The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) released their Worst Road Rankings for 2026, and Barton Street in Hamilton was named the worst road in Ontario for the third time.
It is also the fifth year in a row that a road in Hamilton topped the rankings – Barton Street was named the worst in both 2022 and 2023, while Aberdeen Avenue was the worst in 2024 and 2025.
Hamilton’s Burlington Street East was named the worst road in 2017 and 2018.
The annual rankings are based on nominations submitted by Ontarians, which are then verified by the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO).
Top concerns reported were potholes, poor maintenance, and uneven surfaces.
Luckily, Barton Street was the only road in Hamilton that made the top 10 list for the worst in Ontario.
Rounding out the top five were Hurontario Street in Mississauga, Notre Dame Avenue in Sudbury, Sider Road in Fort Erie, and Steeles Avenue East in Toronto.
The only cities with multiple roads in the top 10 were Toronto with four and Sudbury with two.
Nadia Todorova, RCCAO’s Executive Director, commented on the results, noting that with municipal elections taking place this fall across Ontario, “aspiring civic leaders should be prepared to offer meaningful solutions to address these ongoing infrastructure challenges.”
Brian Pirvu, government relations consultant for CAA South Central Ontario, says that their Worst Roads campaign “gives Ontarians a voice and helps shine a light on the roads that need attention most.”
“When people speak up, it helps drive action and ensures governments understand where investments are needed to keep communities safe and moving,” he added.
Pirvu continued, “Reliable infrastructure isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety, affordability and quality of life. Investing in roads helps reduce repair costs for drivers and ensures people can get where they need to go safely.”
CAA also released regional lists, which included their ranking of the five worst roads in Hamilton.
After Barton Street East was Aberdeen Avenue, Main Street West, the Kenilworth Access, and Fennell Avenue East.
The City of Hamilton is investing more than $150 million in 2026 to repair and renew roads, although some of that amount will go towards adding active transportation such as bike lanes, sidewalks, and multi-use paths.
According to a City of Hamilton press release from March 5, 2026, road resurfacing of Barton Street East from Kenilworth Avenue to Emerald Street will be taking place this year.
Other major road resurfacing projects set to be completed in 2026 include Charlton Avenue East from John Street South to James Street South, James Street South from Charlton Avenue East to St. James Place, Charlton Avenue West from Queen Street to James Street, and King Street East from Pottruff Road to Centennial Parkway.
Additional resurfacing of Barton Street is expected in 2027.
Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
