Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has criticized Calgary’s recent water main break, labeling it as a failure of supervision and suggesting that the provincial government may need to take on a more active role in overseeing the city’s water infrastructure. Smith specifically pointed fingers at former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, now the leader of the provincial NDP, holding him politically accountable for not addressing issues with the feeder main following the 2013 floods.
Nenshi, in response, dismissed Smith’s remarks as baseless, highlighting that there were no similar incidents during his tenure as mayor. He criticized the government for deflecting blame rather than focusing on solutions during emergencies.
Smith proposed the possibility of increased provincial oversight of Calgary’s water system, similar to the regulation of utilities like natural gas and electricity. This oversight could involve issuing repair directives and linking future funding to enhanced provincial supervision. However, some experts, like Kerry Black from the University of Calgary, argue that the city possesses the necessary expertise to manage its water infrastructure effectively and that government funding should primarily support critical infrastructure upgrades.
The discussion around governmental intervention comes in the wake of concerns about water leaks in Calgary’s system, with data revealing a significant water loss rate due to leaks compared to other cities. Efforts are underway to update the city’s water efficiency plan to address these issues and reduce water loss through improved programs and technologies.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas is advocating for the release of an independent report on the recent water main break, pledging to implement its recommendations. Smith’s cabinet is awaiting the report’s findings to determine potential oversight measures. The report is scheduled for completion next week, with an independent review panel set to present their conclusions to the city council.
