Calgary’s summer events will go on – including the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth – but they may look a little bit different in 2024 given the current water situation.

During their Monday afternoon briefing, officials updated the public with plans for how these events will go ahead.

Acting Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Coby Duerr said that fun is not cancelled.

“The summer is not cancelled. Festivals and Events are important to our city. They celebrate Calgary’s cultural diversity, are good for our local economy, and make Calgary a vibrant place to live and visit year-round,” he said.  

“Now more than ever, we recognize the importance for Calgarians to connect with community.”

Duerr said they’ve been working on contingency plans with the Calgary Stampede since they learned of the additional repairs needed on the five hotspots in the Bearspaw feeder main.  He said that they’ve reviewed water use over the last five years in Calgary during the Calgary Stampede and he said that there’s no measurable uptick in water use during those 10 days.

“This is due to two factors. During Stampede we know Calgarians are also traveling elsewhere during the summer vacation plans,” he said.  

“We also know the water use is weather dependent, and as we know from past years, many of us have been caught in this early July can bring big storms, reducing the need for water outdoors.”

Duerr also said that their water services team will continue to analyze demand trends to develop strategies to support another edition of the Calgary Stampede.

Calgary Stampede Chief Executive Officer Joel Cowley said the organization has a rich history in agriculture, so they know all too well the importance of having water – whether that’s for livestock or farming needs.

“I can tell you, there are no greater stewards of natural resources, especially water, than those in the agricultural community,” Cowley said.

Stampede actions and handling the tourism economy

Cowley said their management team has examined all of the areas where they draw City of Calgary water, with an eye on mitigating its consumption. He said that would include using non-potable water in areas like tracking grooming and for the performance areas.

They would also truck in treated water from other areas, primarily to ensure livestock will be well watered.

“We have about 1,000 head of livestock on park each day, and we want to make sure they’re obviously safe and healthy, but we also want to make sure that we preserve the Calgary water supply,” Cowley said.

He also said that they would look at bringing in treated water for human guests as well, but there will be times when they use City of Calgary potable water. They will implement conservation measures at Stampede Park.

“I mentioned earlier that the Calgary Stampede is part of the community. It’s actually deeper than that,” he said.  

“We exist for the benefit of the community, and so yes, the show will go on, but it will be done in a responsible manner.”

Cowley said they would have a more detailed plan in place by the end of this week.

Tourism Calgary’s new president and CEO Alisha Reynolds said that the summer is a critical time for the city’s tourism industry. Hundreds of businesses rely on the thousands of tourists that come to Calgary in order to bolster their bottom lines.

“Our industry is made up of local Calgarians, and just like all Calgarians, our hotels, restaurants, venues and attractions are actively involved in doing everything they can do to reduce their water usage while continuing to welcome guests and provide a fantastic visitor experience,” she said.  

“Tourism Calgary will engage our 1,000-plus partners to share conservation best practices, so we are able to sustainably and responsibly welcome visitors while still providing that great guest experience and continuing to support the industry and our local community as we head into summer.

Reynolds said that Calgary will be open to visitors this summer. They expect around 138,000 people to be in Calgary during the Stampede, according to preliminary statistics from the Calgary Hotel Association. The hotel association has been a good partner in helping educate visitors coming to the city about Calgary’s current water situation. She also said that’s somewhat offset by Calgarians leaving the city during the Stampede.

Duerr said they welcome all visitors coming to Calgary, but ask when they’re here they join the fight to conserve water.

“Come, eat here, shop here, and enjoy your time with us. We just ask that when you’re in our city, you’re one of us,” he said.