The City of Calgary has entered the first phase of supplying Calgary’s construction industry with non-potable water so they can get back to work during this building season.
We are working closely with local contractors to open two locations on the Bow River to provide non-potable water for construction work only. This water is not safe for drinking and not for the general public. It is intended temporarily for commercial construction and landscaping activities as a way to support this industry through our current Stage 4 water restrictions.
Those eligible for accessing this non-potable water includes contractors working on capital projects for The City of Calgary and regional customers; contractors with active development agreements or permits; commercial landscaping companies; bulk water station users; and those with hydrant connection unit agreements.
We are looking at options to expand availability to other users in the future.
“The work the construction industry does to provide housing in the city is important, and I’m happy that we were able to help enable that during this time of outdoor water restrictions,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
Work to repair the large feeder main break near 16 Avenue N.W. and Home Road is ongoing. Crews are at the halfway mark cutting and removing the existing damaged pipe.
A significant number of materials required for the repairs are arriving to the site today.
The two pipes we sourced from San Diego are in the final stages of being sandblasted and coated. Once that is complete, the pipes will be transported to the construction site. The pipes that were already in Calgary have been coated and are ready to be delivered.
This weekend is expected to be a warm one with high temperatures and we are asking Calgarians for your continued diligence cutting down your water use. On Wednesday, Calgarians were on target using 454 million litres, or nearly 24 per cent below our normal use. Staying below our threshold of 480 million litres is crucial for ensuring we have access to water for fighting fires.
BYLAW AND ENFORCEMENT
To date we have received more than 7,630 calls to 311 about this emergency. We encourage Calgarians to use the 311 app or Calgary.ca to make your service requests.
We continue following up on calls to 311 for water misuse. Since the event began, we have received 2,209 calls, the majority of those have been resolved. We have issued 14 violation tickets to companies.
A fire ban remains in effect for the City of Calgary. We’ve received a total of 140 calls. Seventeen written warnings have been issued, 60 verbal warnings have been issued and four violation tickets have been issued.
ROADS AND MOBILITY
Access to all businesses in the area is currently being maintained and Bowness and Montgomery businesses are open. We encourage you to shop locally and where possible, plan your route ahead of time to avoid delays.
The following traffic impacts will be in effect until the completion of the feeder main repairs:
· Westbound lanes along 16 Avenue NW from 49 Street NW to Home Road will remain closed. Eastbound lanes will be open.
· 16 Avenue NW will be closed in both directions from 46 Street NW and 45 Street NW
· 16 Avenue NW will be closed in both directions from 43 Street NW to Bowness Road NW
· East/West traffic will be detoured onto Bowness Rd. Expect delays.
· Eastbound detour starts at 46 Street to Bowness Road and re-enters 16 Avenue at the Shaganappi Trail interchange
To see up-to-date traffic incidents, cameras or construction please visit calgary.ca/trafficinfo
To learn more about interruptions to City services (including pools and arenas), a resource of frequently asked questions and the latest updates, visit Calgary.ca/16avewatermain or contact 311.
