Pothole damage claims in Toronto rise as repairs decline

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The City of Toronto says it’s seeing an increase in claims for damages due to potholes after recent severe winter weather, as the number of potholes filled has dropped compared to this time last year.

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As of Monday, the city has received 1,194 pothole claims — a 47 per cent increase from the same period last year.

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It says claims for damages due to potholes are higher than normal due to winter conditions, and resolutions may exceed the city’s 90-day target.

The city says it has filled more than 23,000 potholes so far this year, compared to 33,100 in the same period last year.

Last year, the city filled more than 257,000 potholes, according to public data.

Mayor Olivia Chow said in a social media post that the city had 29 crews fixing potholes on Tuesday.

“Mother Nature hasn’t given us a break but as soon as there is an opportunity, city crews will do a blitz,” she said, adding that the city’s 2026 budget includes an increase from $5.5 million to $6.2 million for pothole repairs.

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Brian Pirvu, a government relations consultant for the Canadian Automobile Association, said it’s not unusual to see an increase in potholes on the roads around late winter and early spring.

“In terms of overall trends, it’s been a quite normal or slight increase, but still a continued priority,” said Pirvu.

“What happens to the asphalt is moisture gets caught, it freezes, and then that freezing and melting process tends to make the asphalt break apart. Once that snow starts to clear later on in March, you’ll start to see more of those potholes resurface due to that freeze and thaw cycle.”

The city said potholes in higher speed and high-volume roads are repaired more quickly than those on side streets. The city aims to repair potholes on the busiest roads within four days, compared to 30 days on side streets.

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Crews generally repair potholes within 15 to 20 minutes, the city said, but during winter months when asphalt cools quickly, they’re temporarily patched with cold mix asphalt to make the street safe. When the weather is warmer, the city makes more permanent repairs with hot asphalt, it said.

Pirvu noted the cost of pothole damage on cars can range from $500 to $2,000. Drivers should exercise caution when driving near potholes, and ensure their cars are well-maintained to avoid extensive damage, he said.

“If you are approaching a pothole, try to lower your speed and don’t necessarily brake right when you hit the pothole. Allow the car to absorb the damage,” said Pirvu.

Drivers whose cars are damaged by a pothole in Toronto can submit a claim by filling out a form on the city’s website. The claim must be made within 10 days of the incident.

The city says its insurance adjusters investigate each claim to determine if the municipality is responsible for the damages.

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