Calgary’s Bearspaw South feeder main replacement remains both on schedule and on budget despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain pressures, city officials said Thursday. 

Michael Thompson, General Manager of Infrastructure Services, said crews continue to make steady progress on the replacement water main, with the project expected to be completed and in service by December. 

“We are on budget,” Thompson said, crediting contractors, consultants and crews working on the project. 

“The city was able to source the project’s major parts from Canadian manufacturers, with concrete pipe produced in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.”  

He acknowledged global trade uncertainty remains a risk until construction is complete but said the city has secured the major materials needed for the project. 

Construction continues on both phases of the project, with four of the five concrete carrier pipe segments having now been installed. The final section expected to be completed in August, according to Thompson. Approximately one-third of the steel pipe has also been installed, with additional pipe continuing to arrive on site. 

Large custom valve chambers are also under construction and will continue through the summer before the new system is connected and commissioned later this year. 

Pipe is still a risk until replacement is finalized: City

While construction progresses, the city says the existing feeder main remains a concern. 

Thompson said the fibre optic monitoring system has detected approximately six wire breaks since the original pipe was returned to service in the spring. Although the system continues to monitor the pipe, he said it could still fail before the replacement line is operational. 

“Until this new pipe is completed and in service in December, that existing pipe could fail,” Thompson said. 

Residents are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of temporary water restrictions, according to the city. Keeping rain barrels full and reviewing emergency information available through the city are among the suggested steps.

Officials also thanked residents living along 34 Avenue N.W. and in the communities of Bowness and Montgomery for their patience during months of disruptive construction. 

“As you can see behind us, the road, the sidewalks are removed, fences in many cases have had to be removed,” Thompson said. “It’s a huge thank you to everyone living on 34th Avenue while we do this work.” 

Darren Finney, Manager, Major Projects with the City of Calgary, said about 40 workers are currently assigned to Stage B of construction, with another crew expected to begin work in August. Stage A also has roughly 30 to 40 workers on site. 

“The crew’s working hours start at 6:30 in the morning,” he said.