Ontarians have made their voices heard: Barton Street East in Hamilton has been named the 2026 CAA Worst Road in Ontario, marking the third time the roadway has taken the top spot.
The annual ranking, based on feedback from thousands of drivers across the province, highlights roads that residents say require urgent attention. While Hamilton’s Barton Street East led the provincial list, concerns are being felt closer to home in Central Ontario, where several local roads also ranked among the worst.
6th Line of Innisfil leads Central Region list
In the Central Region - which includes Barrie, Simcoe County, and Muskoka - 6th Line in Innisfil was ranked the worst road for 2026 (it also cracked the Top Ten for all of Ontario).
The Central Region top five includes:
- 6th Line — Innisfil
- 20th Sideroad — Innisfil
- Fraserburg Road — Bracebridge
- Laclie Street — Orillia
- Huronia Road — Barrie
These roads were identified by drivers who regularly experience issues such as potholes, poor maintenance, and uneven surfaces — concerns echoed across the province.
Drivers demand action on infrastructure
“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.”
Across Ontario, road users cited deteriorating conditions as a key safety concern, with many noting the impact on vehicles, commute times, and overall quality of life.
“Reliable infrastructure isn't just about convenience; it's about safety, affordability and quality of life,” says Pirvu. “Investing in roads helps reduce repair costs for drivers and ensures people can get where they need to go safely.”
Toronto roads dominate provincial list
While smaller communities saw several roads highlighted, urban centres continue to face significant challenges. Four of the province’s top 10 worst roads are located in Toronto, underscoring ongoing infrastructure strain in high-traffic areas.
The Top 10 Worst Roads in Ontario for 2026 are:
- Barton Street East, Hamilton
- Hurontario Street, Mississauga
- Notre Dame Avenue, Greater Sudbury
- Sider Road, Fort Erie
- Steeles Avenue East, Toronto
- Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto
- Panache Lake Road, Greater Sudbury
- Bathurst Street, Toronto
- Unwin Avenue, Toronto
- 6th Line, Innisfil
Campaign influences government priorities
CAA says the annual campaign is designed to do more than rank roadways — it aims to influence decision-makers and prioritize infrastructure investments where they are needed most.
“CAA will continue to advocate for stable, predictable investment in road maintenance and long-term solutions to address Ontario's growing infrastructure needs,” adds Pirvu.
The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO), which verifies the rankings, emphasized the broader impact of deteriorating infrastructure.
“People across Ontario have spoken. 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.”
