Premier Smith keeps pressure on Calgary after second major water main failure

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is again turning her attention to Calgary’s troubled water infrastructure, calling two significant breaks on the Bearspaw South feeder main in less than two years “unacceptable.”

In a post on social media Tuesday, Smith said she met with the panel behind the independent review of the 2024 water main failure to discuss their final report.

The review found long‑standing systemic gaps in the city’s water management, including unclear lines of accountability and risks that went unaddressed for years.

Smith said the findings point to “serious systemic failures” and stressed that Albertans “deserve answers and transparency.” She added that the province will work with the City of Calgary to ensure accountability and to see that the panel’s recommendations are acted upon.

Calgary’s water system has faced intense scrutiny since the most recent rupture just before New Year’s Eve, which forced emergency repairs and weeks of water‑use restrictions. The city lifted all restrictions on Friday after the Bearspaw feeder main was returned to service.

The break followed a similar major failure in June 2024, which also triggered strict conservation measures. City officials say the pipe will need to be shut down again this spring for additional maintenance, a move that will require further restrictions.

Infrastructure general manager Michael Thompson confirmed that a contract for a full replacement pipe has been awarded, and that work will proceed as quickly as possible.

Smith has signalled that the province intends to keep pressure on the city as it works through the recommendations and long‑term repair plans.