Canada’s pothole problem is a daily frustration for drivers and a growing financial burden for municipalities across the country. From TikTok comedy sketches to multi-million dollar budgets, the pothole epidemic is no longer just a nuisance—it’s a national infrastructure challenge demanding modern solutions.
Why Canada’s Pothole Problem Keeps Getting Worse
The core issue behind Canada’s pothole problem is simple: freeze-thaw cycles. According to Nemy Banthia, civil engineering professor at the University of British Columbia, moisture seeps into pavement cracks, freezes, and expands. When temperatures rise, the water thaws, the pavement contracts, and eventually cracks under the weight of vehicles.
This process is being intensified by climate change, which has introduced more frequent and severe freeze-thaw cycles and heavier rainfall. With over a million more registered vehicles in Canada than just six years ago, our roads are enduring more wear and tear than ever before.
“We have not kept up on the innovation side to manage our pavements,” said Banthia, highlighting a growing need for long-term infrastructure solutions.
The Cost of Crumbling Roads
The economic toll of Canada’s pothole problem is staggering. A 2021 Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) study revealed that poor road conditions cost Canadian drivers an extra $126 annually per vehicle—totaling around $3 billion nationwide.
Municipalities are also digging deep into their budgets. In 2015, Edmonton spent $5.9 million on pothole repair. By 2024, that number soared to $11 million, the highest of any major city in the country. The city repaired 537,305 potholes in 2024 alone.
Meanwhile, Saskatoon saw a 52% increase in pothole repairs in 2024 compared to the previous year, fixing over 50,000 potholes.
The rising cost isn’t just about volume. Labour and material costs have gone up as well, making even standard maintenance a costly affair.
Public Safety Is at Stake
Matthew Fair, head of maintenance operations in Durham, Ontario, emphasizes that potholes aren’t just an inconvenience. They’re a public safety issue.
“If you hit a large enough pothole, you can lose control. It can cause an accident,” he warns. Beyond the personal cost of vehicle damage, the societal cost of traffic accidents and emergency responses adds another layer of urgency.
Innovative Solutions to Canada’s Pothole Problem
AI and Early Detection
Durham is leading the way with innovation by using CityRover, an AI-powered tool mounted on city vehicles. This smartphone-based system detects and logs potholes in real-time.
Early detection means smaller issues are fixed before they become dangerous—and expensive. “If we catch these potholes early, it saves us money in the long run,” says Fair.
Flexible and Crack-Resistant Pavement
In Surrey, B.C., a pilot project used more flexible pavement, which resists cracking and lasts longer under pressure. According to Banthia, incorporating innovation into road materials is key to reducing both long-term costs and carbon footprints.
Self-Healing Roads
It might sound like science fiction, but self-healing roads are already being tested. Using fibre-reinforced concrete, these pavements are designed to seal their own cracks before they turn into potholes.
In Thondebhavi, India, such a road has been in place since 2015 and remains pothole-free. A similar method was applied with Chawathil First Nation in British Columbia. Banthia notes the initial cost is higher, but the savings over time are significant.
Social Reactions and Public Awareness
People across Canada—and even globally—have taken to creative protests to spotlight deteriorating roads. From planting flowers in potholes to inserting fake legs into water-filled craters, citizens are using humor and social media to demand action.
Dylan Langille, a Halifax radio announcer, has gone viral for his comedic TikToks showing himself fishing and golfing in potholes. “Just like putting on real green, I came up short,” he joked.
What Can Drivers Do?
While municipalities look for large-scale solutions, drivers can take steps to protect their vehicles:
- Slow down in poorly maintained areas
- Avoid puddles, which may hide deep potholes
- Inspect tires and suspension regularly
- Report potholes via local apps or 311 services
For more advice, check out how to protect your car and wallet from potholes from CBC.
The Road Ahead
Canada’s pothole problem isn’t going away overnight. But with the integration of AI detection, advanced materials, and smart maintenance strategies, there’s hope on the horizon.
As Banthia puts it, “If we can innovate while also making first-time costs affordable, the entire industry will move forward.”
Municipalities, engineers, and drivers alike must work together to ensure the future of Canada’s roads is more durable, cost-efficient, and safe.
