Bearspaw South feeder main replacement enters final stretch, water restrictions return Nov. 4

Calgary’s Bearspaw South feeder main replacement is entering its final stretch, with water restrictions returning Nov. 4 for roughly four weeks as crews work to complete the project before year’s end.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Michael Thompson, chief operating officer for water, announced the remaining timeline Thursday during a city hall press conference. Thompson explained the shutdown is necessary to connect the replacement pipe to Calgary’s water system, requiring Stage 4 water restrictions.

“Like in the spring when everyone pulled together to save water, we’re asking residents to focus on the same water-saving actions,” Thompson said.

This once again includes no outdoor water use and limiting indoor water use, such as showers and dishwasher use. Thompson also called on businesses to do their part, pointing to sector-specific recommendations on the City of Calgary website. These restrictions apply to Calgary, Airdrie, Strathmore, Chestermere and Tsuut’ina Nation.

Farkas thanked Calgarians for their patience in the past year, saying the end is in sight.

“We promised that by the end of this calendar year, we would move heaven and earth to complete the Bearspaw South feeder main replacement,” Farkas said. “And today we are on the verge of delivering on that promise.”

The restrictions will overlap with Calgary’s Grey Cup festivities, including the 113th Grey Cup on Nov. 15, but the city does not expect the event to significantly increase overall water demand.

Thompson said the city has been working with event organizers to identify conservation opportunities and encourage visitors and vendors to use water responsibly.

“We’re confident Calgary is well positioned to host this national event,” he said.

Farkas pointed to Calgary’s ability to host the Stampede in 2013, just weeks after devastating floods, as an example of the city rising to a challenge.

“We need to do it one last time, and we’ll do it while welcoming the country for the Grey Cup,” he said.

The shutdown will also allow crews to complete six additional repairs on a smaller feeder main along Parkdale Boulevard and Memorial Drive N.W. The work will involve excavating six locations and replacing sections of concrete pipe with steel.

After restrictions are lifted, all that’s left to do is commission the pipe to ensure it’s disinfected and working. Thompson said that should take two to three weeks.

“If all goes according to plan, the new pipe will be operational before the end of year,” he said.

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