SHANNONVILLE, ONTARIO — The Ontario government is launching a new Pothole Prevention and Repair Program to help smaller municipalities maintain safer roads and protect drivers from costly vehicle damage. The province will invest $10 million through the program, which provides targeted funding for road maintenance and pothole repair in communities with populations of up to 10,000 people.
The initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and support local economies through record investments in transportation.
“This funding will help small municipalities repair potholes before they cause costly vehicle damage, helping families to travel safely and businesses to keep goods moving,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “In addition to this important program, our government is investing nearly $30 billion to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges across Ontario, connecting more communities to jobs, housing and economic opportunities.”
Helping Small Towns Maintain Safe Roads
Designed to assist municipalities that lack the resources of larger cities, the Pothole Prevention and Repair Program will provide up to $38,000 per project to eligible communities. Municipalities can apply for funding until December 12, 2025.
Officials say the goal is to prevent road damage before it worsens, reducing long-term repair costs and improving road safety for both residents and commercial drivers.
“This new program is a win for smaller municipalities across Ontario,” said Ric Bresee, MPP for Hastings—Lennox and Addington. “By investing in local transportation infrastructure, we’re helping communities protect and extend the life of their roads while keeping drivers safe and supporting economic growth. When we give municipalities the tools they need, we build a stronger Ontario for everyone.”
The program fulfills a commitment made under the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024, in which the province pledged to work with municipalities to address road maintenance challenges. According to Statistics Canada, 263 of Ontario’s 444 municipalities — nearly 60 per cent — qualify for funding under the program.
Strong Support from Local and Industry Leaders
The initiative has drawn broad support from municipal organizations, construction leaders, and road safety advocates across the province.
“The Ontario Pothole Prevention and Repair Program will be valued by rural municipalities throughout the province because maintenance of country roads is a priority as we work together to ensure safe and strong communities,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.
Industry partners echoed the program’s importance for long-term infrastructure stability. “Clearway Construction strongly supports the Ontario government’s new Pothole Prevention and Repair Program. By helping municipalities take a proactive approach to road maintenance, the program will reduce repair costs, prevent vehicle damage, and improve safety for all drivers. We’re proud to support efforts that strengthen Ontario’s infrastructure and keep our province moving forward,” said Anthony Di Battista, President of Clearway Construction.
Regional municipal associations across Northern and Eastern Ontario also applauded the move.
“The Pothole Prevention and Repair Program is great news for Northwestern Ontario’s smaller and rural municipalities. This investment will help local governments tackle long-standing maintenance needs, protect critical transportation corridors, and improve safety for families and workers who rely on these roads every day. We commend the province for recognizing the unique infrastructure realities of the Northwest and for continuing to invest in programs that strengthen our communities and keep the region moving,” said Rick Dumas, President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA).
“This new Pothole Prevention and Repair Program is welcome news for Northern Ontario communities. With 105 of our member municipalities eligible, this investment will help maintain safer roads, support local economies, and reduce the financial strain of emergency repairs. FONOM appreciates the province’s continued attention to the unique infrastructure needs of small and rural municipalities,” added Dave Plourde, President of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM).
From Eastern Ontario, Bonnie Clark, Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), said, “As a proud partner of the Ontario government, the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus — representing 103 municipalities — commends the Ontario government for its investment in municipal roads. Programs like the Pothole Prevention and Repair Program are vital for protecting municipal assets and ensuring municipal roads continue to serve communities across eastern Ontario.”
The CAA South Central Ontario also endorsed the initiative. “CAA South Central Ontario commends the Government of Ontario for its commitment to improving road safety and maintenance through the new Pothole Prevention and Repair Program. This investment will provide important support to smaller municipalities in addressing local infrastructure needs and enhancing the overall driving experience for Ontarians,” said Lauren Fisher, Manager of Government and Stakeholder Relations at CAA South Central Ontario.
A Focus on Safety, Growth, and Resilience
The launch of the Pothole Prevention and Repair Program adds to Ontario’s broader $30 billion infrastructure plan over the next decade to build, repair, and expand the province’s highways, roads, and bridges.
By addressing local road issues before they become larger hazards, the province aims to make driving safer, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and sustain jobs in construction and maintenance sectors. For small municipalities across Ontario, the funding offers a lifeline to preserve critical infrastructure, support local businesses, and keep rural roads open and safe year-round.
