Bearspaw replacement reaches 95 per cent as Calgary prepares for November water shutdown

Calgary's replacement Bearspaw South Feeder Main has reached approximately 95 per cent installation, but the City is preparing for another major service disruption before the pipe can begin operating. The October 28 construction update confirms that connection work will start November 4, requiring the existing feeder main to be shut down for roughly four weeks. Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions will apply citywide, with residents and businesses also asked to reduce indoor consumption. The utility will have less flexibility to supply the region while crews connect, disinfect and test the replacement line.

A separate phase of work began October 29 at six locations along Parkdale Boulevard N.W., between the Shaganappi and Memorial pump stations. Each site will have a dedicated crew replacing sections of existing pipe with new steel segments. Road lanes, traffic patterns and portions of the Bow River pathway system will be affected, with that work expected to continue into early December. The City says the existing Parkdale section is generally in good condition but requires targeted proactive repairs. These works are separate from the final connection of the new parallel feeder main.

The City is targeting service for the new line by the end of 2026, but installation progress should not be confused with operational readiness. Commissioning, safety and drinking-water testing remain essential. The shutdown also affects businesses that depend on outdoor water, including snowmaking operations at WinSport, which has warned of potential delays to the ski season. Much will depend on whether demand remains within available supply, which exemptions can be used and whether construction stays on schedule.

Sources: newsroom.calgary.ca