Bearspaw South Feeder Main replacement project
Supporting Calgary’s drinking water system Bearspaw South Feeder Main replacement project
Overview
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.
Stage 4 Water Restrictions
Starting November 4, city-wide Stage 4 water restrictions will be in effect. No outdoor water use will be permitted during this time.
We're also urging Calgarians to reduce their indoor water use.
Contact
If you have questions or feedback about the project, we’d like to hear from you.
- Email: BSFMProject@calgary.ca
- Complete the Resident contact information form
- Call 311
Connecting the feeder main
Tie-in construction (November 2026)
We are entering the final stages of construction on the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main.
This November, crews will begin connecting the new feeder main to the existing water system. This tie-in work will take place at three locations:
- 33 Avenue and 89 Street N.W.
- 33 and 34 Avenues and 83 Street N.W.
- Shaganappi Pump Station, near Edworthy Park
Preparing for the connections
Before crews can make these connections, the existing Bearspaw South Feeder Main needs to be shut down and drained. The draining process will be similar to previous feeder main shutdowns. Residents will see pumps and hoses at several locations along 33 Avenue N.W. and throughout Bowness and Montgomery.
Beginning November 4, pumps will operate 24 hours a day to drain the feeder main. Once the pipe is drained, crews can safely begin making connections to the existing water system.
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Step 1 Shut down and drain
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Step 2 Excavate
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Step 3 Pipe cutting
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Step 4 Valve installation
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Step 5 Welding
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Step 6 Backfill
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Step 7 Paving
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Step 8 Commissioning
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33 Avenue and 89 Street N.W.
The new feeder main has already been installed from 34 Avenue N.W. to a new valve chamber about halfway down 89 Street N.W. The next step is to connect this new pipe to the existing steel feeder main beneath 33 Avenue N.W.
During the shutdown, crews will use open-cut excavation to expose the existing steel feeder main coming from the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant. This process will include:
- Installing the remaining section of new feeder main between the valve chamber on 89 Street N.W. and the existing feeder main beneath 33 Avenue N.W.
- Cutting into the existing steel feeder main.
- Installing a custom 1,950-mm steel T-shaped fitting to connect the existing and new feeder mains. This will redirect water into the new pipe when the feeder main is returned to service.
- Weld and test the new connection.
- Backfill the excavation and begin restoring the surface.
This work will create a steel-to-steel connection, eliminating the risk associated with the existing concrete feeder main at this location.
33 and 34 Avenues and 83 Street N.W.
A second connection will be completed near 33 Avenue and 83 Street N.W.
Earlier this year, crews installed a 600-mm PVC pipe from the new feeder main beneath 34 Avenue N.W. toward the pump station near 33 Avenue N.W. The work stopped short of the 33 Avenue intersection to avoid disrupting the existing feeder main while it remained in service.
Once the feeder main is shut down, crews can complete this connection using open-cut construction, similar to the work underway along 34 Avenue N.W. While the area is excavated, crews will also upgrade drinking water distribution and sanitary pipes.
Residents and people travelling through the area should expect substantial traffic impacts around 33 and 34 Avenues during this work. Construction will require extended hours, including some 24-hour work.
Shaganappi Pump Station
Work is already underway at the Shaganappi Pump Station near Edworthy Park.
Crews are installing a new 1,350-mm pipe between the pump station and a new valve chamber that is also under construction. Because this part of the work does not require the existing feeder main to be shut down, crews have been able to begin construction ahead of the November shutdown.
During the shutdown, crews will install a new pipe connecting the valve chamber to the existing 1,500-mm feeder main along Parkdale Boulevard. The new connection and valve chamber will redirect water into the 1,500-mm feeder main going forward.
Additional draining will also take place in this area as crews empty the feeder main to complete the connections. This will include discharging water into the Bow River.
The south section of the Riverside Club overflow parking lot has been closed since October 8 to support excavation and pipe installation associated with this work.
Connection work image gallery
New connection pipes and valve installed near the Shaganappi Pump Station
New valve chamber that will connect to the new feeder main on 89 Street N.W.
New 78-inch internal-diameter valve that will be installed on the new feeder main.
Custom steel pipe that will be installed near the Shaganappi Pump Station.
Project stages
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.
2026 Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement Stages A & B
Stage A construction
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.
Stage A project status
Project status as of October 29, 2026:
- Stage A construction began in January and used microtunnelling to complete approximately 3.7 kilometres of tunnelling.
- Installation of both the concrete carrier pipe and the new steel feeder main between the Shaganappi Pump Station and 73 Street N.W. was completed in September.
- Stage A construction continues and crews have now completed grouting in the space between the carrier pipe and the new steel feeder main.
- Construction in the valve chambers and work on supporting infrastructure are ongoing.
Stage A image gallery
July 28, 2026, image shows continued microtunneling and steel pipe installation near Sarcee Trail N.W.
July 28, 2026, image shows continued microtunneling and steel pipe installation near Sarcee Trail N.W.
July 28, 2026, image shows continued microtunneling and concrete pipe installation at Shouldice Park.
July 28, 2026, image shows continued microtunneling and steel pipe installation near Bowmont.
Stage B construction
Stage B construction for the Bearspaw South Feeder Main replacement project started May 11, 2026, and is expected to continue through November 2026. The new replacement pipe will run from 73 Street N.W. to 89 Street N.W., where it will connect to the existing steel pipe leading to the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant. Extending the pipe to 89 Street N.W. helps avoid future construction and reduces future community disruptions.
Work started with cross-connection construction the week of May 11 at 77 Street N.W. and 83 Street N.W., and we are now installing the new steel feeder main along 34 Avenue N.W.
Stage B is being installed using an open‑cut construction approach, which allows work to be completed more efficiently and shortens the overall construction timeline. Construction is being completed in sections, with crews generally working east to west along 34 Avenue N.W. Multiple crews are active at the same time, and each work area is expected to take approximately 10 to 12 weeks to complete.
Stage B project status
Project status as of October 29, 2026
- Stage B open-cut construction along 34 Avenue N.W. in Bowness began in June and remains on schedule.
- More than 90 per cent of the new feeder main has now been installed between 89 Street N.W. and 73 Street N.W.
- As pipe installation progresses, crews are restoring roadways, sidewalks and property access along the alignment.
- Landscaping restoration will continue through the fall, weather permitting. Any remaining work will be completed in spring 2027.
Stage B image gallery
Stage B open-cut construction on 34 Avenue N.W., July 10, 2026
Steel pipe being delivered and installed for Stage B of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main replacement project.
Steel pipe being delivered and installed for Stage B of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main replacement project.
Steel pipe being delivered and installed for Stage B of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main replacement project.
July 28, 2026, images shows open cut construction and steel feeder main installation in Bowness on 34 Avenue N.W.
July 28, 2026, images shows open cut construction and steel feeder main installation in Bowness on 34 Avenue N.W.
Stage B construction process
- Crews will be excavating within the public right-of-way to install utilities for the replacement feeder main. This work will be done using an open-cut method.
- Step 1: Pre-construction work such as tree pruning/removal and signage removal.
- Step 2: Road will be closed, fencing will be put up, detours will be put in-place.
- Step 3: Asphalt cutting will begin to remove surface materials.
- Step 4: Excavation to reveal existing utilities and dig out pipe trench.
- Step 5: Relocation and Installation of new utilities
- Step 6: Backfill & paving
- Step 7: Community restoration
What to expect
- Crews will be working Monday - Saturday 6:30a.m. – 9p.m, Sunday as required. These hours have shifted and may change again, subject to project schedule needs.
- Construction vehicles around work areas.
- Traffic impacts and detours. Temporary street parking impacts.
- When construction begins in a specific area, that entire area will be closed to traffic and parking.
- Driveway access may be impacted for some residents. City representatives will be reaching out to impacted property owners directly.
- Fenced areas for equipment and supplies.
- Noise, dust and vibrations.
- There are NO planned water, gas, or electric outages, but temporary shutoffs may be required.
Stay informed
Please complete the resident contact form to receive regular project updates and information regarding construction.
You can also view the latest City of Calgary news releases.
