.png)
From the Ward 3 office, compiled from various sources
How can I tell the city about a pothole?
Call 3-1-1
or
Email: 311@ottawa.ca
or
Online: Report a Pothole
Pothole operations update (March 21, 2025)
How many city crews does it take to fill potholes? As many as we can deploy! The freeze/thaw cycles have now taken hold, and it’s wreaking havoc on our roads, sidewalks and winter cycling network. The Roads and Parking Services team has sprung into action to address the increased number of potholes throughout the city. Last week, work began on filling potholes, and this week, we will begin redirecting additional resources and deploying more crews to fill potholes. We’ve even brought in reinforcements, and two Pythons have arrived in Ottawa!
Pothole FAQs
How are Potholes Formed?
Potholes are formed when water (from rain or melted snow and ice) seeps into small cracks or holes in the road. As temperatures drop, the water under the road freezes and expands pushing up on the road above, creating larger cracks – when the temperature rises above zero, the water evaporates and leaves an open space under the road. The weight of cars and trucks travelling over these weak spots breaks the asphalt, resulting in potholes.