Nearly a year following the rupture of Calgary’s primary water feeder main, the city has assessed its response strengths and identified areas needing improvement for potential future emergencies. The report, detailing lessons learned from the Bearspaw south feeder main break, was presented to the city council. The incident, occurring on June 5, led to a local state of emergency, jeopardizing the city’s water supply and imposing water restrictions for months.
According to the newly released report, the crisis posed a threat to the lives of Calgarians, critical facilities like hospitals, and neighboring communities. City administration compiled the report after conducting surveys and consulting staff from the emergency operations and water tactical operations centers. The event was described as one of the most significant infrastructure emergencies, straining over 700 city personnel.
While the report praised the dedication and expertise of staff who worked tirelessly during the crisis, it also highlighted the need for specialized skills that were in short supply. Addressing staff burnout and ensuring adequate resources during emergencies were emphasized. Recommendations included hiring more skilled staff and establishing contingency plans for crisis situations.
Public communication was cited as a key strength during the emergency, despite initial confusion among citizens. The report acknowledged the need for clearer messaging, especially concerning the complexity and uncertainties surrounding the incident. The mayor addressed concerns over communication challenges, emphasizing the importance of providing timely and transparent updates.
To enhance emergency response capabilities, the city is implementing four initiatives based on the lessons learned. Updates to the municipal emergency plan, clearer role definitions, expansion of crisis communication teams, and enhancing safety and wellness support for staff are among the planned improvements. An independent review of the feeder main failure is also underway, led by former businessman Siegfried Kiefer.