Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek delivered an update regarding the ongoing water main repair efforts in the city, which have recently resulted in two workers being injured on site.
Mayor Gondek conveyed the unfortunate news that two individuals were injured at the water main repair site. “Two people were injured on site overnight. Both were taken to hospital and neither are in critical condition,” she stated. The injured parties include one city employee and one contractor, and immediate safety measures were enacted following the incident.
The Calgary Water Services team, in collaboration with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety, has initiated an investigation into the accident. “CRW instituted an immediate safety stop, and work on the pipe has been halted,” Gondek said. She added that while repair work will not resume until the afternoon, inspection activities continue to ensure the area is safe for workers.
Mayor Gondek reiterated the importance of water conservation, emphasizing the critical state of Calgary’s water supply. “Yesterday, our consumption rose again, this time by 9 million litres, taking us far over the safe threshold,” she said. The increased consumption poses significant risks, especially in emergencies requiring water for hospitals and firefighting.
The Mayor stressed that every action counts, from minimizing toilet flushes to reducing shower times. She reminded residents that the city remains under Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions, which include a total ban on outdoor water use and a fire ban extending to propane and gas fires.
Following Mayor Gondek’s speech, Chief Administrative Officer David Duckworth provided additional details on the city’s response and ongoing efforts. He expressed gratitude towards the community for their conservation efforts and acknowledged the hard work of city employees and contractors.
Duckworth also confirmed the status of the injured workers, reiterating that their safety remains a top priority. “Public safety and the safety of our employees and contractors are our top priority,” he stated, adding that a thorough investigation is underway and more information would be available in the afternoon.
He assured the public that once the emergency is under control and water services are restored, a detailed review will be conducted to understand the incident and improve future responses.
Further updates will be provided at the 2 p.m. briefing from the Emergency Operation Center, with Mayor Gondek scheduled to address the public again tomorrow morning.
Calgarians are encouraged to remain vigilant and contribute to conserving water during this critical period.