CALGARY — Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas issued a stark warning this week about the city's aging water infrastructure, describing a major feeder main as a "ticking bomb" that could fail again at any moment. The pipe, which burst in the summer of 2024 and ruptured once more last week, has plunged the city into a prolonged crisis, with repairs ongoing and water usage exceeding limits despite conservation efforts.
Farkas addressed the situation from the Emergency Operations Centre, where several city councillors listened quietly, some nodding in agreement. He emphasized that the incident represents a "new reality" for Calgarians, one marked by significant risks and a long road to recovery. "It will be a very long time before things get back to normal," the mayor said, according to reports from the briefing.
The city's response includes plans for a new water pipe, expected to be completed by 2028, though officials are working to accelerate the timeline. In the interim, water restrictions could be imposed in the spring, summer, and fall, though details remain undetermined. Current repairs on the feeder main continue, with the mayor acknowledging both the challenges and the urgency of the situation.
Adding to the tension is an independent investigation into the pipe failures and the role of city hall in the debacle. Farkas described the probe as being conducted by "distinguished Calgarians," who examined not only the infrastructure but also administrative oversight. The mayor announced that city council would receive the report by Tuesday night, with a commitment to share it with the public "as quickly as possible."
However, the timeline for release has sparked debate among councillors. Farkas indicated that the report could be made public on Jan. 13, following several days of council review. This delay has drawn criticism from some members, who argue for immediate transparency. Councillor Dan McLean voiced strong opposition to withholding the document, stating, "As soon as we get the report is when the public should get it. This is a report commissioned by the city with taxpayer dollars."
McLean further questioned the need for deliberation before release, saying, "What we are going to do? We’re going to read it and then talk about it for a long time and then release it so we all can get our messaging straight? No. No, no, no, no. Why hold on to it? It will just raise more suspicions and lower confidence in the city. No way. Everybody should see it at the same time." His comments highlight growing pressure on the administration to prioritize openness amid public frustration.
Farkas responded by reiterating the importance of the report, calling it "so fundamental for us to release this report." City hall sources suggested that by Wednesday morning, an update on the release date would be provided, potentially addressing concerns about secrecy.
The controversy extends beyond city hall, drawing in provincial politics. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, at the end of last week, criticized Calgary's municipal leadership for failing to oversee the water system adequately. She placed much of the blame on former Mayor Naheed Nenshi, who served for more than a decade during a period of water billing and annual property tax increases.
Nenshi, now the Alberta NDP leader, pushed back against the accusations in a recent statement. "No water pipes exploded on my watch," he said, adding that city hall under his administration was actively maintaining and monitoring the water system. Regarding the investigation report, Nenshi claimed, "I didn’t read the whole thing. I did read the executive summary that very much does not blame previous administrations."
Farkas countered this assertion, noting that the report was not yet complete when Nenshi commented. This exchange underscores differing narratives about accountability, with the current mayor emphasizing the ongoing crisis and the former mayor defending past efforts.
The water crisis has broader implications for Calgary residents, who are navigating daily restrictions and uncertainty. Restaurant owners and businesses have already faced challenges, and the potential for extended limitations could impact sectors from agriculture to hospitality. Officials have urged conservation, but usage has continued to surpass set limits, complicating repair efforts.
Background on the feeder main reveals a history of strain on the city's infrastructure. The pipe, a critical component of Calgary's water supply, has been described as "terminally ill" by Farkas, underscoring the need for systemic upgrades. The summer 2024 burst disrupted services across the city, and the recent explosion last week reignited fears of widespread shortages.
Public sentiment, as reflected in local media and council discussions, centers on demands for accountability and swift action. The investigation report is seen as a key piece in understanding what led to the failures, with calls for its prompt release growing louder. As one journalist noted during the briefing, the mayor's responses on responsibility involved careful navigation around tough questions.
Looking ahead, the city's strategy includes not only infrastructure replacement but also enhanced monitoring and emergency preparedness. While the 2028 timeline for the new pipe looms large, efforts to expedite it signal a recognition of the mortal risk posed by the current system. Premier Smith's involvement suggests potential provincial support or oversight, though details remain unclear.
As Calgarians await the report and further updates, the saga of the bursting pipes continues to unfold, testing the resilience of the city's leadership and its residents. With water restrictions on the horizon and repairs far from complete, the path to normalcy appears fraught with challenges, but officials remain committed to addressing the "real threat" head-on.