Bowness businesses contend with sinkhole after another Calgary water main break

Bowness businesses in Calgary are grappling with the aftermath of yet another water main break, which resulted in a sinkhole opening up over the weekend. The incident, caused by a rupture in a water main around 10 a.m. on Saturday, affected water supply to approximately 20 businesses along Bowness Road, situated between 62nd and 63rd Street N.W.

Among these establishments, The Place restaurant, owned by Paul Sipos, has been closed for three days, with the proprietor estimating a loss of $9,000 in revenue and spoiled food due to the temporary shutdown.

Sipos expressed the financial strain on his staff, who are struggling to make ends meet while adhering to the closure. The city's water main repair crews have been working on the issue since Saturday, with a minor repair being completed on the 250 mm water distribution main on Sunday. However, a second leak developed near the original repair site after water pressure was restored, leading to the crews returning to the scene to replace a small section of the watermain. The city anticipates resuming full water service by the end of the day.

The Mainstreet Bowness Business Improvement Area (BIA) has been particularly inconvenienced by the recurring water main problems. The area recently celebrated its annual Tour de Bowness bike race and street festival just days before the latest sinkhole appeared. Kellie Freeman, the BIA's executive director, lamented the repetitive nature of these issues, stating, "It seems every couple of months businesses are dealing with water main breaks here."

The latest incident is not the first water-related challenge faced by Bowness residents and businesses in recent months. In April, a similar pipe rupture under Bowness Road left the community without water. Although the restaurant industry does not rely on water to remain operational, properties like Awaken The Gems have experienced foot traffic reductions and accessibility issues due to ongoing construction work in the area.

Store owner Jesse Bain, who opened his establishment four months ago, expressed frustration at having to close on weekends, typically the busiest time for businesses.

The ruptured water main is not connected to the city's critical Bearspaw feeder main, which supplies 60 percent of Calgary's drinking water. This pipe has experienced two breaks in the last two years, most recently in late December, triggering water use restrictions and boil-water advisories. Work is underway to replace the pipe, with construction crews operating along 34 Avenue N.W. in Bowness, with completion projected for December.

The ongoing water infrastructure investments in Calgary amount to over $1 billion since the feeder main's original break in June 2024. Ward 1 Coun. Kim Tyers expressed hope for increased funding in the upcoming four-year budget, set to be debated in November. She emphasized the need for greater investment in the city's water infrastructure to alleviate the constant disruptions experienced by residents.