The city of Calgary has declared a local state of emergency due to a water crisis caused by the deterioration of Calgary’s main water feeder pipe. This crisis is expected to last another five weeks, leading to concerns about how it may impact the upcoming Calgary Stampede. The president of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Deborah Yedlin, expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that the issues will take additional time to resolve. The Calgary Stampede, scheduled for July 5 to 14, is expected to draw thousands of visitors and animals, but the lack of water in the host city raises questions about the feasibility of holding the event.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek signed the paperwork to declare an emergency, granting the city powers to expedite repairs, including entering private property. While Tricia Stadnyk, a professor at the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering, mentioned that allowing the Stampede to proceed with water trucks is possible, she also highlighted the challenge of dealing with the influx of visitors and tourists. The Calgary Stampede stated its commitment to working with the city and Emergency Management Agency as the situation evolves. Despite the concerns regarding water supply, there are broader considerations involved in the decision-making process.
Sol Zia, executive director of the Calgary Hotel Association, mentioned measures taken by hotels to conserve water, such as changing bedding and towels between guests and shutting down hot tubs. Visitors arriving by air are being informed about Calgary’s need for water conservation. The city is analyzing water usage data to better understand consumption patterns during peak times in July. Mayor Gondek emphasized the importance of conserving water and noted that commercial users represent a significant portion of city water consumption. The urgent nature of the situation, especially with the Calgary Stampede approaching, underscores the need for collaboration between the government and the business community to address infrastructure challenges.
Yedlin emphasized the economic importance of mitigating disruptions to ensure the city’s visitor economy and international reputation are not affected by the water crisis. The Calgary Stampede generates $540 million in economic activity for the city and is a critical time for businesses. Simple water conservation practices, such as reducing toilet flushing and taking shorter showers, can help in the effort to conserve water. Yedlin called for close collaboration between the government and the business community to address the infrastructure gap as Calgary’s population continues to grow. The current crisis highlights the need for proactive measures to ensure that the city’s infrastructure can keep pace with increasing demands.
In conclusion, the water crisis in Calgary has raised concerns about the potential impact on the upcoming Calgary Stampede, a significant event for the city’s economy. While efforts are being made to address the situation and conserve water, there are complex challenges involved in ensuring the event can proceed sustainably. Collaboration between the government, business community, and residents is crucial to address infrastructure gaps and mitigate economic repercussions. As the city works to resolve the crisis and prepare for the Stampede, there is a recognition of the need for proactive measures to manage water resources effectively and ensure the continued growth and success of Calgary.
