Montreal Mayor's Pothole Woes Become Personal with Two Blown Tires
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has been vocal about the city's pothole problem in recent weeks, but on Monday night, the issue hit much closer to home—literally. The mayor's personal vehicle fell victim to a particularly rough section of Notre Dame Street, resulting in two flat tires from separate potholes.
A Personal Encounter with Infrastructure Challenges
In an Instagram video posted around 9 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2026, Mayor Martinez Ferrada documented the aftermath of her unfortunate drive. The video shows her being assisted by a tow-truck driver as she shakes her head in disbelief at the situation.
"Two potholes on Notre Dame St," the mayor says in the video. "We'll come up with solutions, but in the meantime we get towed. I know the state of the roads is crazy."
In the caption accompanying her video, Martinez Ferrada added a touch of humor to the frustrating experience: "When I tell you I understand you, do you believe me? You have to laugh about it."
Context of Montreal's Pothole Crisis
This personal incident comes at a time when Mayor Martinez Ferrada has been actively discussing Montreal's pothole challenges publicly. Over the past two weeks, she has highlighted how the problem has been exacerbated by multiple factors:
- Extreme temperature fluctuations typical of Montreal winters
- Insufficient equipment available to address road repairs promptly
- The ongoing wear and tear on the city's aging infrastructure
The timing of this incident underscores the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to Montreal's infrastructure maintenance issues.
Public Response and Implications
While the mayor's experience adds a personal dimension to a citywide problem, it also serves as a powerful reminder that infrastructure issues affect all Montreal residents—from everyday commuters to the city's highest elected official.
The incident on Notre Dame Street, a major thoroughfare in Montreal, highlights how even primary routes can develop dangerous conditions that require immediate attention. As winter continues to challenge the city's road network, residents will be watching closely to see how the administration responds to both the immediate repair needs and the longer-term infrastructure planning.
Mayor Martinez Ferrada's willingness to share her personal experience with Montreal's pothole problem may strengthen her credibility when discussing infrastructure improvements, as she can now speak from firsthand experience about the challenges facing drivers throughout the city.
