Every year, Ontarians hit the road with a mission — and we don’t just mean getting from Point A to Point B. For over two decades, the CAA Worst Roads campaign has given drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and transit riders a platform to flag the roads most in need of repair. That collective voice has translated into real, measurable improvements across the province — and the 2026 results are in.

For the third time, Barton Street East in Hamilton has claimed the top spot on the Ontario Worst Roads list; it’s a reflection of the potholes, poor maintenance and uneven road surfaces that residents continue to experience on this corridor. Four Toronto roads also made the provincial top 10, underscoring that road infrastructure is an issue shared by communities large and small, urban and rural alike.

“The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives Ontarians a voice and helps shine a light on the roads that need attention most,” says Brian Pirvu, government relations consultant for CAA South Central Ontario. “When people speak up, it helps drive action and ensures governments understand where investments are needed to keep communities safe and moving.”

Hurontario Street, Mississauga, 2022. PHOTO: Canmenwalker/Wikimedia Commons

2026 Ontario Top 10 Worst Roads

1. Barton Street East — Hamilton
2. Hurontario Street — Mississauga
3. Notre Dame Avenue — Greater Sudbury
4. Sider Road — Fort Erie
5. Steeles Avenue East — Toronto
6. Sheppard Avenue West — Toronto
7. Panache Lake Road — Greater Sudbury
8. Bathurst Street — Toronto
9. Unwin Avenue — Toronto
10. 6th Line — Innisfil

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This year’s CAA Worst Roads campaign also highlights regional rankings, including Ontario highways, helping communities across the province advocate for local road improvements. Some regional top roads: Carling Avenue in Ottawa, Ira Needles Boulevard in Waterloo, Leveque Road in South Frontenac and Blackwell Sideroad in Sarnia, among others.

The annual list is verified by the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO). “The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives voice to residents who experience firsthand the impact that deteriorating roads and aging infrastructure have on our lives daily,” says Nadia Todorova, executive director at RCCAO. “The results underscore the importance of sustained investment in state-of-good-repair infrastructure.”

Roads that appear on the list consistently receive accelerated attention from governments at all levels. “Reliable infrastructure isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety, affordability and quality of life,” adds Pirvu. CAA will continue to advocate for the stable, predictable investment that keeps Ontario’s roads — and its communities — moving forward.