Have Your Say on Toronto’s “Worst Roads”! Voting Open Now.
Many Torontonians describe the state of the city’s roads as “first world country with third world roads,” and they have good reason to feel this way. Toronto’s roads are known for being in poor condition for several reasons. Harsh winters, characterized by freezing and thawing cycles, combined with hot summers, cause cracks and deterioration in road surfaces. Heavy traffic and aging infrastructure worsen the situation, leading to potholes, uneven surfaces, and crumbling pavements.
Limited funding and delayed maintenance have also contributed to the ongoing poor condition of the road network, making driving not only frustrating but also potentially damaging to vehicles.
A recent survey by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) found that nearly 70% of its members believe not enough is being done to maintain Ontario’s roads, up 5% from 2024. This reinforces the daily experiences of many road users. Among the most common issues identified by respondents were cracks in the pavement (88%), potholes (87%), uneven or bumpy road surfaces (81%), and congestion (80%).
However, a key question arises: who do we complain to, and what are the chances that someone will listen? Despite this widespread frustration, the CAA believes that most concerns never reach decision-makers. Nearly 80% of Ontarians tend to vent to spouses, co-workers, and mechanics rather than addressing the people who can effect change.
CAA offers a solution: providing citizens with a direct way to communicate their concerns to the government departments responsible for road maintenance. This is made possible through CAA’s annual road survey, which allows Torontonians to vote for the worst-maintained roads in the city. Increased public participation in this survey can pressure authorities to address these issues rather than ignore them.
The annual survey is now open, and CAA invites Ontario drivers, cyclists, transit riders, and pedestrians to indicate which roads they believe are the worst in the province. You can cast your vote at the following link: https://bit.ly/3PGSWL7. Voting is open from today until April 17, 2026.
“Over the years, we have heard about potholes, congestion, poor road signs, and other safety concerns. Nominating Ontario’s Worst Roads helps shine the spotlight on areas that require more attention,” CAA advises Ontarians.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has acknowledged the challenges posed by relentless winter weather in keeping up with pothole repairs. “There are some outrageously large potholes. They can damage your tires and wreck your alignment. I have seen them personally, and some of these potholes are gigantic,” Chow stated emphatically.
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