Summary#

On 2026-09-22, Calgary City Council approved the Water Transformation Program – Quarterly Update on the consent agenda, receiving the report for the Corporate Record. City staff say the work is intended to carry out recommendations from the Bearspaw South Feedermain Independent Review Panel, stabilize the water utility and restore public trust.

• City staff report that all listed work is on track or complete, including replacement of the Bearspaw South Feedermain.
• Staff are working on a dedicated Water Utility department, recruiting members for a Water Utility Oversight Board and developing asset-management plans.
• This decision received an update; it did not itself approve a new utility structure, rates, or water restrictions.

What it means for you#

• Calgarians and water customers: The report forecast a mid-October shutdown to connect the new feedermain, requiring Stage 4 outdoor restrictions and indoor water conservation. Receiving the report did not itself impose those restrictions.
• Water Utility workers: City staff say a dedicated department is being designed. The report says changes to roles, responsibilities and resources could affect employees, but does not set out those changes.
• Taxpayers and utility customers: The report says future investment and possible rate increases may be needed, but this decision sets no amount or rate.

Money#

City staff reported no anticipated financial impact from this quarterly update.

• The report says strengthening the water system will require significant investment, but gives no cost estimate.
• A rates application and utility rates model are planned for Council review in Q4 2027; no rate changes are approved here.

What is unclear#

• The report does not give costs, funding sources or any proposed rate increases.
• The preferred design and responsibilities of the new Water Utility department are not settled in this report.
• The report does not give a completion date for the remaining asset-management plans or the Oversight Board’s full membership.

Case for#

• City staff say the feedermain replacement is progressing on schedule, with more than six kilometres of new infrastructure planned and construction underway.
• The report provides Council with regular progress updates while work continues on oversight, asset management and utility finances.
• Staff say the work is intended to improve accountability and water-system reliability.

Case against#

• City staff warn that delays in establishing the Oversight Board, finalizing the department’s design or completing asset plans could hinder stronger financial, risk and asset management.
• Staff say future infrastructure and operational improvements will require significant investment; without future funding and rate approvals, progress could be affected.
• Staff also warn that changes to roles, resources and governance could create workforce uncertainty and affect implementation.