Calgary,
16
January
2026
|
13:03
America/Denver

Update Jan. 16: Major water main break

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chart jan 16
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This morning, the final pump at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant was activated, increasing flow through the feeder main. The system remains stable based on ongoing monitoring. All water restrictions are now lifted, effective immediately.

The City expects to deactivate the Municipal Emergency Plan and close the Emergency Operations Centre by the end of the day.

“To those of you who cut your water use at home or at work, you made a difference, and we truly appreciate you. Thank you also to our business community that helped to save water. I would also like to extend a huge thanks to all of the City teams, and everyone from our partner agencies who supported this situation with dedication and professionalism," said Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Sue Henry.

Although we are winding down our emergency response operations, we continue closely monitoring the pipe. Should we experience another break we are ready to respond quickly and efficiently.   

All operations at our aquatic centres and arenas will return to normal. 

·       Steam rooms will reopen as early as this evening. 

·       Hot tubs and kiddie pools are being refilled and expected to reopen tomorrow. 

·       Shouldice Aquatic Centre will reopen Monday, Jan. 19.  

·       Our arenas will return to normal ice surface flooding frequency. 

For up-to-date information on the status of your facility, please check Calgary.ca/pools.  

As mentioned before, the process to return the pipe to service had additional risk.  

Before we began to turn on the pumps, we took several measures to protect the communities around the feeder main. Now that we have returned the pipe to service, we will be removing a few of these measures. The extra crews and first responders that had been stationed near the feeder main will stand down today. 

Other measures, like the removed sections of berm in Montgomery and the barriers along Parkdale Avenue, will remain in place for now.  

Work will continue to determine a long-term approach until the feeder main has been replaced.  

ROADS AND MOBILITY  

Eastbound lanes on 16 Avenue are fully opened. Westbound traffic on 16 Avenue N.W. is currently open between 49 Street and Sarcee Trail N.W. with lane restrictions. We’re monitoring and evaluating the road base, and the remaining westbound lanes will reopen when it’s safe to do so. Please pay attention to road signs as speed limits may be reduced. 

For the latest information about road closures and detours, please go to: https://www.calgary.ca/roads/conditions/traffic.html  

STAYING INFORMED

Local emergencies can develop quickly. Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, help neighbours, first responders, and our whole community to respond more effectively.

We’re asking Calgarians to stay alert for any future emergency by signing up for official notifications and checking trusted local channels regularly. A few minutes of preparation today can make a meaningful difference when it matters most.