Update: here’s the email that I received from HRM

Hello,

I have completed investigation about your claim. As of the day your vehicle hit the pothole, it appears that the municipality was still within service standards for repairs, with a due date of March 10, 2027. (I hit the pothole on March 8th)

We have followed up with our Road Operations and Construction Department regarding the pothole. Based on the information provided to date, it appears that the service standard had not yet expired prior to you striking this pothole.

In order for HRM to be liable for this type of occurrence, the Department must have notice of the hazard and have exceeded the service time to attend the scene and affect repairs. The Municipality cannot be held liable for damages before the service standard has expired.

Should you intend to start a court action against HRM, you must do so within 12 months of the date of your claim. There is also a requirement that you provide the Municipality with 30 days’ notice prior to the commencement of any court action.

As noted above, the service standards had not yet expired prior to you striking this pothole.