Listen to this article
Approximately 3 minutes
The audio version of this article was created using artificial intelligence technology. Pronunciation errors may occur. We work with our partners to continually analyze and improve results.
Following the second major water main break in northwest Calgary in less than two years, Mayor Jeromy Farkas tried to reassure Calgarians that the water system is safe.
But he also vowed to bring some measure of “accountability” following new problems with the Bear Spa South Feeder, which caused a catastrophic failure in 2024.
“Yes, the system is safe, but there is a lot of work to be done to ensure accountability,” Farkas told CBC Radio. Calgary Eye opener Wednesday.
“We are doing everything we can to provide stability and continuity for impacted residents and businesses as we learn more information.”
Firefighters and police responded Tuesday evening to significant flooding under the CPKC railroad bridge near 69th Street NW.
Thirteen people had to be rescued from seven cars caught in the floodwaters.
Early Wednesday morning, the city also issued a boil water advisory for parts of Parkdale, Montgomery and Point Mackay.
City officials have scheduled a news conference for 10 a.m. Wednesday.
“I want to reassure Calgarians that we have an incredible emergency response team, front-line workers who are working around the clock,” Farkas said.
He said the city's focus immediately after the main break was on public safety, adding that about 2,000 homes and 100 businesses were affected.
But he said there were “bigger” issues that needed to be addressed.
“This isn't the first time this has happened – I think Calgarians will be asking a lot of questions,” he said.
“And we will work hard to make sure that the immediate issues are mitigated. But we also have a plan going forward to fix this in the long term.”
Because of this, Farkas said he expects the recommendations of an independent review of the 2024 water main break to be released in the coming weeks.
“It will have a number of recommendations and our board is absolutely committed to implementing all of those recommendations to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again.”
