Calgary Races to Replace Aging Water Main Deemed a 'Ticking Time Bomb'
The City of Calgary has committed to an accelerated construction timeline to replace what officials describe as the most critical piece of water infrastructure in the municipality. The Bearspaw South feeder main, which supplies approximately 60 percent of Calgary's drinking water, is in such a deteriorated state that Mayor Jeromy Farkas has labeled it a "ticking time bomb" and "terminally ill." This vital pipeline's precarious condition presents a continuous risk of failure, prompting urgent municipal action.
History of Catastrophic Failures and Public Impact
The feeder main has already experienced two significant rupture events, each causing widespread disruption. The first catastrophic failure occurred on June 5, 2024, followed by another burst on December 30, 2025. Both incidents necessitated emergency repairs and forced residents across Calgary and surrounding areas to severely restrict their water usage until temporary fixes could be implemented. City officials have warned that additional repairs are anticipated once warmer weather arrives, which will likely require further water rationing measures for the community.
Expedited Construction Process and Contract Awards
In response to the pipe's degraded condition and the high probability of future failures, Calgary's municipal government has decided to fast-track the replacement project. This approach involves bypassing the standard competitive bidding process to expedite construction. Last week, the city revealed that it has awarded sole-source contracts to two contractors for this critical work.
Ward and Burke Microtunnelling Ltd. and Graham Construction have been selected to carry out the replacement project, which officially commenced on Friday. The ambitious undertaking is scheduled for completion by December of this year and will be executed in two distinct phases to manage the complex logistics of replacing such essential infrastructure.
Strategic Construction Sites and Ongoing Monitoring
One of the primary staging areas for this massive construction effort is located at Edworthy Park, where significant activity was already visible as of January 22, 2026. The city's decision to prioritize this replacement reflects growing concerns about aging urban infrastructure across Canadian municipalities and the substantial public consequences when critical systems fail.
This accelerated replacement project represents a substantial municipal investment in Calgary's water security and highlights the challenges cities face when maintaining essential services through aging infrastructure networks. The situation underscores the importance of proactive infrastructure management and the difficult decisions municipal leaders must make when public safety and essential services are at risk.
