March 5th - BPSFM Construction Update

Upcoming Bearspaw South Feeder Main construction

Due to the critical condition of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) and its importance in Calgary’s drinking water system, we will be reinforcing the most vulnerable segments of the pipe. Beginning March 9, for about four weeks, construction to support stabilization of the pipe and reduce the chances of a break will be completed. This work will help the current BSFM to continue delivering our drinking water until the new parallel steel pipe is completed and can take over service from the current line. We will be repairing a total of 9 pipe segments - six on 16 Avenue N.W., near Sarcee Trail, and three at Point McKay Park. Additional feeder main related work will also be completed during this time.

Where we are working

Bearspaw South Feeder Main Reinforcement

• Work area 1: Closure beginning Saturday, March 7, on the westbound exit off Sarcee Trail onto 16 Avenue N.W.
• Work area 2: Currently closed - the right lane of westbound 16 Avenue N.W., onto the Sarcee Trail exit. 
• Work area 3: Point Mckay Park. All reinforcement sites will fall within the existing park closures.
• Construction storage area: North of 16 Avenue N.W., at 4304 17 Avenue N.W. 

Bearspaw South Feeder Main Pipe Draining

• Beginning March 9, crews will be working in and around manholes and valve access points throughout Bowness Park, Bowness, Montgomery, Shouldice Park and Parkdale to drain the feeder main. During this time you will see large volumes of water released into the river. Crews will remain at two locations on 33 Avenue N.W., at 8619 33 Avenue N.W., and 8015 Avenue N.W., from March 10 – 16.

 Cross tie valve installation at 9031 33 Avenue N.W.

• Beginning March 8, crews will be in the area near Wood’s Homes to replace a valve. Impacted residents have been notified.

Bearspaw South Feeder Main assessment at 8347 & 8343 33 Avenue N.W. 

• Expected to begin March 23-25. Small excavation to facilitate BSFM condition assessments. 

Condition assessment on existing utilities at 87 Street N.W. and 33 Avenue N.W. 

• Excavation and assessments. Beginning March 17 for one week. Full intersection closure. 

To complete this work, the BSFM will need to be shut down. During this time it will be critical for residents and businesses to use less water since the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant will supply most of the city and region and will be operating at maximum capacity. No outdoor water use will be permitted at this time. We’re also urging Calgarians to take steps to reduce their indoor water use. Learn more about how you can use less water at calgary.ca/savewater.

Construction Update

As a resident in the community, you will be impacted and should expect the following impacts throughout construction, beginning Monday, March 9, 2026:

• Crews will be working 24-hours/day, everyday, across all sites, until work is completed. • Heavy equipment and other construction vehicles around construction sites, mobilizing to and from sites.
• Traffic impacts and detours beginning Saturday, March 7, 2026. • Road closures and traffic detours with temporary street parking impacts.
• Driveway access will be impacted for some residents. City represetatives will be reaching out to impacted property owners directly.
• Fenced off areas for equipment and supplies.
• Noise, dust and vibrations.
• There are no planned long-term water, gas or electric outages, but temporary shutoffs may be required. 

Project Information or Questions 

Visit calgary.ca/bearspawfeedermain to learn more about the reinforcements construction process, ongoing area construction and impacts, and available community resources. If you have any questions about this work please come by and visit the team at the new BSFM Community Resource Centre, located at the Bowness Community Association: 7904 43 Ave N.W., call 311, visit calgary.ca/bearspawfeedermain or email bsfmproject@calgary.ca.

Transit Impacts

Full transit detour information, and temporary stop locations will be posted to calgarytransit.com/serviceupdates and on the mobile Transit app.