The Ontario government has announced a $10 million investment to improve road safety and prevent damage caused by potholes. The new Pothole Prevention and Repair Program will provide funding to municipalities with populations of up to 10,000 people to support essential road maintenance. This initiative is part of the province’s broader infrastructure strategy aimed at keeping communities safe, supporting economic growth, and maintaining jobs across Ontario.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria highlighted that the funding will help smaller municipalities repair potholes before they cause costly vehicle damage, ensuring safer travel for families and smoother transportation for businesses. He also emphasized that this program complements Ontario’s nearly $30 billion investment to build, repair, and expand highways, roads, and bridges over the next decade.
The program specifically targets smaller communities that often lack the financial resources of larger municipalities. Eligible towns and villages can receive up to $38,000 per project, helping them extend the lifespan of their roads and improve overall safety. Ric Bresee, MPP for Hastings—Lennox and Addington, noted that this program will help strengthen local transportation infrastructure and contribute to long-term economic development.
Applications for the Pothole Prevention and Repair Program are now open, with municipalities able to apply until December 12, 2025. Nearly 60% of Ontario’s municipalities, or 263 out of 444, qualify for this funding based on Statistics Canada data.
Local and industry leaders have welcomed the initiative. Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson called it a valuable step for rural municipalities focused on maintaining safe roads. Anthony Di Battista, President of Clearway Construction, praised the proactive approach to road maintenance that will reduce repair costs and improve driver safety. Representatives from regional organizations, including NOMA, FONOM, and the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, expressed appreciation for the program’s support of small and rural municipalities, emphasizing its role in maintaining vital road networks and local economies. CAA South Central Ontario also commended the government for its commitment to enhancing road safety and infrastructure maintenance across the province.
