Update: Stage B Construction - Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement
UPDATE: September 24, 2026
Progress on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement Project continues to proceed with 80% of the new steel feeder main pipe now installed across Stages A and B – crews remain on track to have the new feeder main connected by the end of the year.
What’s happening now?
Stage A work between the Shaganappi Pump Station and 73 Street N.W. is complete, with crews continuing work on valve chambers, pipe welding and supporting infrastructure.
Stage B construction in Bowness along 34 Avenue N.W. is progressing well, with more than 1.6 km of new pipe installed. Seven of 13 blocks are now complete, while work continues on the remaining blocks.
What’s next?
To connect the new feeder main to Calgary’s water system, the existing feeder main will need to be temporarily shut down later this year. During this period, Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and indoor water conservation measures will be required. Once the connection is complete, restrictions will be lifted, but crews will still need time to fill, disinfect and test the new pipe before it is fully in service.
Stay up to date on the project at calgary.ca/bearspawfeedermain
Calgary's water infrastructure is taking another major step forward this month as the City kicks off Stage B construction on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) replacement project.
Starting the week of May 11, 2026, crews will begin installing a new parallel steel feeder main along 34 Avenue NW, between 73 Street and 89 Street NW. The work is expected to wrap up in October 2026.
How construction will unfold
The first phase of Stage B focuses on cross-connection work - linking the future replacement pipe to the broader water system at two locations: 83 Street NW and 77 Street NW, both between 33 and 34 Avenue NW. Once that work is complete, main construction along 34 Avenue NW will get underway in June 2026, starting near the 79–80 Street and 85–86 Street intersections.
The City has chosen an open-cut construction method, which involves excavating a trench within the public right-of-way, installing the new pipe, and restoring the surface to its original condition. This approach was selected because it is the fastest option available for a replacement project that carries significant urgency given the condition of the existing pipe.
What to expect if you live or travel nearby
Residents and drivers in the area may experience traffic impacts, detours, noise, dust, temporary parking restrictions, and short-term changes to local access throughout the construction period. Extra caution is advised when travelling through surrounding residential streets. The City will provide advance notice as access, parking, and detour changes occur.
A quick update on Stage A
Microtunneling work for Stage A - running from the Shaganappi Pump Station to 73 Street NW on the west side of the Bow River - remains on schedule. Tunneling between the Sarcee Trail shaft and the Bow River Shaft began on April 27, 2026, and construction of the sixth and final tunneling shaft on 16 Avenue NW is set to begin this week.
One note for Edworthy Park visitors: parking availability at the park is significantly reduced due to nearby construction activity. Planning ahead and expecting limited on-site parking, especially during peak times, is recommended.
Why this work matters
The BSFM replacement project is designed to improve the long-term reliability and resilience of Calgary's water system. The new parallel steel feeder main will take over service from the aging existing line once complete. The full project is on track for completion in December 2026.
For ongoing updates, visit calgary.ca/bearspawfeedermain.
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