Bearspaw South Feeder Main Improvements Project

Overview

The City is pleased to be moving forward with the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) Improvements Project, a critical step in strengthening Calgary’s water system. As the largest feeder main in Calgary’s network, BSFM distributes treated water to about 1.5 million people in Calgary and surrounding communities. The project will add a parallel pipe of the same size as the existing BSFM. Over time, this new pipe will take over service from the current line.

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

Project duration

Starting in Spring 2026 and running until about late-2028.

Project stages

The project will happen in two stages:

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

Stage A is currently in the design phase and planned to go to Request for Proposal (RFP) in late 2025. Construction is expected to start in Spring 2026 on Stage A. Stage B will undergo detailed design and procurement in Q3 2026.

Stage A construction

Micro-tunnelling is planned for Stage A due to issues with the existing pipe alignment and significant crossings such as 16 Avenue, the Bow River, Sarcee Trail and the CPKC rail line. While some surface work will be required, work can happen at targeted locations instead of along the entire corridor. Micro-tunnelling is the best practical option for this stretch as the buried infrastructure we need to reach can be best accessed in this targeted manner instead of needing open trenches along the corridor.

Stage B construction

Stage B will further extend the line, making a connection from 73 Street NW to 89 Street NW, with a potential extension to the Bearspaw Wastewater Treatment Plant. The rehabilitation and continued operations of the feeder main and service resilience are key focus areas for Water Treatment & Supply.

Stage B details and plans will be shared once detailed design and planning are complete; we expect to have detailed design and planning complete by Q3 2026 and will share more information on Stage B at that time.

Outreach and information

We recognize the impact of the 2024 feeder main break to businesses and communities and the importance of timely, considerate communications to interested parties so that you know what's happening, when and where. As part of our commitment to transparent communication, information sessions will be hosted in early 2026 before work starts so that we can answer questions and share details on what to expect. Be sure to check back here for updates on information sessions in 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How is construction being planned?

Construction is planned to happen in two stages, Stage A and Stage B. Stage A is the primary focus and expected to begin in Spring 2026. Stage B will be undergoing detailed design and planning until about Q3 2026. Once that process is complete, we will be able to share more information on Stage B.

Where will work happen?

Stage A alignment is from the Shaganappi Pump Station located near Edworthy Park and extends to 73 Street NW. Stage B will further extend the line, making a connection from 73 Street Crescent NW to 89 Street NW, with a potential extension to the Bearspaw Wastewater Treatment Plant. Stage B details and plans will be shared once detailed design and planning are complete; we expect to have detailed design and planning complete by Q3 2026 and will share more information on Stage B at that time.

Will the Bearspaw South Feeder Main remain operational throughout the improvements?

Yes, it is expected that the feeder main will continue to remain in service, except for short durations when the new pipe needs to be tied into the existing feeder main.

When does construction start?

Construction on Stage A is expected to start in Spring 2026. Stage B construction timing will be shared once detailed design is complete on that stage of which is expected around February 2026.

Where can I ask questions about the project?

We are planning information sessions for interested parties in early 2026. More information on those sessions will be available in the new year. In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the project team directly at BSFMProject@calgary.ca.

What is microtunnelling?

A tunnel construction technique used to construct pipe underground. It includes a micro tunnel boring machine that creates the tunnel and then pipes are inserted behind the machine. This construction technique has been used by the water utility for other large diameter pipes, including the Inglewood Sanitary Trunk crossing of the Bow River and Nose Creek Sanitary trunk adjacent to Deerfoot Trail.

Can you provide details on other feeder main projects?

The North Calgary Water Servicing Project will provide partial system redundancy to the Bearspaw South feeder main. It will also provide redundancy to six other feeder mains. This project will be complete by 2028.

The South Calgary Water Servicing Project is in early development and will provide the remaining system redundancy to the Bearspaw South feeder main and two other feeder mains. This project is a new feeder main to move water to south Calgary from the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant that is planned to be complete by 2031.

Crosstie Feeder Main Project will improve the redundancy of the feeder main network in NE Calgary and improve system pressures in Saddle Ridge, Taradale, Martindale and Falconridge. This feeder main extends along Country Hills Blvd from Coventry Hills Blvd to 60th Street NE and will be constructed by 2029.

How is The City continuing to monitor the existing Bearspaw South Feeder Main?

The current pipe is being closely monitored using fibre optic monitoring technology. This system enables continuous monitoring of wire snaps (breaks), therefore allowing for the tracking of the pipe condition over time.  This monitoring provides advance warning by observing the frequency and location of wire snaps. If the pipe deterioration advances, we will have adequate time to plan and execute a safe repair.

Rapid repair execution plans are established. Pre-approved repair designs, spare materials, and established shutdown plans will support expedited restoration if we need to take action.

Contact

If you have questions or feedback about the project, we’d like to hear from you.

This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically.