The City is implementing a revised plan that urgently expedites construction of a replacement for the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) due to the critical condition of the current pipe and its importance in Calgary’s drinking water system.

 The project is adding a parallel steel pipe of the same size as the existing BSFM. Over time, this new pipe will take over service from the current line. The replacement pipe is anticipated to be completed in December 2026.

This work is an important investment in water infrastructure to support system reliability and reduce the risk of feeder main issues or failures.

The project is happening in two stages:

• Stage A: From the Shaganappi Pump Station to 73 Street N.W. on the west side of the Bow River.
• Stage B: Continues from 73 Street N.W. to 89 Street N.W., with a potential extension to the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant.

Construction for Stage A of the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main began in January using microtunnelling. This stage of the project will run from the Shaganappi Pump Station to 73 Street N.W., on the west side of the Bow River.

This approach was chosen because the pipe alignment includes significant crossings such as 16 Avenue, the Bow River and the CPKC rail line. While some surface work will still be required, work is largely happening at targeted locations instead of along the entire corridor.

Project status as of July 22, 2026:

• Stage A, microtunneling construction is progressing on schedule.  
• Crews are nearing completion of the microtunneling and installation of the concrete carrier pipe, which will enclose the new steel feeder main. This phase of work is expected to be completed within the next month.   
• To date, more than 1100 meters of steel feeder main have been installed inside the concrete carrier pipe across Stage A, between the Shaganappi Pump Station and 73 Street N.W.
• Additional construction to support Stage A continues to progress on track, including:
  • Microtunneling shaft construction on 16 Avenue N.W. at 44 Street N.W.
  • Microtunneling shaft construction near Sarcee Trail N.W. on 29 Avenue N.W.

During Stage B construction, some trees and shrubs in and near the public right‑of‑way may be affected. 

The public right‑of‑way often extends beyond the paved road and can include areas that look like part of a private yard. Ahead of construction, our team conducted a detailed inventory and health assessment of all trees and shrubs within the public right‑of‑way, including those nearby or overhanging into the right-of-way. 

As part of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) replacement project, sidewalks along 34 Avenue N.W. between 73 Street and 89 Street will be widened from 1.2 metres to 1.5 metres. The wider sidewalks will improve accessibility and pedestrian safety while aligning with the standards used in newer communities. A short section between 73 Street and 77 Street will remain at its current 1.2-metre width to maintain consistency with the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street, which is not being reconstructed as part of this project.

The sidewalk improvements will be accommodated within the existing public right-of-way and will not reduce roadway width or affect vehicle travel lanes. While every effort will be made to minimize impacts, some residents may experience temporary changes within the public right-of-way adjacent to their property, including the relocation of street lights, additional trimming of trees and shrubs, or impacts to privately installed irrigation systems and landscaping located within the public right-of-way. Project team members will contact affected residents directly to discuss any anticipated impacts before construction begins.

*Please note there have been changes to the previously communicated construction schedule:

• Construction on 34 Avenue N.W. between 73 Street N.W. and Bowcliffe Crescent N.W. has been rescheduled for August 4. When that work is complete crews will continue west between Bowcliffe Crescent N.W. and 77 Street N.W.
• Planned construction on 73 Street N.W. to Bonita Crescent N.W., originally scheduled to begin July 1, has been postponed. A revised start date will be shared once it is confirmed.
• Residents may also notice activity at the green space on 89 Street N.W. between 33 Avenue N.W. and 34 Avenue N.W., which is now being used as a construction laydown and pipe storage area. To support this work, street parking is not permitted along this block of 89 Street N.W. The area will be fenced and is expected to remain in use through project completion in December 2026. While construction activity is increasing, the basketball court and playground will remain open for community use.

We recognize the impact of the 2024 and 2025 feeder main breaks to businesses and communities and the importance of timely, considerate communications so you know what's happening.  

Over the coming weeks and months, we are committed to continuing to work closely with the community to provide information and details of construction activities, address unique needs of individual residents and support mitigation efforts where practical.