Ottawa working to fill pesky potholes on city streets

Pothole season in Ottawa

The City of Ottawa’s pothole patrol has filled more than 25,000 potholes over the past two weeks, as the city targets potholes that are popping up on city streets.

The city says 218 crews have been assigned to finding and repairing potholes on Ottawa streets following another winter of freeze-thaw cycles.

“Crews continue working hard applying temporary patches to potholes created by multiple freeze/thaw cycles and wet conditions the city has experienced lately,” the city said in a statement on its website.

• Ottawa brings in reinforcements to fill potholes – the Python Pothole Patcher

Crews use Cold Patch and Warm Mix asphalt to repair potholes, according to the city.

“The unstable conditions, including ice and water in the holes, as well as the cold temperatures and frequent freeze/thaw cycles, prevents the patch from adhering as well to the roadway making the repair temporary,” the city said.

• Ottawa’s pothole season is here

Earlier this month, the city brought in reinforcements to fill potholes – two Python 5000 machines.

“The Python Pothole Patcher can fill a pothole in less than two minutes,” the city said, adding the machines will work 12-hour shifts in different areas of the city over the next few weeks.

“With the operator working safely from inside the cab, workers are protected from oncoming traffic as the work can all be completed without the need of stepping foot outside of the vehicle.”

Statistics released by the city show 33,701 potholes have been filled between Jan. 1 and March 24. Data provided to CTV News Ottawa earlier this month showed 8,286 potholes had been filled between Jan. 1 and March 6.

The 2025 City of Ottawa budget includes $12.3 million to fill potholes.