Ellerdale Road in Hampstead has long been known for its rough surface. The road earned a spot on Montreal’s worst roads list last year, compiled by CAA-Quebec. According to the Town of Hampstead, the road sits above a water main managed by the City of Montreal. The town said it had to coordinate with the city before permanent repairs could be carried out to prevent potential water damage, a process that has taken time. Meanwhile, temperature swings contribute to a freeze and thaw cycle, which causes potholes to form on the roads. “That’s what’s going to cause all the destruction to the road,” said CAA-Quebec spokesperson Nicolas Ryan. Ryan says it could cost more than $21 billion to bring all of Quebec’s roads back to a satisfactory condition. “That’s the amount of money that would be needed today just to put the roads back in an OK state,” he said. Ryan emphasized that addressing the issue requires coordinated effort from all levels of government. The Town of Hampstead confirmed with CTV News that engineering checks for Ellerdale Road have now been completed and that permanent roadwork will be a “top priority” for 2026.
