January 16 Update: Water Restrictions Lifted

Dear Ward 2 residents,

As of today, all water restrictions in Calgary have been lifted.

The City activated the final pump at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant earlier today, increasing flow through the feeder main. Crews are monitoring the system and confirm it remains stable. As a result, restrictions are now lifted effective immediately.

The City expects to deactivate the Municipal Emergency Plan and close the Emergency Operations Centre by the end of the day. While emergency operations are winding down, the feeder main will continue to be closely monitored.

With restrictions lifted, facilities are returning to normal operations. Aquatic centres and arenas will resume regular use, including:

• Steam rooms reopening as early as this evening
• Hot tubs and kiddie pools being refilled and expected to reopen tomorrow
• Shouldice Aquatic Centre reopening Monday, January 19
• Arenas returning to normal ice surface flooding schedules

For the most up-to-date information on specific facilities, please visit calgary.ca/pools.

As shared previously, returning the feeder main to service carried additional risk. Prior to restarting the system, The City put several protective measures in place for nearby communities. Now that the pipe is back in service, some of those temporary measures are being removed. Extra crews and first responders stationed near the feeder main will stand down today. Other measures, including removed berm sections in Montgomery and barriers along Parkdale Avenue, will remain in place for now.

Work is ongoing to determine a long-term approach until the feeder main can be fully replaced.

Roads and Mobility

Eastbound lanes on 16 Avenue N.W. are fully open. Westbound traffic between 49 Street and Sarcee Trail N.W. remains open with lane restrictions while road conditions continue to be monitored. Remaining westbound lanes will reopen once it is safe to do so. Please watch for signage and reduced speed limits.

For current road closures and detours, visit:
https://www.calgary.ca/roads/conditions/traffic.html

Staying Informed

This event was a reminder that local emergencies can develop quickly. Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, support neighbours, and help first responders act quickly.

The City encourages residents to stay prepared by:

• Download the Alberta Emergency Alert app for your cellphone to get non-broadcast intrusive alert notices, like the ones used during this incident. 
• In the event emergency response measures are needed, The City will share information via local media, social media and on Calgary.ca.
• Sign up for email updates from The City of Calgary newsroom.
• Follow The City of Calgary on X.
• Follow The City of Calgary on Facebook.

Thank you again for your patience, cooperation, and care for one another throughout this disruption. Please continue to stay informed, and do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have questions or concerns at ward2@calgary.ca