Landscaping companies frustrated with Calgary water restrictions
Posted Aug 19, 2024 9:35 am.
Last Updated Aug 19, 2024 9:43 am.
Landscapers feel like they are not being heard by the City of Calgary after repeated attempts to come to a comprise for their limited water use.
Some, like Nathan Gill, the CEO of Eagle Lake Turf Farm, join a long list of business owners calling on the city to scale back restrictions to allow for watering of new plants and for construction activities such as pouring concrete.
“Failure to communicate and consult with our industry as to how this has impacted our businesses,” he told CityNews.
Water restrictions are returning to Stage 4, which means no outdoor potable water for residents, and a 25 per cent reduction for businesses.
Landscape Alberta says more than 5,000 families, who earn a living keeping Calgary green, will be affected if the city returns to Stage 4.
Several areas, like a large dirt field Gill was to work on, will remain a dirt lot for the foreseeable future.
”We understand the city is in a predicament. We understand everyone needs to do their part and monitor the amount of water being used, but we are being potentially shut off as a business,” Gill said.
Staffing and ensuring they have work has also plagued some of these businesses.
“Now with these new water restrictions coming in we are getting cancellations every day for the fall. We have a staff of about 20 people, so we are scrambling to find work — especially on the smaller project side, ” said Brad Parker, the owner of Fiddlers Green Landscaping.
He says he has reached out to the city many times… with barely to no response
”We are not getting a lot of response other than the fact that they say they are working with us… but we are not getting any results are response to that”
Landscape Alberta says restrictions will essentially shut down an entire industry during one of the busiest times of the year.
Nicole Newton, city manager of natural environment, says officials are reaching out to homeowners and businesses to better understand the challenges they’re facing.
Repairs at the Bearspaw Feeder Main start Aug. 26 and run to the end of September.
The city says it doesn’t intend to close indoor pools or car washes during that time.
