Councillors split on ideas around future of Calgary’s water utility
Posted Mar 12, 2026 7:18 am.
The impact of Calgary’s growing pains was up for discussion in council chambers Wednesday, as city hall tried to find a balance between keeping costs low and embracing the city’s growth.
A key task for council is getting the city’s infrastructure priorities in alignment, as increased funding is needed to support the construction of a replacement for the Bearspaw South Feeder Main.
But, a lingering issue remains.
An independent panel looking into the city’s water issues recommended the city create a municipally-controlled corporation to oversee water.
That has some eyeing the city’s electrical provider, Enmax.
“Affordable compared to competitors, good management, there’s a number of reasons why we’d be potentially looking at Emnax, another benefit as well is construction coordination,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
The idea is currently just that — an idea. Some councillors say their opinion has yet to be formed, adding that utilities are incredibly complex, and a move to Enmax would be a “transformational” decision they want to get right.
“I think my answer to that is I have a lot of learning to do before I can answer that question,” said Ward 8 Coun. Nathaniel Schmidt.
“This is a council discussion we’ve had for quite some time, even previous council, of what to do with this… I’m supportive of it but a lot more has to be discussed,” added Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean.
Others say they support the cost-saving measures of utilizing Enmax — citing governance that’s already in place and branding and design work that wouldn’t need to be done.
But, they say all options need to stay on the table.
“Personally, I don’t think we need to go to a wholly owned subsidiary on a water utility, I think it could be managed internally at a much lower cost,” said Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot.
Farkas has said council will be implementing all of the panel’s recommendations, so it’s highly-likely that a city-owned corporation would be taking responsibility for water. But, what that will look like remains to be seen.
