Calgary's Bearspaw South feeder main replacement on track for December completion

The replacement line for Calgary's Bearspaw South Feeder Main remains on schedule to be operational by December, city officials said Thursday, despite global trade pressures.

The project was accelerated following a second catastrophic burst on December 30th. Steel pipe began arriving June 18, and approximately 30 percent of the nearly six kilometres of steel pipe has been installed, according to Michael Thompson, the city's chief operating officer for water utility.

The project is currently within budget. Thompson acknowledged geopolitical risks — particularly newly announced U.S. tariffs — but said all major materials have already been procured. Concrete pipe has been fabricated in Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia. Most steel has come from Mexico, with the remainder from the United States. The city plans to source Canadian steel for future projects.

More than 100 workers are securing the water supply for the city. The original feeder main still carries risk and could fail before the replacement becomes operational.

Residents should expect a four-week Stage 4 outdoor water restriction around mid-October, when the new pipe is tied into the existing system. The city is asking Calgarians to keep rain barrels topped up to help reduce pressure on the system.