Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The first stage of construction on the Bearspaw feeder main’s replacement is halfway done, as the city says the project remains on schedule.
That segment runs from the Shaganappi Pump Station to Sarcee Trail. Now, construction crews are working on tunnelling a concrete pipe before a steel pipe is installed inside.
Additional construction for the project’s first stage, through microtunnelling, is on-track and continuing on 16th Avenue at 44 Street Northwest and Home Road, as well as near Sarcee Trail on 29th Avenue Northwest.
Crews will also begin work this week on the first blocks to support installing a new water pipe along 34th Avenue Northwest in the project’s second stage, between 79th and 80th streets, and 85th and 86th streets.
“The steel pipe will start to show up later this week and will be going in the ground. So we’re quite excited we’re on schedule,” said general manager of infrastructure services Michael Thompson.
Initial work on the second stage began in May, with cross-connection work between 77th and 83rd streets, which is now complete.
Construction on the feeder main replacement project began earlier this year, after it ruptured twice in 18 months between summer 2024 and the end of 2025.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas praised the speed at which the project is moving, with an end-of-year completion date still projected.
“We’re not in the clear yet, but by the end of this year, we’re going to have a brand new pipe built,” said Farkas.
Thompson takes on new role
The city is appointing Thompson as acting chief operating officer of the water utility effective June 22, it announced Monday.
Michael Thompson is moving into the acting COO role to oversee the water utility and implement an independent panel’s recommendations, the city announced on Monday. (Jo Horwood/CBC)
Thompson is set to step into the new role for 18 months. He’ll be tasked with following the recommendations of the Bearspaw feeder main’s independent review panel, released earlier this year. He’ll also be expected to improve the water system’s reliability and performance, while reporting to city council and the public on the project’s progress.
The city said its recruitment process was supported by an external executive search firm, and Thompson was selected partly due to the city seeing a need for leadership with existing knowledge to step in immediately.