Tuesday, June 16, 2026
The City of Calgary announced that construction of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement Project remains on schedule and the project continues to achieve significant milestones. Stage A construction of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is now 51 per cent complete. The City also announced the appointment of Michael Thompson as Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Water Utility.
The COO role follows the findings and recommendations of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Independent Review Panel, which identified the need for stronger operational accountability, integration, and oversight across Calgary’s water system.
“Calgarians expect reliable water service, and we are accountable for delivering it,” said David Duckworth, Chief Administrative Officer. “This role is about strengthening how we operate the system, with clear accountability, better coordination, and disciplined execution. Michael is the right leader to take on this role now. He brings deep knowledge of our water system, and a proven ability to deliver in complex environments and drive the urgent changes that we are making.”
As Acting COO – Water Utility, Thompson will focus on improving system reliability and operational performance, strengthening integration across planning, capital delivery, and operations, establishing clear, end-to-end accountability for water services and advancing implementation of the Review Panel’s recommendations.
“This role is a key step in strengthening how The City delivers safe, reliable water services to Calgarians and managing risk across critical infrastructure systems,” said Duckworth. “Michael has a clear mandate to improve performance and reduce risk, and we will continue to be transparent with Council and the public on our progress.”
The City conducted a comprehensive recruitment process, supported by an external executive search firm, to consider a strong and diverse field of candidates for the role. However, there is a strong need for leadership that can step in immediately, bring deep system knowledge, and drive execution at the unprecedented pace at which we are currently working.
Thompson currently serves as General Manager of Infrastructure Services and will take on the acting role Of COO – Water Utility for 18 months, while Calgary continues advancing our current priorities and implementing the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Independent Review Panel recommendations.
Stage A construction update
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.
“Both Stage A and B of the project remain on track to have the new feeder main operational by the end of 2026,” said Darren Finney, Manager, Major Projects. “Our teams and our contractors continue to optimize logistics and advance construction to support safety, schedule and quality every step of the way while delivering this critical project for Calgarians.”
Stage B construction update
Stage B construction began last month using the open-cut construction method. Initial cross-connection work on 77 Street N.W. and 83 Street N.W. between 33 and 34 Avenue N.W. is now complete. Impacted roadways have been paved and are now open.
Construction on the first blocks to support the installation of the new feeder main begins this week along 34 Avenue N.W. at two locations between 79-80 Street N.W. and 85-86 Street N.W. This block sequenced approach will allow roadways to be restored as construction progresses along 34 Avenue N.W.
The new steel pipe is expected to begin arriving in Calgary within one week and will be installed in the open-cut trenches rapidly. Steel pipe will continue to arrive in Calgary over the coming weeks and teams will continue to install pipe as it arrives for both Stage A and Stage B of the project.
Featured image: (City of Calgary)
