Calgary Announces Plans for Bearspaw South Feeder Main Project

The City of Calgary is implementing a revised plan that urgently expedites construction of a replacement for the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) due to the critical condition of the current pipe and its importance in Calgary’s drinking water system. The City is fast-tracking the project in the wake of a significant water main break on Dec. 30, 2025.

The project will add a parallel steel pipe of the same size as the existing BSFM. Over time, this new pipe will take over service from the current line. The replacement pipe is now anticipated to be completed in December 2026.

The project contract was awarded to Ward & Burke Microtunneling Ltd. and to Graham Construction & Engineering Inc. as Construction Manager for coordination of all work.

Project work is underway. Ordering of long-lead components has begun, and crews were to start mobilizing on Jan. 23, 2026, to begin site setup for Stage A of the project, located at the Shaganappi Pump Station and extending to 73 Street N.W. on the west side of the Bow River. Construction will happen following site setup with crews working around the clock to expedite the project.

The microtunnelling construction approach will continue as planned for Stage A due to significant crossings such as 16 Avenue, the Bow River, Sarcee Trail and the CPKC rail line.

Construction site setups are taking place at the following locations:

• Edworthy Park, near a section of the Bow River Pathway in the Edworthy Park North Parking lot
• Shouldice Park, between 16 Avenue N.W. and Bowness Road N.W.
• Sarcee Trail site, near 73 Street N.W. and Bonita Crescent N.W.

Work site construction setup includes the following activities:

• Setup of temporary fencing and/or barriers
• Setup of site office(s)
• Tree protection measures
• Mobilization of heavy machinery and equipment
• Installation of construction signage
• Other activities required to establish the site

On Feb. 6, the City confirmed the construction method for Stage B of the BSFM Improvements Project, marking an important milestone in the replacement of one of the City’s most critical water infrastructure assets.

Stage B, which spans from 73 Street N.W. to 87 Street N.W., will be constructed using an open-cut method. This approach allows the work to be completed more efficiently and significantly reduces the overall construction schedule. Open-cut construction involves:

• Crews excavating a trench along the road right-of-way.
• Installing the new pipe directly in the open trench.
• Backfilling the trench and restoring the surface once work is complete.

The replacement feeder main will be installed along 34 Avenue N.W. The existing feeder main is located along 33 Avenue N.W.

Construction of Stage B is expected to begin in May 2026 and will take approximately five months. Pipe construction is estimated to be completed by October 2026.

Open-cut construction will be sequenced in large sections along the alignment, with one or two sections completed at a time. As each section is finished, the roadway will be reopened, and crews will move to the next area. This approach helps reduce the duration of localized impacts. More details on construction sequencing and section locations will be shared as it becomes available.

More information about the project can be found calgary.ca/BSFMproject.