With repair work on the water feeder main break progressing on schedule, the City of Calgary renewed its State of Local Emergency for an additional week.
Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry said renewing the state of emergency gives The City the ability to access additional resources more quickly should they be needed.
Henry thanked Calgarians for continuing to make water use a priority, though the past three days have seen a small uptick in usage. Calgarians consumed 460 million litres of water June 20 up slightly from the previous day at 454 million litres.
“We still need you to continue to conserve water, especially as we head into the weekend of warm weather,” said Henry.
City of Calgary Infrastructure Services General Manager Michael Thompson said crews in the area under repair, were cutting and removing the existing damaged pipe.
“The sandblasting and coating of the replacement pipe is underway and nearing completion for transportation to site when needed,” said Thompson of the pipe that made its way to Calgary from San Diego earlier this week.
Thompson said we understand that there is a desire from Calgarians to know more technical and historic information about our water system infrastructure and we are committed to providing the answers and a previously-announced third-party review would shed further light.
Dr. Franco Rizzuti, Medical Officer of Health with Alberta Health Services also reminds Calgarians that even in a water emergency, proper handwashing, food safety practices and boiling any water that is collected in rain barrels before indoor use, is strongly recommended.
The City reminds Calgarians that the heat of the weekend could bring potential thunderstorms and an opportunity to collect rain water to use in yard work.
BYLAW AND ENFORCEMENT
To date we have received more than 7,880 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 2,300 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 159 calls. There have been 18 written warnings, 66 verbal warnings and we have issued five violation tickets.
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.
