As of 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, Calgary is under a State of Local Emergency due to a water feeder main break impacting the City’s water supply.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said that the decision to declare a State of Local Emergency was not taken lightly.

"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," she said. "I am grateful to the Government of Alberta for endorsing this approach and offering their support as we address this critical water situation."

Calgary Emergency Management Chief Susan Henry said that more coordination is possible under the State of Local Emergency.

"[It] 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 on June 14 to address those trouble spots, resulting in a three-to-five-week impact on the City’s water supply.

"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. 

Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver issued a statement on Saturday in response to the State of Local Emergency being declared.

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