Early phases of feeder main repair construction underway, 'significant impacts' expected

City officials have announced the exact repair locations and approximate work site locations for the feeder main repairs that will yet again affect citywide water use. 

Construction will take place along 33rd Avenue N.W. between 78th Street and 87th Street N.W., and at Shouldice Athletic Park, according to the city's director of capital priorities and investment, Francois Bouchart.

CBC is not responsible for 3rd party content

"Significant construction work in this area will begin on Monday, as well as beginning the feeder main repairs in Shouldice Park later in the week," said Bouchart during a news conference on Thursday, adding that early phases of the construction work in the area is already underway.

"The work in Shouldice Park will not impact traffic on 16th Avenue. There may be temporary impacts on Montserrat Drive, which is immediately adjacent to the repair location."

He added there will be no impacts to traffic on 16th Avenue N.W. until after the September long weekend.

The announcement comes after the city revealed the Bearspaw south feeder main — the most critical artery for transporting treated water across the city — needs additional urgent repairs following its rupture on June 5.

Last week, city officials announced crews would be conducting the majority of the repairs — 21 segments of the Bearspaw south feeder main — along 33rd Avenue and 16th Avenue N.W., and it would require 16 to 18 excavation sites.

Bouchart told reporters on Tuesday that 13 of the 21 pipe segments being repaired first are along 33rd Avenue N.W. 

There are two additional repairs that will be done to the feeder main, along Parkdale Boulevard N.W. between 26th and 27th streets, and on Broadview Road N.W. near Crowchild Trail, which the city says will occur after the other 21 repairs.

Water restrictions tighten Monday

Since that June 5 rupture, Calgary and the surrounding areas that depend on its water supply have been moving through various levels of water restrictions throughout this summer. The restrictions changed as crews monitored the water system's demand and supply capabilities. 

For now, Calgary remains under Stage 1 outdoor water restrictions until it is escalated back up to Stage 4 on Monday, the same day the feeder main repairs are set to begin.

The city says the approximate timeline for restrictions and repairs will be from Aug. 26 to Sept. 23.

Bouchart also says the city will be hosting an information session on Friday for impacted community members only.

"Our teams are committed to providing clear and thorough updates, especially for those living in the vicinity of 33rd Avenue N.W., as significant impacts are anticipated in the upcoming weeks."

The city says that on Friday it will provide more detailed maps to community members in the repair area that include exact fencing location, pedestrian access, no parking areas and temporary parking access and waste pickup stations.

Coun. Sonya Sharp told CBC News on Wednesday that she empathizes with Calgary's northwest community residents who feel frustrated and have lingering questions.

"Things started off a little rocky," said Sharp, who represents Ward 1.

"A lot of information that constituents in this area and residents in this area were not receiving. So we came out, I think, a little bit too soon with not a lot of information on hand."

The city councillor says she hopes Calgarians will be able to continue to be resilient in the face of construction and water-use restrictions once the Bearspaw south feeder main is shut down again on Monday.

"Make sure you're continuously supporting small business because it's going to be a struggle getting in and out of these communities again."