Accelerated Work Underway to Replace Bearspaw South Feeder Main

The City is implementing a revised plan that urgently expedites construction of a replacement for the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) due to the critical condition of the current pipe and its importance in Calgary’s drinking water system.

The project will add a parallel steel pipe of the same size as the existing BSFM. Over time, this new pipe will take over service from the current line. The replacement pipe is now anticipated to be completed in December 2026.

The project contract was awarded to Ward & Burke Microtunneling Ltd. and to Graham Construction & Engineering Inc. as Construction Manager for coordination of all work.

Project work is underway. Ordering of long-lead components has begun, and crews will start to mobilize to work sites on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, to begin site setup for Stage A of the project, located at the Shaganappi Pump Station and extending to 73 Street NW on the west side of the Bow River. Construction will happen following site setup with crews working around the clock to expedite the project.

The microtunnelling construction approach will continue as planned for Stage A due to significant crossings such as 16 Avenue, the Bow River, Sarcee Trail and the CPKC rail line.

Construction site setups are taking place at the following locations:

• Edworthy Park, near a section of the Bow River Pathway in the Edworthy Park North Parking lot

• Shouldice Park, between 16 Avenue NW and Bowness Road NW

• Sarcee Trail site, near 73 Street NW and Bonita Crescent NW

Work site construction setup includes the following activities: 

• Setup of temporary fencing and/or barriers

• Setup of site office(s)

• Tree protection measures

• Mobilization of heavy machinery and equipment

• Installation of construction signage

• Other activities required to establish the site

We ask that construction signage be followed for the safety of crews and those living, working, or recreating in the area. City teams are working with those directly impacted to provide further details.

More information on Stage B, 73 Street NW to 89 Street NW, will be shared as soon as it becomes available. We appreciate the patience of those inquiring about Stage B as we work to rapidly advance Stage A.

The City’s drinking water system is in a critical and vulnerable state, and urgent action is required to protect the health and safety of the region. Until the replacement pipe is operational, there remains significant risk to the community, with this single point-of-failure asset continuing to operate in poor condition.

Every day counts as we accelerate construction of the replacement pipe to protect the region’s vital water system.

Plans are evolving rapidly please monitor calgary.ca/BSFMproject for project updates