At 8 a.m, June 15, The City of Calgary declared a State of Local Emergency as it deals with a water feeder main break impacting the City’s water supply.
"The decision to declare a State of Local Emergency was not taken lightly, and it was done to ensure we are prepared for all eventualities in the drive to have this water feeder main restoration work done as quickly and safely as possible,” said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “I am grateful to the Government of Alberta for endorsing this approach and offering their support as we address this critical water situation."
Mayor Gondek also explained in an afternoon press conference that the weekend rain should be a chance to slightly replenish water supply through rain barrels or containers.
"I am absolutely determined to get everything that I can back to a fully restored water system as quickly as possible," said Gondek.
Calgary Emergency Management Chief Susan Henry said the declaration is another sign of The City’s commitment.
“Under the State of Local Emergency, it allows for even more coordination of action, and is an indicator of the aggressive approach we are taking to restore full water service for all customers as soon as humanly possible,” said Henry. “This work is our top priority and we are bringing every tool in the toolbox to advance and support this massive construction effort, and to continue to ensure we have enough water for those critical life-safety needs.”
On June 5, Calgary Emergency Management enacted its Municipal Emergency Plan and the Emergency Operations Centre to deal with a water feeder main break impacting the City’s water supply. Following further assessment of the impacted pipe, five other vulnerable spots of concern were identified and a decision was made June 14 to address those trouble spots, resulting in a three-to-week impact to the City’s water supply.
Conserving water for Calgarians remains of utmost importance.
“We are asking our citizens, businesses and partners to stay with us – to do what we know we must do – until we are back to regular service,” said Henry.
Declaring a state of emergency will likely mean more direct involvement by the provincial government going forward.