The City of Kingston, Ontario, is spending a record $75 million in 2026 to fix local streets and prevent potholes before they start. This major investment follows a 2025 construction season where crews repaired 77 lane kilometres of roads across the community.
Engineering staff are using new sealing and reinforcement methods, such as microsurfacing and specialized fiber mats, to make asphalt last longer and stay smooth. These treatments help keep water out of the pavement and slow down the formation of cracks, which are the main cause of potholes in local weather conditions.
The record funding is part of the 2026 budget, which includes a 3.75 per cent property tax increase for residents. Mayor Bryan Paterson supported the funding boost to improve the condition of city streets and reduce the need for expensive and disruptive major repairs in the future.
Infrastructure Commissioner Brad Joyce has pushed for more funding to move the road network from a fair rating toward an excellent one. While drivers may see temporary lane closures during the work, the city says these preventative steps can double the life of the pavement at a lower cost than a full repave.
