Potholes

This ongoing work involves carrying out targeted repairs to potholes that present a significant safety risk. These repairs are temporary by nature. At present, no available technology can guarantee the long‑term durability of pothole repairs carried out under winter conditions.

Hot or cold asphalt is used depending on conditions at the time of repair. For more extensive damaged areas, a plate compactor is used, while hand compactors are preferred for smaller cavities to ensure proper compaction of the material.

Pothole repairs continue as spring temperatures rise. A dedicated paving crew carries out asphalt cut repairs (which involves removing damaged pavement in a defined area before installing new asphalt)  and localised patches in areas where larger sections of the road surface have failed.

Mechanical pothole filling, which focuses on high‑volume corridors and major intersections, is carried out by an external contractor under contract with the City.

Several measures are implemented when weather conditions are most favourable to durable repairs:

• A crack filling programme on select streets reduces water infiltration and slows the formation of future potholes.
• Coordination with road cut work and sidewalk repair contracts ensures coherent interventions.
• Patching contracts address longer stretches of distressed pavement while considering the City's Capital Works Programme.

Potholes are depressions or holes that form in the road surface when asphalt breaks down and loses its support underneath. They can vary greatly in size and depth, from shallow surface damage to deep holes that can affect safety and comfort for users of the road.

Potholes are different from cracks or surface wear. While cracks may look minor, they often allow water to enter the pavement structure, which can eventually lead to potholes if conditions are right.

Potholes form when water penetrates cracks in the asphalt and weakens the layers beneath the road surface. This process is strongly influenced by climate, traffic, and the age of the pavement.

In Quebec’s climate, these factors combine in a particularly challenging way:

• Water seeps into small cracks in the asphalt.
• Temperatures drop below freezing and the water freezes, expanding and pushing the asphalt upward.
• When temperatures rise again, the ice melts and leaves empty gaps beneath the road.
• Passing vehicles apply pressure to these weakened spots, causing the asphalt to break away.

Over time, and sometimes very quickly, this cycle results in a pothole.

Why are potholes more common in spring?

Spring is known as “pothole season” because freeze–thaw cycles are most frequent at that time of year. During late winter and early spring, temperatures often fluctuate above and below zero, allowing water to repeatedly freeze and melt within the pavement. This constant movement accelerates pavement deterioration.

Snow-heavy winters also have an effect on potholes. Salt and abrasives can penetrate cracks that weaken the road surface. Heavy machinery used during snow removal operations, and plows that may come in direct contact with the road, can further amplify vulnerabilities.

Even well‑maintained roads can develop potholes during these conditions, which is why cities across Quebec typically see a sharp increase in pothole reports every spring.

Reporting potholes as soon as you notice them helps the City identify problems quickly and prioritise repairs. Combined with routine inspections, resident reports play an important role in maintaining safe and comfortable streets for everyone.

Use the online form to report a pothole. Select Public Works as the report type, and follow the prompts.

Report a pothole

The City actively monitors street conditions and responds to potholes throughout the year. Repairs are carried out using different methods depending on weather, safety considerations, and the condition of the road.

What repair methods does the City use?

Temporary repairs
In winter or during unstable weather, crews quickly fill potholes to make the road safer in the short term, but the lifespan of these repairs is reduced.

Permanent repairs
When temperatures are consistently warm, more durable repairs can be completed. In some cases, larger sections of the road may be resurfaced to address widespread deterioration rather than individual potholes.

You may notice that a pothole repaired during winter reappears later, however this does not mean it was ignored. This often reflects the limits of what repairs can be done safely and effectively in cold conditions.

How does Westmount's approach compare to other cities?

Like other cities in Quebec and across Canada, Westmount faces the same climate‑related challenges that make potholes unavoidable. Larger cities such as Montréal, Québec City, Toronto, and Vancouver also rely on a combination of winter patching, spring repair campaigns, and long‑term resurfacing programmes.

Not all potholes pose the same level of risk, and repairs must be prioritised to ensure public safety.

Priority is generally based on:

• Potential safety risk (size, depth, and location)
• Traffic volume (busier streets are addressed sooner)
• Road function (main routes versus local streets)
• The number of reports received

This approach is consistent with practices used by other municipalities across Quebec and Canada.

Even with regular inspections and repairs, it is not always possible to prevent damage caused by potholes. If your vehicle has been damaged, you may wish to document the incident as soon as possible, including the location, date, and photos of the damage.

If you believe the City is at fault, you may submit a claim through the Legal Services and City Clerk’s Office within 15 days of the event.

Learn more about claims