Winnipeg filling thousands of potholes

Noticing more potholes? You’re not alone, as new numbers from the city show the number of potholes that have been filled recently are in the tens of thousands.

“We are getting lots of calls for pothole damage and people hearing noises from their suspension,” said Shamsher Singh Gaidhu, the owner of Town Autobody.

The city says a “normal” February would see crews fill about 3,000 potholes, but this February crews had to fill nearly 23,000 potholes, with 7,000 already filled this month alone.

“We are 24/7. We are covering the city, trying to reach every major hazardous pothole on our streets,” said Michael Cantor, the manager of streets maintenance with the City of Winnipeg.

Over 400 pothole-related claims were made to Manitoba Public Insurance this February, the most in five years for the month.

The increase in potholes is leading to some repair shops now seeing an uptick in customers with damages to their vehicles.

“It doesn’t always show up the same day, but it will affect your shocks, your struts, your steering,” said Terrence Cassan, an autobody tech at Town Autobody.

The city says they are still using their winter mix, which may not fill a pothole well enough, instead of hot asphalt.

As Winnipeg continues to see rapid temperature swings that lead to potholes, motorists are being advised to take it easy on the roads.

“The thing we always say is mind your speed. Speed is the big one. If you see a puddle use caution. Drive very slowly, you never know what’s under there,” said Ewald Friesen, manager of government and community relations for CAA Manitoba.