Ottawa paid nearly $10M in personal-injury claims in first half of 2026, with potholes now the top claim type
Potholes made up 43 per cent of the city's 891 new claims this half, and the largest single settlement was $2.98 million, according to a report due before council's finance committee Nov. 10.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Potholes are now the most common reason Ottawa residents file claims against the city: 384 of 891 new claims in the first half of 2026, or 43 per cent, were for pothole damage. The city has paid nearly $10 million in personal-injury claims over the same six months, according to a legal services report due before the finance and corporate services committee on Nov. 10.
The largest single settlement was $2.98 million, paid to a pedestrian or cyclist struck by an OC Transpo vehicle.
Of the new claims, 163 were personal injury and 728 were property damage. Of the claims concluded in the first half, 691 were settled or denied. The 19 personal-injury settlements over $100,000 totalled $8.89 million, and the 50 personal-injury settlements under $100,000 totalled $1.09 million. Public works accounted for 10 of the large settlements and OC Transpo for nine. Settlement figures include court costs, legal fees and investigative costs.
The report also counts 531 outstanding civil proceedings against the city. The finance committee takes up the report on Nov. 10.
