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
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
U.S. FAA launches investigation into unauthorized personnel in cockpit of Colorado Rockies flight to Toronto
The U.S.’s Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a video that appears to show unauthorized personnel in the cockpit of a charted Colorado Rockies flight to Toronto.