The City of Saskatoon has reported a dramatic 118 per cent increase in pothole complaints compared to the same period in 2025. According to city data, more than 3,700 potholes have been flagged through the online Report a Pothole map, representing an increase of over 2,000 reports year-over-year.
Why the surge?
City officials attribute the spike to a higher-than-average accumulation of snowfall and repeated freeze-thaw cycles in recent months. These conditions delayed the annual pothole blitz, leaving repair crews struggling to keep up. The city noted that potholes are a common challenge in communities with freeze-thaw climates like Saskatoon, where moisture seeps into pavement cracks, freezes, expands, and breaks apart the asphalt under vehicle traffic.
City response and repair efforts
Starting May 25, the city mobilized extra crews and contractors to accelerate repairs. Roadways manager Cam LeClaire stated that since hot-mix asphalt became available in early May, crews have used nearly 400 tonnes of asphalt during the pothole blitz. “Our crews repair potholes year-round. In colder weather, we use gravel or recycling asphalt for temporary repairs, while hot-mix during warmer weather allows us to make more permanent repairs to maintain safety and provide a smoother ride on Saskatoon streets,” LeClaire said.
City crews are prioritizing potholes in driving lanes on high-traffic streets to address safety and mobility concerns. After those areas are addressed, crews will return to repair potholes near curbs, parking lanes, and lower-priority streets. Potholes confirmed as emergencies are labeled high priority on the online map and are typically addressed within 24 to 72 hours, while non-emergency repairs follow planned maintenance schedules.
The city encourages residents to continue reporting potholes via the online map to help prioritize repairs. Despite the increase, officials emphasize that the situation is being managed with additional resources and a strategic approach to ensure road safety.
