Bearspaw Feeder Main: Lessons Learned

When the Bearspaw Feeder Main first ruptured in 2024, it served as a wakeup call for Calgary. When it failed again last month, it brought more than a citywide disruption. It revealed deeper challenges in how we plan for, maintain, and invest in Calgary’s critical water infrastructure. Now that emergency repairs are complete, it is time to take a step back to reflect on what this experience has taught me, and what we as a city must learn moving forward.

Understanding What Went Wrong

An independent review confirmed that the 2024 break was not an isolated event, but the result of several systemic issues. Soil conditions and corrosion had been identified as risk factors for years, but inspections and rehabilitation were deferred while attention and funding were directed toward other competing priorities. Part of that decision-making stemmed from the assumption that the life expectancy of these large feeder main pipes was ~100 years. Unfortunately, we are now seeing failures decades earlier than expected. Those earlier assumptions shaped past decisions, but they’ve also underscored how urgently we need to rethink how we manage and protect critical infrastructure moving forward.

Another major factor is the lack of redundancy in our system. The Bearspaw line supplies ~60% of Calgary’s drinking water, and without a fully twinned parallel main, the city has had to rely heavily on the smaller Glenmore plant during outages. That strain led to necessary water restrictions across the city and served as a unsettling reminder of how vulnerable Calgary becomes when key water routes have no backup.

The review also pointed to some internal challenges. Fragmented knowledge, unclear responsibilities, and hesitancy to act on identified risks contributed to the failure. These findings have prompted discussions about governance, including the potential for a more independent water utility board to strengthen oversight, accountability, and decision-making.

What’s Being Done

While crews moved quickly to repair the pipe and restore service, the more important work is now underway. Construction on a new parallel feeder main, effectively twinning the existing Bearspaw line, is moving forward to strengthen Calgary’s water system. Once complete, it will provide the resiliency and redundancy we currently lack and allow the network to continue operating even when one line requires maintenance or encounters issues.

Beyond this single project, the Bearspaw incident has spurred broader policy and operational changes. There are new commitments to proactive inspection cycles, stronger accountability structures, and a renewed focus on long-term infrastructure investments. These steps are not only about preventing another emergency, but rather are part of a national shift in how we address aging infrastructure across Canada.

During the January 7 special meeting of Council discussing the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Independent Review Panel Final Report, I asked the panel whether Council and Administration have been following through appropriately on the recommendations made since the 2024 main break. The panel’s response was and encouraging ‘yes’, immediate actions have been taken, and we are on track to meet the goals and timelines set for long-term commitments. We are not behind on this work, and momentum is continuing.

(You can read more about actions the City has taken since the June 2024 break HERE.)

What to Expect Going Forward

As construction begins on the twinning project, Calgarians can anticipate future planned periods of water restrictions and temporary disruptions while crews work on the pipe. These interruptions will be carefully managed, clearly communicated, and very different from what we’ve experienced during emergency situations.

Council is also focused on improving oversight, communication, and transparency. Emergencies like this test not only our infrastructure, but also our systems of governance and community will. While there is still work to do, this experience has reinforced the resilience of Calgarians and given us a clearer path to building a water system that can meet the city’s needs for generations to come.

A Note of Thanks

Finally, thank you, Calgary (and our neighbours in Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore, and Tsuut’ina Nation...) For your patience, your cooperation, and your willingness to come together during such a challenging time. This is the true Calgary spirit, and it will guide us as we work to build a safer, stronger, and more resilient future for everyone.

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