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City confirms massive jump in claims related to pothole damage in Hamilton

The City of Hamilton carried out emergency repairs this spring on Main Street West, as freeze-thaw cycles accelerated the need for pothole repairs.
The City of Hamilton carried out emergency repairs this spring on Main Street West, as freeze-thaw cycles accelerated the need for pothole repairs. Ken Mann/CHML

There’s confirmation of a massive spike in claims about pothole-related vehicle damage in Hamilton.

John McLennan, the city’s risk manager, says they’ve received more than 500 claims so far this year, way above an annual average of between 100 and 150.

READ MORE: Pothole issues continue in Hamilton as temperatures fluctuate

Other municipalities are said to be facing a similar challenge due to what McLennan calls an “extraordinary year for freeze-thaw” cycles.

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McLennan says approximately 90 per cent of the claims have been denied by the city.

It has extended an offer in roughly 10 per cent of cases, usually to cover half of the repair cost.

READ MORE: Hamilton’s Burlington Street East named Ontario’s worst road for a second year in a row

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McLennan told members of the audit, finance and administration committee on Wednesday morning that claims are denied if the city examines its inspection and maintenance records and determines that it has satisfied maintenance standards under the Municipal Act.

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