Montreal’s roads have turned into a nightmare for drivers this winter, with potholes resembling “craters” causing chaos on the streets. Claude Pinard, the city’s executive committee president, has declared the situation an emergency, prompting swift action.
To tackle the pothole crisis, the City of Montreal has allocated $471,000 for repairs. Over the next eight days, ten contracts will be awarded to three companies to address the issue. Pinard emphasized the ongoing effort to combat the problem, describing a blitz initiative set to kick off soon.
Additionally, Montreal plans to distribute $2.5 million to boroughs for repairing residential roads, prioritizing areas in dire need of maintenance. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada highlighted the challenges faced by the city, revealing that a significant portion of road equipment is damaged or missing.
The severity of the situation is underscored by the surge in pothole reports, which have skyrocketed to 4,000 in the first five weeks of 2026, a fivefold increase from the previous year. Frustrated residents have likened the potholes to craters and criticized the lack of maintenance efforts, emphasizing the recurring nature of the problem.
Even Mayor Martinez Ferrada fell victim to the treacherous roads, experiencing two flat tires on Notre-Dame Street recently, underscoring the pressing need for repairs. Traffic expert Rick Leckner warned of the repercussions on major roads like Notre Dame, urging caution due to abrupt lane changes and sudden braking caused by the deteriorating road conditions.
The toll of the deteriorating roads is evident in the spike of calls reporting pothole-induced damages, with CAA-Québec noting a 73% increase in such incidents this January compared to the previous year. Nicolas Ryan, the director of public affairs at CAA-Québec, highlighted the extensive vehicle damages resulting from potholes, necessitating towing and repairs.
Looking ahead, CAA estimates that Quebec will require $21.5 billion to address road infrastructure needs, highlighting the pressing need for action. As winter persists, the looming question remains: how will Quebec confront the challenges posed by the deteriorating road conditions?
