MONTREAL Montreal's Mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, has shared her personal experience regarding one of the city’s most notorious road issues after suffering two flat tires due to potholes on a busy street. In a video posted on social media on the evening of February 3, 2026, she was seen alongside a tow-truck driver, expressing her commitment to finding solutions for the challenges facing Montreal drivers.
The problem of potholes has escalated into a significant grievance for many motorists in Montreal, particularly following a warm spell experienced in January. During this period, numerous potholes emerged on the city streets, prompting a wave of complaints from the public. According to Simon Bourrassa, a spokesperson for CAA Québec, the demand for flat-tire service in Montreal and Laval surged by 75 percent from January 9 to 20 compared to the same timeframe last year, highlighting the extent of the issue.
This winter marks Martinez Ferrada’s first as the mayor of Montreal, and she is keenly aware of the concerns raised by residents. In her video, she revealed that she encountered difficulties while driving on Notre-Dame Street, a specific section of which was voted the worst road in Montreal in CAA Québec’s 2025 online citizen poll. This acknowledgment not only personalizes her experience but also underscores the urgency for improvements in the city’s infrastructure.
The mayor's candid admission about her flat tires resonates with many residents who have faced similar predicaments. As potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles, the increased tire issues have brought the road conditions in Montreal under greater scrutiny. Critics have long pointed to the need for enhanced maintenance and faster responses to such infrastructure problems, particularly in light of the heavy snowfall and fluctuating temperatures that the region experiences during winter months.
In her proactive approach to governance, Martinez Ferrada seems poised to address these maintenance failures head-on. Recognizing that road safety and vehicle integrity are paramount concerns for citizens, she is likely to collaborate with relevant city departments to devise a strategy for more effective road repair and maintenance. As Montreal continues to grapple with its aging infrastructure, the mayor’s immediate focus will likely be on securing resources and implementing solutions that ensure safer driving conditions for all residents.
The situation unfolding in Montreal serves as a reminder of the crucial role that local government plays in maintaining infrastructure and ensuring the wellbeing of its citizens. As potholes continue to plague the city, the actions taken by Mayor Martinez Ferrada will be closely monitored by both constituents and advocacy groups, who are eager for tangible improvements in road safety and maintenance across the metropolis.
