Calgary reshapes how it runs its water system
A dedicated Water Utility takes shape, the river boating advisory lifts, and two headliners hit the Saddledome.
The City is moving to put its water functions under one roof. Executive Committee heard an update on the response to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main breaks, and the picture that emerged is one of structural change rather than a one-off repair. The Bearspaw Feeder Main replacement project remains on track for the pipe to be in service by the end of 2026, which keeps the core infrastructure timeline intact. Around that work, the City is designing a new integrated Water Utility department to bring water-related functions together under a single structure. A key piece is leadership: the City expects to finalize an offer for a dedicated Water Utility Chief Operating Officer by the end of June, and is recruiting the chair of a Water Utility Oversight Board to provide governance over the new department. To keep decisions and risk escalations moving quickly, a weekly executive forum has been created. The next quarterly update is planned for September, so residents can expect a fuller progress report then. For a city that lived through the disruption of the feeder main failures, the throughline here is that Calgary is treating water infrastructure as an ongoing institutional responsibility, with named leadership and a standing oversight body, rather than something to be patched and forgotten.
River boating advisory lifted on the Bow and Elbow
The Calgary Fire Department has lifted the boating advisory it issued May 29 for the Bow and Elbow rivers, effective immediately, citing improved conditions on the Bow. Flow rates on both rivers have decreased, which is what prompted the change. That said, the all-clear comes with real caveats: reduced visibility and cold water remain, so people resuming normal activities on and around the rivers are urged to use caution. The Aquatics Rescue Team continues to monitor and patrol the waterways, and the department notes that conditions can shift quickly when sudden thunderstorms move through. If you have been waiting to get back on the water, the window is open, but the river still deserves respect.
No river flooding expected, but some pathways stay closed
Calgary's flood outlook is calm. The City reports no river flooding expected, with the boating advisory lifted and both the Bow and Elbow flowing below safe boating thresholds. The thunderstorms and minor precipitation in the seven-day forecast are not expected to push flows back above the boating threshold, so the near-term picture is stable. One practical note for anyone heading outside: some pathways remain closed due to high flows, so plan routes accordingly and watch for posted closures along the rivers. The City's next flood update is scheduled for June 12 for those who want to track conditions before a weekend on or near the water.
Calgary Wild FC makes MaxWell Soccer Centre its training home
Calgary Wild FC has a new long-term training home: the City-operated MaxWell Soccer Centre dome. The City frames the move as more than a facilities arrangement, saying it increases visibility for women's professional sport and creates more opportunities for connection between the team and the community. As part of the partnership, the City and Calgary Wild FC say they will work together on community-focused initiatives aimed at opening doors for girls in sport. For a club building its identity in Calgary, having a stable, City-backed base gives the team a consistent place to train while creating a recognizable point of contact for fans and aspiring young players alike.
Photo radar focus communities for June
The City has published its June photo enforcement locations, and the focus communities span the city: Acadia, Aspen Woods, Beltline, Bridlewood, Castleridge, Chinatown, Cranston, Martindale, Patterson, Riverbend, Sandstone, Southwood, Sundance, Taradale, Thorncliffe, Walden, and Willow Park. Photo radar vehicles will also attend construction zones where workers are present. Drivers should note the steep consequence for extreme speeding: speeds more than 50 km/h over the limit result in an appearance before a judge. If you commute through any of these areas, it is worth easing off the accelerator this month.
Comment deadline nears for the June 23 Public Hearing
Residents who want a say on upcoming planning decisions have a near-term deadline. The next Public Hearing is set for June 23 at 9:30 a.m. in Council Chambers at the Calgary Municipal Building, and the deadline to submit comments is noon June 15. The hearing's agenda becomes available June 17. The City's planning page lists the matters advertised for the June 23 hearing, including land use redesignations. If a redesignation in your area is on the list, the comment window closes well before the hearing itself, so review the advertised matters early.
Naheed Nenshi at the Calgary Chamber
The Calgary Chamber hosts a conversation with Naheed Nenshi, Leader of the Official Opposition, on June 15 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Calgary, 700 Centre St S. Nenshi is set to share his economic vision for Alberta, followed by a fireside chat with Deborah Yedlin. The morning format makes it accessible for the business crowd before the workday, and the topic puts provincial economic direction front and centre for Calgary's professional community.
NE-YO and AKON bring Nights Like This Tour to the Saddledome
R&B and pop fans have a marquee date: NE-YO and AKON headline the Nights Like This Tour 2026 at Scotiabank Saddledome on June 20 at 8:00 p.m. Concessions open at 7 p.m., while the Molson Hockey House, TELUS Club Dining Room, TELUS Club Lounge, and The Saddleroom Grill open at 6 p.m. for those arriving early. One logistics note worth planning around: development of Scotia Place may restrict vehicle and pedestrian access, and parking may be limited, so build in extra time and consider transit to reach the venue.