The City of Hamilton 2026 Budget includes more than $150 million for creating new active transportation facilities and growth-related infrastructure and repairing existing roads.
The city says that $106.1 million out of the $150-million total investment will specifically go towards “renewing and replacing” existing roads, bridges, and sidewalks as part of their $622-million infrastructure program.
A city press release explains that staff complete between 70,000 and 90,000 road repairs each year, which they say reflects both the size of the road network and the impact of weather conditions.
City officials add that demand on roads, bridges, and sidewalks is also increasing as Hamilton grows, which leads to more wear and tear.
On average, the city has been spending approximately $3.5 million per year repairing potholes, with the repair program operating year-round.
The city reportedly uses different materials, designed for cold and wet conditions, to repair roads throughout the winter months.
In the spring, the city then initiates its “extended pothole repair program” to better repair damage that occurred throughout the winter.
The city also warns that “roads may also feel rougher even where potholes are not visible.”
Officials say that the rough roads are “often caused by freeze-thaw movement in the ground beneath the pavement.”
“As frost forms and thaws, the soil can expand and contract, creating temporary surface unevenness. While this may appear as rapid deterioration, it is often related to seasonal ground movement and will likely stabilize once warmer, drier conditions return,” they continue.
Residents can report road condition concerns to the city by contacting the Customer Service Contact Centre at 905-546-2489 or 311 during service hours or by emailing pothole@hamilton.ca.
Reports should include the nearest address or intersection.
The City of Hamilton also highlighted multiple road resurfacing and reconstruction projects that are planned for 2026.
Among the largest projects is the controversial conversion of Main Street from one-way to two-way traffic all the way from Dundurn Street to the Delta intersection.
Work is also scheduled to be done on the Sherman Cut, including steel wall replacement and road resurfacing.
Nebo Road from Rymal Road East to Twenty Road East will soon have new sidewalks and a multi-use pathway.
Scenic Drive from Chateau Court to Goulding Avenue will be reconstructed, with watermain replacements set to take place and the addition of active transportation facilities.
Finally, phase two of the Mountain Park Avenue enhancements will take place from Poplar Avenue to the bridge that goes over the Sherman Access.
There will also be enhancements to the Mountain Brow Trail.
Enhancements include a modernized roadway with active transportation facilities and water main replacement.
Five key resurfacing projects in 2026 are: Barton Street East from Kenilworth Avenue to Emerald Street; Charlton Avenue East from John Street S to James Street S; James Street S from Charlton Avenue East to St. James Place; Charlton Avenue West from Queen Street to James Street; and King Street East from Pottruff Road to Centennial Parkway.
Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
