Four Toronto roads crack CAA's worst-streets list; Barton Street holds top spot
Annual survey of pothole-plagued roads shows same repeat offenders, signalling persistent maintenance backlog across Ontario.
Four Toronto streets landed in Ontario's top 10 worst roads for 2026, according to the CAA Worst Roads campaign — a list built from thousands of public nominations highlighting streets most urgently needing repair.
Barton Street East in Hamilton claimed the number-one spot for the third consecutive year. Toronto's entries were Steeles Avenue East (5th), Sheppard Avenue West (6th), Bathurst Street (8th), and Unwin Avenue (9th). Hurontario Street in Mississauga ranked second.
Residents cited the same recurring problems across the province: potholes, poor maintenance, and uneven surfaces posing safety risks. The persistence of familiar names on the list suggests long-term fixes remain elusive.
"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."
The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario, which verified the list, underscored the need for sustained, predictable investment in infrastructure repair. The campaign highlights broader frustration with deteriorating pavement across municipalities struggling to keep pace with maintenance demands.