A Bowness cafe forced to close due to upcoming feeder main repairs says the City of Calgary is storing the building for a few years, and a new shop is opening at a town north of the city.
Angel’s Cafe owner Cathy Jacobs said on social media that the City of Calgary offered to store the building at its own expense before returning it in 2-3 years after the work is finished.
The cafe, which has operated for nearly 30 years, had recently signed a new five‑year lease that began in January. Jacobs says it was intended to be the final term of a 15‑year agreement on the city‑owned land.
However, Jacobs says the city terminated its lease in mid-January unexpectedly to make way for the construction along the Bearspaw South feeder main, saying it had 30 days to clear the place.
According to the post, the city is “giving back the last five years,” but adds more is being sought as “the expense has been tremendously high and to rebuild will be the same.”
Jacobs thanked Ward 12 councillor Mike Jamison and his executive advisor, Roy Beyer, before calling out Ward 1 councillor Kim Tyers and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
“I wish our own ward councillor and mayor would have reached out but not a peep, very disappointing,” she said. Jacobs ran for the Ward 1 job in the 2025 municipal election, finishing in fourth with 4,400 votes.
Meanwhile, Jacobs says the owners of Crossfield’s Irvine Tack and Western Wear are helping her set up a new shop. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Bowness to the clothing store.
“We know it’s a travel, but when we are ready in the near future to do what Angel’s is best known for, I hope you will join us,” her post reads.
Over 20 people helped take apart the cafe prior to the start of the feeder main repairs slated for March 9.
Crews will begin installing structural supports along vulnerable sections of the line.
This means the city will be under water restrictions for four weeks while the work is completed. The shutdown is one of two planned this year.