Montreal gets record number of pothole claims in 2022
Though there's no data on the number of curse words uttered by drivers who broke an axle, punctured a tire or otherwise damaged their car going over a pothole in Montreal, the city logged a record number of claims in 2022.
According to data provided to CTV News from the City of Montreal, a total of 1,116 complaints were filed last year. Of them, 256 resulted in payments worth $103,157.
The prior record was in 2019 when 893 claims were made, with 102 payouts worth $35,194.
The year before that, 828 claims were made, resulting in 228 payouts worth $104,286.
The city said, however, that the data is not necessarily a reflection of the road conditions.
"Several factors may explain the increase in the number of claims received over the years, such as increasingly easier access thanks to online services or the emergence of cars with low-profile tires, which are more vulnerable to impacts, but also the weather conditions, which vary from one year to the next and which may be more conducive to pothole formation," said city spokesperson Hugo Bourgoin.
Bourgoin added that the city has potholes in its sights and plans on spending $880.6 million over in paving programs over nine years to extend the lives of pavements and prevent potholes from emerging.
He said that last year, crews paved around 96,800 potholes for $2.8 million, which is up from 60,320 in 2021.
Montreal is looking to break the 100,000 mark in 2023.
"We estimate that 110,000 potholes will be sealed this year (budget of $3.5 million)," said Bourgoin. "To achieve this, the City of Montreal is plugging potholes manually, but also mechanically, using Python 5000 devices that can plug 300 potholes each in one day."
Those wanting to report a pothole can contact 311 or use the city's online portal, where they can also add photos and schedule a personalized follow-up.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.