Two major pipe ruptures in Calgary have drawn attention to the city’s water system, prompting concerns raised by Evan Spencer about broader infrastructure issues. The incidents, occurring 18 months apart in the Bearspaw area, have raised questions about the management of Calgary’s drinking water, particularly following the release of an independent report highlighting issues such as unclear oversight and deferred maintenance contributing to the 2024 break, exacerbated by leaky pipes.
Spencer, a former Ward 12 city councillor, believes similar problems exist in Calgary’s roads and public transit network, further complicated by the city’s population growth. In 2024, Spencer proposed a $480 million spending plan over three years for infrastructure maintenance, which was rejected by the council. Despite the rejection, Spencer succeeded in drawing attention to Calgary’s infrastructure needs, which have been neglected over several generations of leadership focusing on high-quality services at a low cost.
Calgary faces a projected infrastructure gap exceeding $7.7 billion, with an updated figure expected to be much higher. A recent report indicated that 11% of the city’s infrastructure is in poor or very poor condition. Fixing existing infrastructure issues, often unnoticed by the public, poses communication challenges, according to University of Calgary professor Jack Lucas.
Angus Chu, a civil engineering professor at the University of Calgary, warns that Calgary’s wastewater system faces challenges due to the strain from rapid growth and the impact of water-saving fixtures on sewer pipes. The aging infrastructure, coupled with increased storm events, poses significant risks to Calgary’s wastewater and stormwater systems.
Calgary’s roads, known for their poor quality compared to national standards, suffer from freeze-thaw cycles and excessive road salt usage, leading to cracks and potholes. The city has been investing in road maintenance but faces challenges due to chronic underfunding. Charmaine Buhler, a city official, stresses the importance of continuous investment in road infrastructure to prevent costly rebuilding in the future.
The public transit system in Calgary, although less prone to sudden failures compared to water or road networks, requires consistent funding for maintenance and expansion. Willem Klumpenhouwer, a public transit consultant, highlights the need for stable funding to support long-term planning and improve transit service, which he believes can be achieved with increased funding for more buses and services.
Rebecca Bligh, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, points out that aging infrastructure is a nationwide issue, with municipalities struggling to fund necessary updates. She emphasizes the need for municipalities to have more fiscal tools beyond property taxes to cover infrastructure costs. In Vancouver, where she serves as a city councillor, water main failures are a common occurrence, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure investment across Canada.
Spencer urges Calgary’s council to shift focus from maintaining low costs to funding a better future by addressing the city’s infrastructure challenges. He hopes the council will proactively tackle these issues to build a sustainable and resilient city for the future.