2,200 and counting: Barrie crews get busy for pothole season

It’s the season for City of Barrie crews to tackle potholes that have been left scattered across our roads from the brutal winter.

The back-and-forth shift between winter and spring weather means pothole season is in full form, which has City of Barrie crews addressing the bumpiest roads across the city and drivers keeping their guard up.

The city confirmed on Wednesday that crews have been out in full force, working to maintain Barrie’s 1,600 kilometres of roadway.

After filling close to 13,000 potholes in 2025, more than 2,200 have been filled so far this year.

“Currently we’re putting down mostly coal patch, which is just an aggregate with a tar substance on it. We know it’s only temporary,” said Dave Friary, the city’s director of operations, adding that more permanent work will get done later in the spring. “We’re waiting for the asphalt plants — the local asphalt plants — to be opened up, usually end of May. And then we can start getting hot asphalt, certainly on those bigger, longer, permanent repairs.”

Neighbourhoods with older infrastructure are at greater risk for potholes according to the city.

Other areas, like Big Bay Point Road and Huronia Road, have been notorious among local drivers.

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The city says the budget for road maintenance is more than $1 million.

“We’re on the heels of the worst winter on record, and so now we’re about to have the best spring on record in terms of filling potholes,” said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall. “Those folks are working around the clock to make that happen.”

Repairing potholes is a year-round effort and residents are asked to report them to help make sure they are addressed in a timely manner.

The City says complaints are typically addressed within days on a priority and scheduling basis.