Barton Street East in Hamilton Named Ontario’s Worst Road Again

The votes are in and the CAA Worst Road for 2026 is Barton Street East in Hamilton. (CNW Group/CAA South Central Ontario)

Ontarians have made their choice – for the third consecutive year, Barton Street East in Hamilton has been declared the Worst Road in Ontario as part of the 2026 CAA Worst Roads campaign.

This yearly list is compiled from thousands of public nominations, spotlighting the streets that residents feel urgently need repairs.

CAA mentions that this year’s findings reflect a growing frustration over crumbling pavement, potholes, uneven surfaces, and ongoing maintenance issues across the province.

“The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives Ontarians a voice and helps shine a light on the roads that need attention most,” said 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.”

This year, four roads from Toronto made it into the top 10. Across Ontario, voters pointed out persistent problems like potholes, poor upkeep, and uneven surfaces that create safety hazards.

Ontario’s Top 10 Worst Roads of 2026

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

The previous year’s list had many of these same roads again – showing that finding long-term solutions is still challenging.

Worst roads by region

Toronto Region: Steeles Avenue East Halton/Peel/York/Durham: Hurontario Street, Mississauga Hamilton: Barton Street East Ottawa: Carling Avenue Central: 6th Line, Innisfil Eastern: Leveque Road, South Frontenac Western: Ira Needles Boulevard, Waterloo Southwestern: Blackwell Sideroad, Sarnia Niagara: Sider Road, Fort Erie Northern: Notre Dame Avenue, Greater Sudbury

The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario verifies this list and points out that these results highlight the need for consistent investment in infrastructure.

“People across Ontario have spoken,” said Nadia Todorova, RCCAO’s executive director. “The results underscore the importance of sustained investment in state‑of‑good‑repair infrastructure.”

Source link