Have you ever hit a pothole on your commute and wondered, “Why aren’t these fixed sooner?”
You’re not alone. Potholes can be one of the biggest frustrations for Metro Vancouver drivers, and they form quickly thanks to our rainy climate and freeze-thaw cycles.
So how do cities like Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey deal with them, and what should residents know?
How Potholes Form
Potholes happen when water seeps into cracks in the pavement. When temperatures drop, that water freezes, expands, and breaks the pavement apart. Traffic then makes the damage worse until a hole forms. Learn more in our blog: How Do Potholes Form and How to Fix Them?
City Response Protocols
Most Metro Vancouver municipalities have a pothole hotline or online reporting system. Once reported, crews usually inspect and schedule repairs within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on severity and location.
- Emergency potholes (large, deep, or in high-traffic areas) are often fixed within 24–48 hours.
- Routine potholes may be grouped with other repairs for efficiency.
Repair Methods Used by Cities
- Cold Patch Asphalt: A quick, temporary fix often used in winter.
- Hot Mix Asphalt: A longer-lasting solution, typically applied in warmer months.
- Asphalt Milling & Resurfacing: Used when potholes are widespread, restoring entire road sections. Learn more about asphalt milling.
What Residents Should Do
- Report potholes through your city’s online system (Vancouver 311, Burnaby’s City Services, Surrey’s Report a Problem app).
- Avoid driving directly over potholes (repeated traffic worsens damage).
- Remember: municipal crews must prioritize based on traffic safety and budget.
Burnaby Blacktop’s Role
While cities handle public roads, many private strata properties, commercial lots, and residential driveways also face pothole issues. Unlike municipalities, you’re responsible for repairs on private property. That’s where Burnaby Blacktop steps in: providing emergency pothole repair across the Lower Mainland.
Burnaby Blacktop has not only helped thousands of homeowners and businesses but has also partnered with municipalities across Metro Vancouver on major asphalt paving and repair projects. This means the same expertise trusted by cities is available for your property, too!
If left unattended, potholes in a parking lot or driveway can damage vehicles, pose tripping hazards, and cost much more to fix in the long run. We use the same professional techniques, hot mix asphalt and resurfacing, that municipalities rely on, ensuring long-lasting repairs.
Takeaway: Cities do their best to stay on top of potholes, but BC’s weather makes it a constant battle. If you manage a private property, don’t wait for a small crack to turn into a vehicle-damaging pothole, contact Burnaby Blacktop for professional, fast, and lasting repairs.
Need pothole repairs for your driveway or parking lot? Contact Burnaby Blacktop today for a free quote.