City of Calgary Fast-Tracks Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement Project

City Fast-Tracks Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement Amid Critical Water Infrastructure Risk

CALGARY — The City of Calgary is urgently accelerating construction of a replacement for the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) due to the deteriorating condition of the existing pipe and its critical role in the city’s drinking water system.

Under the revised plan, the project will add a parallel steel pipe of the same size as the current feeder main. Once completed, the new pipe will gradually assume service from the aging line. The replacement is now expected to be completed by December 2026.

The construction contract has been awarded to Ward & Burke Microtunneling Ltd., with Graham Construction & Engineering Inc. appointed as Construction Manager to oversee coordination of the work.

Project activities are already underway, with long-lead materials ordered and crews scheduled to mobilize to worksites on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Initial construction will focus on Stage A, which runs from the Shaganappi Pump Station to 73 Street N.W. on the west side of the Bow River.

Following site setup, construction will proceed around the clock to expedite completion. The City confirmed that the microtunnelling construction method will continue for Stage A due to major infrastructure crossings, including 16 Avenue N.W., the Bow River, Sarcee Trail, and the CPKC rail line.

Construction site setup is taking place at multiple locations, including Edworthy Park, Shouldice Park, and a site near Sarcee Trail and 73 Street N.W. Activities include fencing installation, site offices, tree protection, heavy equipment mobilization, and construction signage.

Residents and visitors are asked to follow posted construction signage to ensure safety. City teams are engaging directly with affected community members to provide project details and address concerns.

The City said information regarding Stage B, which runs from 73 Street N.W. to 89 Street N.W., will be released as soon as possible, noting that efforts are focused on rapidly advancing Stage A.

Officials emphasized that Calgary’s drinking water system remains in a critical and vulnerable state, with the existing Bearspaw South Feeder Main representing a single point of failure. Until the replacement pipe becomes operational, the risk to the region remains significant.

City officials stressed that accelerating construction is essential to safeguarding public health and protecting Calgary’s vital water infrastructure, noting that every day counts.