Notre Dame Avenue in Sudbury makes Ontario’s worst roads list

CAA’s worst-roads list puts Sudbury’s Notre Dame Avenue third in Ontario and the city's Panache Lake Road coming in 7th.

In a title that no city wants, Greater Sudbury made Ontario’s Top 10 worst roads list and dominated the list for worst roads in northern Ontario.

Notre Dame Avenue finished as the third-worst road in the province.

The rankings were released Thursday by the Canadian Automobile Association. The 2026 CAA Worst Road in Ontario is Barton Street East in Hamilton, the third time Barton Street East has taken first place.

“The 2026 list reflects feedback from thousands of Ontarians who experience the province’s roads every day, highlighting the roads drivers say need urgent repair and calling on all levels of government to prioritize investments for safer infrastructure,” the CAA said in a news release.

Worst northern Ont. roads all in Sudbury

Notre Dave Avenue came just behind Hurontario Street in Mississauga on the list, and just ahead of Sider Road in Fort Erie.

The full list can be found here.

“The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives Ontarians a voice and helps shine a light on the roads that need attention most,” Brian Pirvu, government relations consultant for CAA South Central Ontario, said in the release.

“When people speak up, it helps drive action and ensures governments understand where investments are needed to keep communities safe and moving.”

For all of northern Ontario -- which includes areas such as Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing and Parry Sound District -- Notre Dame was followed by Panache Lake Road in Sudbury.

College Street, The Kingsway

Then came College Street, The Kingsway and Regent Street, again, all in Sudbury.

People who took part in the survey most commonly cited issues such as potholes, poor maintenance, and uneven surfaces 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.”

For more information and regional results, click here.