Hamilton's Barton Street East has once again claimed the top spot on the Canadian Automobile Association's (CAA) annual list of the worst roads in Ontario. Released on Thursday, the 2026 CAA Worst Roads list highlights the most problematic roadways across the province, as voted by Ontario drivers.
This marks the third time Barton Street East has earned the unenviable title of the worst road in Ontario. The road has consistently faced criticism for its poor condition, with drivers citing potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate maintenance as major concerns.
Toronto Roads Also Make the List
While Hamilton took the top spot, Toronto did not escape scrutiny. Four roads in Canada's largest city made the top 10 list:
- Steeles Avenue East – Ranked 5th
- Sheppard Avenue West – Ranked 6th
- Bathurst Street – Ranked 8th
- Unwin Avenue – Ranked 9th
These roads were noted for similar issues, including potholes, poor maintenance, and uneven surfaces that affect safety and mobility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Other Notable Roads
Mississauga's Hurontario Street came in as the second worst road in Ontario, while Innisfil's 6th Line rounded out the top 10. The full list includes:
- Barton Street East, Hamilton
- Hurontario Street, Mississauga
- Notre Dame Avenue, Sudbury
- Sider Road, Fort Erie
- Steeles Avenue East, Toronto
- Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto
- Panache Lake Road, Sudbury
- Bathurst Street, Toronto
- Unwin Avenue, Toronto
- 6th Line, Innisfil
Driving Action Through Awareness
The CAA Worst Roads campaign aims to give Ontarians a platform to voice their concerns about road conditions. According to Brian Pirvu, government relations consultant for CAA South Central Ontario, the campaign helps drive action and ensures governments prioritize investments where they are most needed.
“Reliable infrastructure isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety, affordability and quality of life,” Pirvu said in a statement. “Investing in roads helps reduce repair costs for drivers and ensures people can get where they need to go safely. CAA will continue to advocate for stable, predictable investment in road maintenance and long-term solutions to address Ontario’s growing infrastructure needs.”
The list underscores the importance of addressing road maintenance issues across the province, as poor road conditions not only pose safety risks but also increase vehicle repair costs for drivers. With multiple roads in the Greater Toronto Area making the list, the need for infrastructure investment remains a pressing concern for both urban and suburban communities.
