These are the worst roads in North & East Ontario  

Ontarians are worried about the state of our roads, and for good reason. Not only are poor road conditions a safety concern, but with the rising cost of living, hitting the wrong pothole can be a pricey mistake.   

According to a study by CAA, the average cost of repairing pothole damage to a vehicle is more than $300 and can even reach $6,000, depending on the make and model of the car. To get a pavement-level view of the state of our roads, CAA has conducted the Worst Roads campaign annually since 2003. The survey gathers road names, locations and issues, together with whether a voter uses that thoroughfare as a vehicle driver, pedestrian or via public transportation. The results are shared with decision-makers in municipalities and the province.  Walker, President and CEO of CAA North & East Ontario, says the survey gives voice to thousands of regular road users.   

"The Worst Roads Survey is a way to take the temperature of the people who use the roads day to day. By collecting this information and sharing it with the municipalities, we ensure road users' voices are heard. In its 110-year history, CAA has always been an advocate for road safety and the protection of drivers and pedestrians," he says. 

Where are the most potholed, cracked and challenging roads in North and East Ontario?

In the Ontario-wide road list, Victoria Road in Prince Edward County ranked at the top provincially as the worst road. It beat Barton Street East in Hamilton, claiming the top spot in 2022. But closer to home, the offenders for 2023 are:   

Ottawa 

1. Carling Avenue 
2. Hunt Club Road 
3. Bronson Avenue  
4. Heron Road  
5. Bank Street 

Northern Ontario 

1. Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins  
2. Fielding Road, Greater Sudbury 
3. Premier Road, North Bay 
4. Panache Lake Road, Greater Sudbury 
5. Van Horne Street, Greater Sudbury 

Ontario 

1. Barton St East, Hamilton 
2. Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto 
3. County Road 49, Prince Edward 
4. Carling Avenue, Ottawa 
5. Finch Avenue West, Toronto 
6. Laclie Street, Orillia  
7. Steeles Avenue East, Toronto 
8. Aberdeen Avenue, Hamilton  
9. Lakeshore Boulevard East, Toronto 
10. Hurontario Street, Mississauga 

What are the biggest road safety concerns?

A recent study of CAA Members confirms that Ontarians are concerned about the state of our roads. Over half of the population thinks that the roads have worsened over time, and many will alter their driving behaviours to accommodate these issues.     According to the Cost Of Poor Roads In Canada Study commissioned by CAA in 2021, around 29 per cent of Ontario's highway kilometres are rated below ‘good' condition, with another 49 per cent of non-highway kilometres rated below good. 

How do I report a pothole in Ontario?

If you notice a hazardous pothole in your city, you don't need to wait until next spring to voice your concerns through CAA's campaign. You can report a pothole at any time by calling 3-1-1 or online through your city's official website.

How are Ontario's worst roads determined?

CAA asks all Ontario road users to nominate and vote for roads they believe urgently need repair each year. The votes are compiled, reviewed by the Ontario Road Builders Association (ORBA), and compiled into several regional lists for the province. Nominations for the Worst Roads in Ontario took place between April 28 and March 21, 2023.