Potholes in Thunder Bay, ON
Population 108,843 · Ontario
This page shows pothole reports submitted in Thunder Bay, Ontario. RoadRot is a free, independent platform — anyone can report a pothole, and reports get forwarded to the responsible municipality.
How to report potholes in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay doesn't have a city-wide 311 line, but the city runs two official reporting channels for municipal potholes: an online form at thunderbay.ca/potholes and a 24/7 dispatch phone line at (807) 625-2195 (TTY: (807) 622-2225). If the pothole is on a provincial highway rather than a city street, that's Emcon Services territory and you'll want to call the Ministry of Transportation at 1-833-768-0293 instead. RoadRot works alongside those channels: you drop a pin on the public map, the community can confirm your report to raise its priority, and if you want to push harder, the built-in email-your-rep tool lets you send a message directly to your municipal or provincial representative about a specific location.
Common questions
Who is responsible for fixing potholes in Thunder Bay?
It depends on the road. The City of Thunder Bay's Roads Division handles city streets, including patching, grading, and winter maintenance. Provincial highways in the Thunder Bay District are maintained by Emcon Services on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation, which runs a regional office right here in the city.
Does Thunder Bay have a 311 pothole reporting line?
No, Thunder Bay doesn't have a 311 service. To report a pothole on a city street, you can use the online form at thunderbay.ca/potholes or call the city's 24/7 dispatch line at (807) 625-2195. For provincial highways, contact the Ministry of Transportation at 1-833-768-0293.
What's the worst time of year for potholes in Thunder Bay?
Traditionally it's spring, when the ground thaws and all that winter damage surfaces at once. That said, milder winters linked to El Niño patterns have been moving the pothole season earlier, with conditions that form potholes showing up as soon as January or February in some years. Heavy traffic on major corridors makes things worse throughout the year.
Can I claim compensation for vehicle damage caused by a pothole in Ontario?
You can file a claim against the municipality if a pothole caused damage to your vehicle, but Ontario municipalities have a due-diligence defence, meaning they generally aren't liable if they can show the road was being maintained within a reasonable standard. Documenting the pothole with photos, noting the exact location, and keeping repair receipts all strengthen your position if you decide to pursue a claim.
How does RoadRot help Thunder Bay drivers beyond official reporting?
RoadRot is a public, crowdsourced map where anyone can pin a pothole, rate how bad it is, and add a photo. Other drivers can confirm the same report, which raises its visibility and signals that it's a real, ongoing problem. There's also an email-your-rep tool you can use to send a message to your city councillor or provincial representative about a specific pothole, which you trigger yourself whenever you want to push for action.