A local landscaper in Montreal has taken it upon himself to address the city’s pothole problem, spending around $50 per pothole from his own pocket. Despite municipal officials advising him to leave the repairs to professionals, Saad Tekiout believes in taking action rather than waiting for others to do it. He explained his initiative as a civic duty, aiming to keep Montreal clean and attractive.
Tekiout has already fixed approximately 20 potholes, showcasing his efforts on social media and encouraging others to identify problematic potholes for him to repair. Although the mayor’s office appreciates citizen engagement, it emphasized that residents should not be responsible for filling potholes and instead should report them through the city’s 311 service.
The city has reported that over 14,000 potholes have been filled this year, with a significant increase in reports compared to the previous year. Despite legal concerns raised by municipal lawyer Éric Oliver regarding citizens performing road repairs, Tekiout remains undeterred, continuing his mission to tackle the pothole issue in Montreal.
In response to the escalating problem, the city has allocated $6 million to enhance pothole repairs, employing additional workers and investing in specialized repair centers. The plan includes acquiring two new pothole-filling machines for the upcoming season to improve road maintenance.
Although Tekiout’s actions have garnered attention and support from many Montreal residents, including online viral responses, Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has acknowledged his efforts while emphasizing that pothole repair is a city responsibility. Despite potential challenges, Tekiout remains committed to his cause, driven by community support and his love for Montreal.