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 will add 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 now 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.

The project will happen 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.

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.

Project status as of June 11, 2026

• Stage A microtunneling construction is going well and is currently on schedule. Microtunneling work is underway between the tunneling shaft locations.
• Stage A construction of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is now 51 per cent complete. 
• As construction for Stage A progresses, we are using a method called two-pass microtunneling. The tunnel is being lined with a concrete carrier pipe first, then the new steel pipe will be installed. The concrete carrier pipe installation is 55 per cent complete.  
• Additional construction to support Stage A continues to progress on track, including:
  • Microtunneling shaft construction on 16 Avenue N.W. at 44 Street N.W.   
  • Microtunneling shaft construction on 16 Avenue N.W. at Home Road. 
  • Microtunneling shaft construction near Sarcee Trail N.W. on 29 Avenue N.W. 

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 will be followed by feeder main installation along 34 Avenue N.W. beginning in June.

Stage B will be installed using an open‑cut construction approach, which allows work to be completed more efficiently and shortens the overall construction timeline. Construction will be completed in sections, with crews generally working east to west along 34 Avenue N.W. Multiple crews will be active at the same time, and each work area is expected to take approximately 10 to 12 weeks to complete.

• During Stage B construction, some trees and shrubs in and near the public right‑of‑way may be affected. 
• The public right‑of‑way often extends beyond the paved road and can include areas that look like part of a private yard. Ahead of construction, our team conducted a detailed inventory and health assessment of all trees and shrubs within the public right‑of‑way, including those nearby or overhanging into the right-of-way. 

What to expect:

• Tree pruning may be needed where branches extend into the public right‑of‑way. 
• All trimming and removals will be completed only when needed and as construction moves from one work area to the next. This approach helps minimize unnecessary impacts. 

How work will be done:

• If a tree on or near your property is impacted, a member of our team will contact you directly. 
• All tree work will be carried out by qualified City arborists or professional tree removal contractors. 
• All landscaping restorations are covered by a two‑year warranty (two growing seasons). 

Construction timing and sequencing are subject to change due to site conditions and other factors, and updates will be shared as work progresses.

This interactive map has been developed to provide the most up-to-date Stage B construction timing. We encourage you to zoom in on your block or search your address to see the most recent construction timing for your area.

Feeder main construction began in two locations on June 4, 2026 on 34 Avenue N.W. Between 79 Street to 80 Street N.W. and from 85 Street to 86 Street N.W. This construction is ongoing.

July 1 construction will begin on 73 Street N.W., between Bonita Crescent and 34 Avenue N.W. and on July 4, construction will begin from 86 Street to 87 Street N.W.

We recognize the impact of the 2024 and 2025 feeder main breaks to businesses and communities and the importance of timely, considerate communications so you know what's happening.  

Over the coming weeks and months, we are committed to continuing to work closely with the community to provide information and details of construction activities, address unique needs of individual residents and support mitigation efforts where practical.