Kelowna

A large pothole which damaged many cars in Kelowna early last month is still causing problems for one Okanagan woman.

Marilyn Marsh was driving on Highway 97 near the United Furniture Store on January 7 when she hit a huge pothole, doing nearly $700 worth of damage to her vehicle.

Several other vehicles were damaged by the large pothole before road crews filled it up.

She says she is very disappointed that Argo Road Maintenance, the company determined to be responsible for fixing the monstrous hole, has refused to take responsibility for her repair costs.

“I sent the repair bill to a woman at the Ministry of Highways and she forwarded it to Argo because they said they were going to pay for this. I lost two rims, two tires and the response I got was that they're not paying it,” says Marsh.

She says she can’t believe none of the government agencies involved are taking responsibility for the damage.

“That night I contacted ICBC, they won't pay because it's an accident, but if you can't see something, how can it be an accident? You could not see that pothole that night because it was covered in water. Nobody is going to pay, the city won't pay because it's belongs to Argo, the government won't pay because the contract is with Argo. That’s $700 out of my pocket.”

The letter Marsh received from Argo states that they meet specific standards and response time in regards to filling the pothole.

“Therefore, while we regret any damage and inconvenience you may have suffered, we will not accept responsibility,” states the letter, signed by Argo operations manager, Al Fraser.

Marsh says she believes about 35 other vehicles were damaged by the pothole before it was filled.

Link: Mother of all potholes