If you’re wondering about pothole repair costs for your commercial or residential parking lot, you’re not alone. Every year across Ontario, thousands of property owners face the same challenge: patching potholes before they grow into bigger, more expensive problems. If you manage a parking lot in Ontario, chances are you’ve dealt with potholes, whether they’re small trouble spots or full-blown craters. They don’t just show up overnight, but when they do, the damage is fast, the liability is real, and the repair cost only climbs the longer you wait.
The good news? There are options. Whether you need a quick seasonal patch or a more permanent fix, understanding what influences in repair of a pothole can help you make a smarter, more cost-effective decision.
At Action Paving, we repair thousands of square feet of pothole damage every year across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, and beyond. Here’s everything you need to know before making a call.
Why Potholes Are More Than Just Ugly
When people see a pothole, they think “annoying” or “bad for tires.” But from our side of the work, it’s a sign of much bigger problems, moisture getting into the asphalt layers, a crumbling base, or uneven drainage. That’s especially common in Ontario’s brutal winters, where freeze-thaw cycles create the perfect storm for asphalt failure.
Even one pothole can:
- Damage delivery trucks or customer vehicles
- Become a trip hazard, leading to potential lawsuits
- Turn away tenants, shoppers, or residents
- Lead to bigger structural repairs under the surface
And once it starts, it spreads. Water gets in, the surrounding asphalt weakens, and you’re dealing with a much larger patch, or worse, a full repaving bill.
Breaking Down the Real Cost of Pothole Repairs
So what are the numbers? The cost of fixing a pothole depends on how it’s repaired and how much area needs to be covered. We typically recommend one of two approaches: hot asphalt backfilling or saw-cut patching with hot asphalt.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help make sense of it:
| Repair Method | Cost Per Square Foot | Minimum Charge | Warranty | Best For |
| Hot Asphalt Backfilling | $8/sq ft | $1,200 | No warranty | Small patches, quick fixes, low-traffic lots |
| Hot Asphalt Patching (Saw-Cut) | 0–80 sq ft: $15/sq ft | $1,850 | 1 year | Durable, high-traffic, long-term repair |
| 80–150 sq ft: $14/sq ft | ||||
| 150–300 sq ft: $13/sq ft | ||||
| 300+ sq ft: $12/sq ft |
Backfilling: The Fast, Budget-Friendly Option
Backfilling is a solid choice when time or money is tight. This process involves cleaning out the damaged spot and pouring in hot asphalt to fill the void. It’s quick, simple, and gets you through the season.
But here’s the catch, there’s no cutting or asphalt repair service involved. That means if the damage came from poor drainage or a crumbling subbase, you’re only treating the symptom, not the cause. It won’t last as long, and we don’t offer a warranty for this method.
Still, it’s great if you’re dealing with a few small potholes and want a quick fix before winter, especially in quieter corners of your property. We always recommend confirming job details, just to make sure it’s the right approach.
Saw-Cut Patching: Permanent Repair That Holds Up
When you want the job done right, and to last, saw-cut patching is the way to go. This process involves cutting out the entire damaged section, removing the crumbling asphalt, rebuilding the base if needed, and installing fresh hot asphalt with proper compaction.
It’s more work, but you get a stronger, longer-lasting result. It’s especially ideal for:
- Plazas with regular car and truck traffic
- Apartment buildings with daily footfall
- Commercial zones that can’t afford visual eyesores
- Industrial properties that require load-bearing strength
The per-square-foot price goes down the more area you patch. And unlike backfilling, this option comes with a one-year warranty, giving you peace of mind heading into another tough Ontario winter.
How to Know Which Option for Pothole Repair Is Best for Your Lot
Every lot is different. Here’s how to decide:
- Traffic volume: If your lot sees delivery trucks, tenant turnover, or constant public traffic, saw-cut is almost always worth the investment. For private or rarely used areas, backfilling might get you by.
- Budget now vs. later: Backfilling costs less upfront, but if the problem comes back in six months, you could end up paying more in repeat visits. Saw-cut repairs cost more initially but offer real long-term value.
- Seasonal timing: If you’re racing against snow or need fast pre-summer curb appeal, backfilling can be done quickly. If you’re planning ahead in spring or fall, go for the permanent solution while conditions are ideal.
- Looks and impressions: A clean, smooth, patched surface reflects well on your property. If appearance matters, especially for clients, shoppers, or upper-tier tenants, saw-cut delivers a sharper finish.
What Else Can Impact the Cost of Repairing Potholes
Sometimes it’s not just about the pothole, it’s about what’s going on underneath. A few hidden issues can affect pricing:
- Poor water drainage or slope failure
- Erosion of the sub-base
- Repairs needed across multiple scattered spots
- Difficult access to machines or material delivery
In cities like Toronto, Oakville, or Brampton, older lots and soft ground conditions make base prep and compaction even more important. That’s why we always suggest an on-site inspection before getting a quote for the cost of repairing a pothole; we want to give you an accurate plan, not just a guess.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix A Pothole
Here’s the part a lot of property managers don’t want to hear, but need to: if you don’t fix a pothole early, you’re not just risking a lawsuit. You’re often setting yourself up for a full resurfacing job, which can cost three to five times more.
Even a small repair job left unaddressed can lead to:
- Tire or suspension damage claims
- Complaints from tenants or business owners
- Negative reviews or lease terminations
- Collapsing base layers that require total excavation
- Municipal fines or non-compliance issues
The truth is, no one ever regrets repairing a pothole too soon. But plenty of people regret waiting too long.
Book Your Pothole Repair Assessment Today
Whether you’re a property owner, facilities manager, or commercial landlord, pothole repair isn’t just maintenance, it’s protection. It protects your asphalt investment, your liability exposure, and your reputation.
At Action Paving, we work across the GTA to assess, quote, and repair potholes with transparency, speed, and professionalism. We won’t oversell, and we’ll always let you know if a quick patch will work, or if it’s time for something stronger.
Need a quote for the cost of repairing a pothole? Want a second opinion? Let’s take a look before things spiral into something bigger. Your lot and your tenants will thank you.