Toronto’s Pothole Problem Worsens as Weather Delays Repairs
The city of Toronto is grappling with a surge in potholes following two major snowstorms this winter, leaving residents and drivers frustrated as the number of repairs lags behind last year’s pace. According to a spokesperson for the City of Toronto, the harsh winter conditions have hindered efforts to address the growing number of potholes, with limited crews available to tackle the issue. By March 6, 2024, the city had repaired 61,888 potholes, but as of the same date this year, only 36,890 potholes have been fixed. The spokesperson explained that the unfavourable weather in 2025 has slowed down the process, as city staff have been prioritizing snow removal over pothole repairs.
The spokesperson emphasized that in 2024, more favourable weather allowed for earlier and more efficient pothole-filling efforts, but this year, the focus has shifted to managing the aftermath of significant snowfall. The city has received over 1,800 requests for pothole repairs between February 16 and March 5, highlighting the mounting pressure on crews to address the issue. Despite these challenges, the city remains committed to resolving the problem as soon as spring weather allows for more effective repairs.
Severe Snowstorms and Temperature Swings Exacerbate the Issue
The pothole problem in Toronto has been compounded by two major snowstorms in February that dumped at least 45 centimetres of snow on the city, in addition to 10 centimetres that fell just before the storms hit. The back-to-back storms overwhelmed the city’s snow-clearing efforts, with officials estimating that it would take at least three weeks to clear the accumulation. A cold spell further prolonged the situation, delaying the natural melting of the snow. However, significant rainfall on March 5 provided some relief, helping to clear some of the remaining snow and ice.
The fluctuating temperatures this winter have also played a role in the increased number of potholes. While colder winters tend to result in fewer potholes due to less freeze-thaw activity, the milder winter of 2025 has led to more frequent freeze-thaw cycles. These cycles, where temperatures drop below freezing and then rise again, are a major contributor to pothole formation. As Toronto looks ahead, Global News meteorologist Anthony Farnell predicts a spring-like warm spell in the coming weeks, which could provide some relief but may also accelerate pothole formation as the remaining snow and ice melt.
Understanding How Potholes Form
Potholes are a common issue in cities like Toronto, particularly during the transition from winter to spring. They form when water seeps into cracks in the road surface and freezes, expanding and pushing sections of pavement upward. As vehicles pass over these weakened areas, the pavement breaks away, creating potholes. The repetition of this freeze-thaw process during the winter months exacerbates the problem, leading to more potholes as the weather warms up in the spring.
The City of Toronto’s website explains that the frequency and severity of potholes can vary from year to year, depending on winter conditions. While colder winters with consistent freezing temperatures tend to result in fewer potholes, milder winters with frequent thawing and freezing cycles, like this year’s, often lead to a higher number of potholes. This variability makes it challenging for city crews to predict and prepare for the scale of the problem each year.
A Slowdown in Repairs Compared to Previous Years
The City of Toronto’s data reveals a significant slowdown in pothole repairs this year compared to 2024. By March 6, 2024, the city had already repaired 61,888 potholes, whereas this year, only 36,890 repairs have been completed as of the same date. This disparity highlights the impact of the harsher winter conditions and the city’s limited resources for addressing the issue.
Despite the challenges, the city has made efforts to address the problem in previous years. For example, in January 2024, crews filled more potholes than they had in the previous five Januarys combined. However, the arrival of February brought a change in temperatures and significant snowfall, which shifted the city’s focus to snow removal and slowed down pothole repair efforts. In February 2024, the city repaired 30,975 potholes, compared to just 11,253 this past February. This dramatic drop underscores the impact of weather conditions on the city’s ability to address potholes.
The Challenges of Pothole Repair During Winter
Repairing potholes during the winter months presents unique challenges for city crews. While pothole repairs are relatively straightforward in warmer weather—typically taking only 15 to 20 minutes to complete—the process becomes more complicated in cold conditions. Hot asphalt, the preferred material for permanent repairs, cannot be used effectively in freezing temperatures because it cools too quickly, making it difficult to achieve a smooth and durable finish.
As a result, crews often resort to using cold-mix asphalt to temporarily patch potholes during the winter. This temporary solution helps to make roads safer until more permanent repairs can be made in the spring. However, these temporary fixes are less durable and may need to be revisited once the weather improves. The city spokesperson noted that a pothole blitz, where crews work extended shifts to repair as many potholes as possible in a single day, will be scheduled as soon as spring weather arrives. Until then, residents will have to contend with the rough road conditions.
The City’s Response and Plans Moving Forward
The City of Toronto has assured residents that it is doing its best to address the pothole issue, despite the challenges posed by this winter’s weather. A spokesperson emphasized that the city will schedule a pothole blitz as soon as spring weather arrives, allowing crews to focus on permanent repairs. In the meantime, the city is urging residents to report potholes through official channels to ensure they are addressed as quickly as possible.
The city has also committed to keeping the public informed about its progress and plans. While no specific date has been set for the pothole blitz, residents can expect updates as the weather improves. In the meantime, drivers are advised to exercise caution and report any particularly dangerous potholes to the city. The spokesperson expressed gratitude for the public’s patience and understanding as the city works to restore the road network to a safe and smooth condition.
In summary, Toronto’s pothole problem is a complex issue exacerbated by this winter’s extreme weather conditions. While the city is doing its best to address the issue with limited resources, residents will have to endure the rough road conditions for a little while longer. With spring on the horizon, there is hope that the situation will improve, but for now, patience and vigilance are key.
