Pothole Repairs

Keeping Streets Smooth and Safe

The Spring and Fall months are the primary seasons in which potholes develop. The Grounds and Roads Department is responsible for dealing with roadway hazards such as potholes.

The Spring and Fall months are the primary seasons in which potholes develop. The Grounds and Roads Department is responsible for dealing with roadway hazards such as potholes.

Potholes can occur in a number of ways, all of them have to do with water, a freeze / thaw cycle and cracks in the road surface.

Water seeps through cracks in the road surface and softens the sub-base under the pavement, this weakens the sub-base until it can no longer support the pavement above it or the traffic loads placed on it.

Thaw water seeps into cracks in the pavement or sub-base. Temperatures drop and water freezes. (This is the main cause of potholes in our climate). We refer to this a freeze/thaw cycles. These freeze/thaw cycles occur repeatedly during the spring season and, in the last few years, over the winter season as well. The freezing causes the sub-base to expand, which can cause localized pavement failure, a pothole.

Water in surface cracks, or in between concrete and bituminous (asphalt) overlays can freeze causing pieces of pavement to “pop” out.

The winter can be particularly challenging with a number of roads in the community developing potholes. The City’s responsibility with respect to damage caused by potholes is outlined in the Local Government Act, Section 744 states, in part:

 a municipality is not liable in any action based on nuisance if the damages arise directly or indirectly out of the breakdown or malfunction of a sewer system, water or drainage facility or system or a dike or a road.

The City is not an insurer for the travelling public and therefore, does not reimburse for damage to vehicles caused by potholes. Claims due to damage caused by potholes, may be filed directly with ICBC or your private insurance provider.

Additionally, your right to make a claim against a municipality is time limited and you must provide written notice of a claim within two months from the date of the incident, Section 736 of the Local Government Act outlines this information.

To report a pothole or other hazard within the City's roadways, you can, email the location, or call the Public Works Department, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. 

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Public Works Clerk