As the spring thaw arrives, City crews are out in full force across the ward tackling seasonal maintenance. ServiceOttawa is making it easier for residents to report potholes, request city tree maintenance, and flag gravel road concerns—helping keep neighbourhoods safe and moving.

Pothole season is upon us

Ottawa’s 6,100 kilometres of roads go through repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can cause potholes. City crews repair potholes every day, but with so many roads, resident reports help target the right locations quickly. The best way to report a pothole and other road issues is through 311. Online reports go directly into the City’s system, without waiting on hold, and help reduce pressure on 3-1-1 phone lines.

Once you submit a report, the pothole is on the City’s radar. Repair timelines may vary depending on weather, traffic, and volume of reports, but there is no need to follow up. Help keep Ottawa’s roads safe—report potholes online.

City Tree Maintenance

Forestry Services maintains City-owned trees, including trees in parks, along roads, and in municipal woodlots. You can request tree maintenance online for concerns such as:

• Overgrown trees that need pruning
• Dead or dying trees
• Signs of insect infestation

If you are unsure if a tree is on City or private property, you can request that the City attend to determine ownership of the tree. You can also request new tree planting on City property. After submitting a request, a Forestry Inspector will visit the site to assess the tree and contact you with next steps. If a tree poses an immediate risk to people or property, please call 3-1-1.

Gravel Road Conditions

Each spring, once the frost has left the ground, City crews begin gravel road maintenance such as grading and applying calcium chloride. Once spring maintenance is complete, gravel roads are routinely inspected and graded as needed throughout the year. If you notice issues such as bumpy roads, dust, mud, or shoulder concerns, you can report them online. Reports submitted online are handled with the same priority as reports made by phone.

For other concerns affecting gravel or paved roads, such as flooding, fallen branches, or dead animals on the roadway, visit the City’s General Road Maintenance page.

If there is an immediate safety hazard, please call 3-1-1.