Some members of the Calgary city council are expressing reservations about the proposal to have a city-owned corporation similar to Enmax oversee the city’s water system in the future. This recommendation was put forth by an independent panel during a review of the significant break in Calgary’s Bearspaw feeder main in 2024, resulting in prolonged water restrictions. The panel suggested consolidating oversight of the water system into a dedicated department led by a chief operating officer and eventually transitioning it into a municipally controlled corporation akin to EPCOR in Edmonton or Enmax in Calgary.
The panel highlighted a lack of clear accountability in Calgary’s water system, leading to repeated delays in inspections and maintenance. They proposed that the new corporation would be a distinct legal entity fully owned by the city and governed by an independent board of experts. City council unanimously agreed to initiate the implementation of these recommendations, with Mayor Jeromy Farkas emphasizing the importance of not selectively implementing them.
However, Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot raised concerns about the cost implications of establishing a separate corporation for water oversight. He advocated for a unified water department within the city supervised by a general manager, supported by an external entity for additional oversight. Ward 2 Coun. Jennifer Wyness cautioned against premature discussions about restructuring and emphasized the need to prioritize repairing and twinning the Bearspaw main. She expressed worries about potential rate hikes for residents under an Enmax-like model.
In contrast, Ward 11 Coun. Rob Ward called for significant changes to the city’s water oversight, endorsing the idea of a standalone corporation. Coun. DJ Kelly, who campaigned on running the water system like Enmax, emphasized the urgency of enhancing Calgary’s water infrastructure to regain public trust. Both Kelly and the panel believed that the new recommendations could be implemented without increasing water rates for residents.
Monica Emelko, a water expert from the University of Waterloo, highlighted the importance of listening to experts and ensuring adequate funding for maintenance to enhance the efficiency of the water system. She emphasized that different governance models may be suitable for different municipalities, underscoring the need for appropriate expertise and financial support to maintain and upgrade water infrastructure effectively.
