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The City of Calgary is now aiming to complete the construction of the replacement Bearspaw feeder main by the end of the year.
That accelerated timeline places the project’s targeted completion one year after the pipe’s most recent catastrophic break that led to significant flooding on 16th Avenue N.W.
The expedited project is designed to build a parallel steel pipe, the same size as the existing Bearspaw feeder main, to take over service from the current line and bolster Calgary’s water system.
“The City is implementing a revised plan that urgently expedites construction of a replacement for the Bearspaw South Feeder Main due to the critical condition of the current pipe and its importance in Calgary’s drinking water system,” the city’s infrastructure services department said in a statement on Thursday.
“Plans are moving forward quickly.”
The City of Calgary released a map on Thursday outlining where the new parallel feeder main to the Bearspaw will be constructed. (City of Calgary)
Calgary has been bogged down by two catastrophic breaks in the Bearspaw since June 2024, which both led to extended periods of water restrictions. The line was brought back into operation last week, ending weeks of water restrictions.
Infrastructure service general manager Michael Thompson has said crews and gear are on standby until the pipe is fully replaced, to respond to another major catastrophic break at any point.
Flood mitigation efforts, like temporary barriers along the Bow River Pathway on Parkdale Boulevard N.W., have been set up in Calgary in case of another water main break bringing more flooding to the area. (Jason Markusoff/CBC)
Building a new pipe by December would meet the timeline suggested by an independent panel report earlier this month, which Mayor Jeromy Farkas has also called for, to replace the Bearspaw within a year.
“Our council is united in challenging our administration to do in one single year what would otherwise take four years,” said Farkas on Thursday.
Farkas said administration hopes to have the pipe in service by Dec. 1. In the meantime, he said there may be disruptions for residents, like road closures and proactive Bearspaw shutdowns that would require water conservation measures.
Work is already underway to order long-lead components, with crews set to begin site setup on Friday at the Shaganappi Pump Station, extending to 73rd Street N.W., west of the Bow River. Once the site is set up, the city says construction will occur around the clock.
LISTEN | Analysis of the city’s ongoing plans to replace the Bearspaw feeder main:
Calgary Eyeopener8:50The City of Calgary begins the procurement process for new water infrastructure
Replacement work on the Bearspaw feeder main is being fast-tracked. Hear one expert’s take on the city’s plans .
Construction sites are planned for setup near the Bow River Pathway in Edworthy Park’s north parking lot, at Shouldice Park between 16th Avenue and Bowness Road N.W., and along Sarcee Trail near 73rd Street and Bonita Crescent N.W. Setup in these locations will include mobilizing heavy machinery, installing construction signs and setting up temporary barriers.
The project contract for the replacement pipe was awarded to Ward & Burke Microtunnelling and Graham Construction & Engineering.