Drivers around Chilliwack may be relieved to see the snow and ice melt away this week, but the damage left behind is a whole new headache.
Potholes are scattered on city roadways from rural lanes to main thoroughfares, including the Yale/Vedder corridor.
Sustained freezing temperatures are what lead to potholes so City of Chilliwack works crews knew it was coming.
Director of operations Glen MacPherson said that in response to the huge number of pothole reports coming in, a secondary asphalt patch truck was activated last week. The city's two trucks have been working for 10 hours a day to try to keep up.
MacPherson expects the problem to persist for the next few weeks and the two crews will remain in service until it's under control.
The winter can be particularly challenging as roads in the community developing potholes, and the city’s responsibility with respect to damage caused by potholes is outlined in the Local Government Act (LGA).
The city's outlines its responsibility on its website. Section 744 of the LGA states, in part, "a municipality is not liable in any action based on nuisance if the damages arise directly or indirectly out of the breakdown or malfunction of a sewer system, water or drainage facility or system or a dike or a road."
Further, the city is not an insurer for the travelling public and, therefore, does not reimburse for damage to vehicles caused by potholes. Claims due to damage caused by potholes, may be filed directly with ICBC or private insurance providers.
To report a pothole or other hazard within city roadways, note the location and email operations@chilliwack.com or call the operations department at 604-793-2810, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
For after hours service, call the city’s emergency phone number at 604-792-2233.
paul.henderson@theprogress.com
@PeeJayAitch