Replacement Bearspaw Feeder Main will be finished by end of 2026, City of Calgary says

The City of Calgary is out with a new plan it says will get the Bearspaw South Feeder Main replaced earlier than initially planned in the wake of the pipe’s second massive break in less than two years.

Officials announcing Thursday the project is expected to be completed in December of this year. A timeline outlined on the city website previously said the project wouldn’t be finished until sometime in 2028.

Despite acceleration of the project, the city continues to warn of the possibility of another break.

“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,” it says. “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.”

The project will add a parallel steel pipe the same size as the existing feeder main, according to the city. Over time, the new pipe will take over service from the current line.

The contract for the project was awarded to Ward & Burke Microtunneling Ltd. and to Graham Construction & Engineering Inc. as construction manager for coordinating all of the work.

Long-lead components of the pipe have been ordered, and crews are set to start mobilizing work sites on Friday.

Site A will be located at the Shaganappi Pump Station extending to 73 Street NW on the west side of the Bow River.

The city says construction will start after the sites are set ups.

Crews will be working around the clock to expedite the project.

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

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

Various work is being completed to complete site setup, including: setup of temporary fencing and/or barriers, setup of site offices, tree protection measures, mobilization of heavy machinery and equipment, installation of construction signage, and more.

Calgarians are asked to follow construction signage for the safety of crews, residents, and others in the area.

The city says it is working directly with those who are impacted to provide further information.

More information on Stage B, which will run from 73 Street NW to 89 Street NW will be shared later.