Ward 1 - Sonya Sharp

Infrastructure health, safety, and reliability in Bowness and Montgomery

Addressing Infrastructure Needs in Bowness & Montgomery Infrastructure health, safety, and reliability

Overview

In response to recent disruptions and aging infrastructure challenges in Bowness and Montgomery, Councillors Sonya Sharp and Terry Wong proposed the "Infrastructure Health, Safety, and Reliability - Bowness & Montgomery" Notice of Motion on November 7, 2024 to the Executive Committee of Council, which passed 7-3. 

The motion will now be reviewed and voted on by Council on November 29, 2024. If approved, the motion will initiate a thorough assessment of infrastructure in these communities and a temporary pause on new high-density residential developments.

Why this motion matters

Both neighbourhoods, developed as independent municipalities before joining Calgary, are experiencing strain due to aging infrastructure and increased density. Issues like recent water main breaks, prolonged boil water advisories, and road closures have highlighted the need for a proactive approach to ensure safety, stability, and long-term planning.

Executive Committee Agenda
Read the Notice of Motion

Uncovering the history of Calgary’s water infrastructure crisis

Key actions

Comprehensive infrastructure assessment
Administration will be directed to complete a detailed report on critical infrastructure within Bowness and Montgomery, examining:

  • Roads, water, and wastewater systems
  • Storm sewers, parks, and green spaces
  • Key factors: infrastructure age, life expectancy, and current operational capacity

Evaluating density impact
The report will also address the effects of increased density on the aging infrastructure in these areas, identifying social, economic, and budgetary impacts that are essential for future planning.

Regular updates & reporting
To keep the community informed, Administration will provide consistent updates to the Infrastructure and Planning Committee, with a full report expected by June 2025. This report will outline clear steps to address both current and anticipated infrastructure needs.

Temporary pause on new high-density development permits
Residential development applications submitted after August 26, 2024, will be temporarily paused if they exceed four units and four secondary suites. The measure aims to prevent additional strain on infrastructure until a complete assessment is available.

undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null