’s seven major cities, according to a study by navigation company TomTom.
The company’s 5th annual Traffic Index compares congestion in over 200 cities based on data collected throughout 2014.
For the second year in a row, Calgary’s congestion level stayed steady at 22%, well below the national average of 27%.
While our congestion level remains unchanged, rates in Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec increased.
Vancouver snagged the dubious title of most congested city in Canada.
The Traffic Index found the most congested evening commute times in Calgary are on Wednesdays and Fridays.
According to TomTom, the average Canadian loses 79 hours at year stuck in traffic.
The company blames high congestion levels in part on the traditional workweek, which gives people no choice but to be on the road during rush hour.
“By adopting more flexible schedules, individuals save travel time and rush hour congestion can be reduced overall,” suggests TomTom.
Top seven most congested cities in Canada ranked by overall congestion level in 2014:
| Rank | City | Overall Congestion Level 2014 | Overall Congestion Level 2013 |
| 1 | Vancouver | 35% | 35% |
| 2 | Toronto | 31% | 27% |
| 3 | Ottawa | 28% | 26% |
| 4 | Montreal | 27% | 26% |
| 5 | Edmonton | 23% | 20% |
| 6 | Quebec | 23% | 22% |
| 7 | Calgary | 22% | 22% |
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