Majority of Albertans say potholes still a problem: survey

A new survey suggests Alberta’s annual pothole season is hitting drivers hard once again, even as repair numbers show signs of gradual improvement.

New data from Nextdoor Canada shows 49 percent of Albertans consider potholes a severe issue in their neighbourhoods. When combined with those who describe them as “noticeable,” the number climbs to almost 80 per cent.

Potholes are reappearing across the province as freeze‑thaw cycles take their toll. In northwest Calgary, near Carrington Plaza, stretches of road are dotted with craters that force motorists to slow down or swerve to avoid the damage.

Mahmoud, a local driver, says avoiding them is nearly impossible.

“There’s a right turn that I take to go home, and it’s like inevitable that I hit that pothole almost every day,” he says. “It’s never fun.”

The City of Calgary says it’s working to keep up. Mobility spokesperson Chris McGeachy says crews repaired more than 35,000 potholes in both 2024 and 2025.

“It’s still a little early to tell how this season is going to shake out,” he noted, adding that more freeze‑thaw cycles typically mean more potholes.

Highways are also taking a hit. Drivers say major routes like Deerfoot Trail are riddled with hazards that can be even more damaging at high speeds. One motorist described hitting potholes “every minute or so,” while another said the jolts are affecting car doors and overall safety.

In a statement, the province said crews are constantly monitoring and repairing potholes on Deerfoot Trail, which sees up to 180,000 vehicles per day.

While Alberta sits just below the national average for pothole complaints, suggesting slight improvement, drivers say the bumps in the road remain a daily reality as winter gives way to spring.