Bearspaw South Feeder Main reaches 95% installation; construction to connect the new feeder main and Stage 4 water restrictions begin November 4

Construction on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement Project is nearing completion, with approximately 95 per cent of the new feeder main now installed across stages A and B. The project is entering its final stages, with work beginning in November to connect the new feeder main to the existing water system.

"We are not out of the woods yet, but we are getting very close," states Michael Thompson, Chief Operating Officer for the Water Utility. “On November 4 we will start work to connect the new pipe to our water system, keeping us on track to have the new pipe in service by the end of the year.”

In order to safely complete the connection, the existing feeder main will need to be shut down for approximately four weeks. Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions will be in place, and indoor water conservation is needed starting November 4.

Stage A construction update

Stage A construction began in January and used microtunnelling to complete approximately 3.7 kilometres of tunnelling. Installation of both the concrete carrier pipe and the new steel feeder main between the Shaganappi Pump Station and 73 Street N.W. was completed in September.

Stage A construction continues and crews have now completed grouting in the space between the carrier pipe and the new steel feeder main. Construction in the valve chambers and work on supporting infrastructure are ongoing.

Stage B construction update

Stage B open-cut construction along 34 Avenue N.W. in Bowness began in June and remains on schedule. More than 90 per cent of the new feeder main has now been installed between 89 Street N.W. and 73 Street N.W.

As pipe installation progresses, crews are restoring roadways, sidewalks and property access along the alignment. Landscaping restoration will continue through the fall, weather permitting. Any remaining work will be completed in spring 2027.

Connecting the feeder main

Starting November 4, crews will begin preparing to connect, or “tie-in”, the pipe by shutting down and draining the existing Bearspaw South Feeder Main. Tie-in construction will take place in November and December at three locations:

• 33 and 34 Avenues N.W. and 83 Street N.W.
• 33 Avenue N.W. and 89 Street N.W.
• Shaganappi Pump Station, near Edworthy Park

This work will result in significant traffic impacts, including intersection and lane closures, detours, and sidewalk and bicycle lane closures. Construction hours will vary by location, with some work requiring 24-hour construction.

Stage 4 water restrictions

Connecting the new feeder main to the existing water system will take approximately four weeks. During this time, the existing Bearspaw South Feeder Main will be temporarily shut down, significantly reducing how much water can be distributed across the city. As a result, city-wide Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and voluntary indoor water conservation will be required beginning November 4 for approximately four weeks.

While the feeder main is shut down, every water-saving action will help reduce demand on Calgary's water system. We're asking Calgarians to prepare to conserve water by not watering outdoors, flushing only when needed, running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads and taking shorter showers (aiming for three minutes or less). We're also encouraging everyone to help spread the word that water restrictions begin November 4 by sharing this information with family and friends.

Parkdale Boulevard repairs

Starting October 29, additional repairs will be completed on a different section of the feeder main between the Shaganappi Pump Station and the Memorial Pump Station along Parkdale Boulevard N.W. Assessments of this pipe show it remains in good overall condition but requires proactive repairs in six locations.

The repairs will require work at six locations at the same time, with a dedicated crew at each site. We will excavate and replace sections of the existing pipe with new steel segments. Lane closures and traffic detours will be in place along Parkdale Boulevard N.W., and river pathway detours will be required in the area. Be prepared for traffic delays on Parkdale Boulevard and consider planning an alternate route for your commute. Work on Parkdale Boulevard is expected to be completed in early December.

Community support

The City continues to work directly with residents, businesses and property owners affected by construction.

Residents experiencing construction-related impacts can visit the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Community Resource Centre at the Bowness Community Association, 7904 43 Ave. N.W. The Centre is open:

• Monday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bearspaw South Feeder Main Construction Liaisons are also available at the Community Resource Centre on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

For project information and construction updates, visit calgary.ca/bearspawfeedermain.