Barton Street in Hamilton has just been named Ontario’s Worst Road in CAA’s annual survey, but city officials are determined to change that.
Major resurfacing work covering about four kilometres of road from Victoria Avenue North to Kenilworth Avenue North is set to begin soon.
This year marks the third time this infamous stretch, known for its potholes, has received the title of Worst Road in Ontario.
“Safe, reliable roads are important to residents’ daily lives and support businesses, visitors and the movement of goods and people throughout Hamilton. Residents have consistently identified road conditions and infrastructure renewal as key priorities,” said Brian Hollingworth, City of Hamilton director of engineering.
“In response, the city is investing more than $150 million in 2026 in active transportation, growth-related infrastructure, rehabilitation and road resurfacing projects that improve safety, traffic flow and everyday travel across the city,”
Out of the approximate $150 million investment, over $106 million will specifically go towards renewing and replacing existing roads, bridges and sidewalks as part of a broader $622 million infrastructure program.
Hamilton recently awarded a $3.64 million contract to GIP Paving Inc. for the Barton Street resurfacing project Barton Street East Road Resurfacing (Victoria Avenue North to Kenilworth Avenue North)Status Award Value$3.64MLocation Barton St E, Hamilton ONSector Public – City Type Roads / Highways Data as of June 10, 2026View Project Page →.
This work follows a pothole blitz initiated by the city in May that included parts of Barton Street East; however, officials clarify that it wasn’t meant to be a long-term fix.
“This work is intended to improve the pavement surface and drivability until a future full-reconstruction project is initiated in five years. The resurfacing work is expected to begin within the next couple weeks and anticipated completion by the end of summer 2026, pending any unforeseen circumstances or weather-related delays,” said Hollingworth.
A goal of CAA’s annual Worst Roads campaign is to encourage discussions with municipal and provincial governments regarding infrastructure improvements.
“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.”
The 2026 list reflects input from thousands of Ontarians who use these roads every day. It relies on nominations submitted by residents which provide decision-makers with insight into public priorities. Roads that make it onto this list often receive quicker attention as governments respond to community feedback.
Potholes, poor maintenance and uneven surfaces were frequently mentioned by road users as top concerns affecting safety and mobility.
“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.”
Here are Ontario’s Top 10 Worst Roads for 2026:
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
“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,” added Nadia Todorova, executive director of the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario.
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