Gravel shortage prompts pothole repair delays and driveway permit suspensions

Apr 1, 2026 | 6:00 AM

Spring weather is bringing sunshine and drier roads to Grande Prairie, but residents will have to wait a bit longer for a smooth surface to drive on.

A gravel shortage has prompted the city to call off any plans to fill potholes or let residents re-gravel their driveways until the next calendar year.

Road construction projects slated for the 2026 construction season will go ahead but any minor road repairs will not go ahead due to the unprecedented shortage.

The city has also suspended all new driveway permits until further notice as a conservation measure.

Department of Transportation officers will be setting up checkpoints around the region as well, with black market gravel sales being spotted online.

Instead of going to great lengths, a new Recycled Gravel Exchange Program is being piloted in the city for people to donate their unused gravel to those in need of crushed rock.

Officials say the province may have to step in and confiscate gravel from properties that are not using it.

More details are expected on the lack of gravel in the region.

by Erika Rolling