Friday, March 13, 2026
The government of Alberta is launching a formal inspection into the management, administration and operation of the City of Calgary’s Bearspaw South Feeder Main.
A release from the Alberta government said provincial minister of municipal affairs Dan Williams requested materials related to Calgary’s watermain asset management that could potentially impact the Bearspaw South Feeder Main and that the City of Calgary complied with the request.
“Given the recurring nature of this situation and the severe impact it is having on the daily lives of Calgarians and surrounding communities, all of whom rely on a safe, reliable water system to support their families and businesses, I believe an inspection is necessary. This decision was not taken lightly,” Williams said.
The inspection will assess how the City of Calgary manages, administers and oversees its water infrastructure systems, and determine whether additional provincial direction or corrective action is required, the release said, adding “Inspections are an extraordinary measure used only when significant concerns warrant a more thorough review.”
The inspection will also assess current practices and systems to identify areas where improvements may be needed.
David Goldie, who previously served as the board chair of the Alberta Energy Regulator has been appointed to lead the inspection.
The inspection is expected to take several months and all process steps are targeted for completion by the end of the year, the release said. The cost of the inspection will be covered by the province.
