Calgary Accelerates Construction on Replacement for Critical Water Pipeline
The City of Calgary is moving forward with urgent construction on a replacement for the Bearspaw South feeder main, a critical water conduit that has experienced two significant ruptures within the past eighteen months. This essential infrastructure project, described by Mayor Jeromy Farkas as a "mega project," is poised to commence as early as this week following an expedited contractor selection process.
Expedited Timeline and Project Details
During a recent council question period, Michael Thompson, the city's general manager of infrastructure services, confirmed that construction on the six-kilometre steel pipeline could begin imminently. A city spokesperson elaborated, stating, "The city is implementing a revised plan that significantly expedites construction of a replacement for the Bearspaw South feeder main. Project work is underway. Ordering of long lead components has begun and crews will be mobilized in the coming days."
The announcement comes less than a week after the feeder main was restored to service following its most recent failure on December 30. That rupture necessitated over two weeks of Stage 4 water restrictions for Calgary residents while emergency repairs were conducted.
Construction Methodology and Contract Awards
The new pipeline will be constructed parallel to the existing feeder main in Calgary's northwest quadrant. It will utilize a micro-tunnel boring technique and will be buried beneath the Montgomery and Bowness neighbourhoods. The city has awarded sole-source contracts for the project to Ward and Burke Microtunnelling Ltd. and Graham Construction. The replacement initiative will be delivered in two distinct phases to streamline the complex construction process.
Addressing a Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability
The Bearspaw South feeder main is a vital piece of Calgary's water infrastructure, responsible for transporting approximately sixty percent of the city's treated water supply. Its first major rupture occurred on June 5, 2024, below 16th Avenue N.W. Subsequent inspections revealed more than two dozen points of deterioration along the precast concrete sections of the aging pipe.
A city spokesperson emphasized the ongoing risk, noting, "Until the replacement pipe is operational, there is significant risk to the community, with this single point-of-failure asset remaining in service in poor condition." To mitigate this risk, the existing feeder main is scheduled for proactive shutdowns this spring and fall to reinforce sections deemed vulnerable. These necessary maintenance periods will require the implementation of additional temporary water restrictions.
Mayoral Perspective and Project Financing
Mayor Jeromy Farkas has characterized the replacement of the feeder main as Calgary's paramount "civic mission." He has publicly described the existing line as "terminally ill" and a "ticking time bomb" beneath the city's streets. Farkas has expressed a strong desire to see the megaproject completed within a single year, stating, "We have to do this faster than anything we've ever done before."
While the exact financial outlay remains under finalization, Mayor Farkas confirmed that the replacement pipeline will likely cost "hundreds of millions of dollars." He indicated that all financing options are currently under consideration. "Right now, all options are on the table in terms of how we pay for this," Farkas told reporters. "We don't have the exact costing at this point, but our city administration has been given the go-ahead to get shovels in the ground."
This accelerated construction project underscores the critical importance of maintaining and modernizing municipal water infrastructure to ensure reliable service and public safety for all Calgary residents.
