Pothole Season is Back (Yes, Already)

Public Service Announcement
Pothole Season is Back (Yes, Already)

May 1, 2026 — Iqaluit, Nunavut

 

The City of Iqaluit would like to advise residents that pothole season has returned.

Yes, it’s that time of year.

As temperatures bounce above and below freezing, water works its way into the roads, freezes, expands, and enthusiastically tears things apart. With many of Iqaluit’s roads made of gravel and dirt, this process moves quickly. Paved roads, despite their confidence, are not immune—water gets underneath and starts plotting.

The result is potholes across the city. Some are new. Some are returning champions. A few have clearly signed long-term leases.

Residents may notice that potholes are not repaired right away. While it may seem like an obvious fix, addressing them too early, while temperatures are still fluctuating during freeze-thaw conditions usually just encourages them to come back… bigger, stronger, and with friends.

On gravel roads, grading is most effective once the ground has fully thawed and dried enough to be properly reshaped and compacted. On paved roads, asphalt repairs require dry conditions and stable temperatures to properly bond. Fix them too early, and it’s less “repair” and more “temporary suggestion.”

Public Works crews are monitoring conditions and will begin more consistent grading and repairs once the ground has settled and the potholes have lost some of their enthusiasm.

Until then, residents are advised to:

• Drive with caution and expect rough conditions;
• Treat puddles with a healthy level of suspicion;
• Secure loose items and keep a firm grip on hot beverages;
• Consider music that works well with frequent, unplanned bouncing;
• Give graders and maintenance equipment space while they work.

Pothole season is temporary, but it depends entirely on the weather. There is no confirmed end date.

The City of Iqaluit thanks residents for their patience.

 

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For additional information, please contact:

Geoff Byrne

Communications and Customer Service Manager

City of Iqaluit

867-979-5619 | G.Byrne@iqaluit.ca