Calgary mayor says water main repairs on track for July 5

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek spoke to residents this morning about the ongoing water crisis that has affected over a million people in the greater Calgary area for the last two weeks.

But unlike every other address, Mayor Gondek has given over the last 14 days, this morning’s address was markedly different. Gondek took her time to describe the chain of events that had occurred over the last two weeks, giving a play-by-play of her thought process and the City’s actions. 

“We told you to reduce water by 25 per cent,” Gondek said, remarking on that first day of the water crisis two weeks ago. “But we really didn’t tell you how.” 

Gondek admitted that the communication coming out of the City was not perfect and that moving forward an emphasis has been placed on effective and timely communication. 

“My first commitment to all of you…is communication,” she said. “The more we know, the better we’re able to respond to calls of action. 

Of the two workers who were injured while working on pipe repairs last week, Gondek said that both have been released from the hospital. One is back working on the repairs and the other is at home with his family.

Gondek said that her job now is about advocacy. “It is my job to be an advocate for the people of this city and the region, that is the job I am focused on doing…you can bet that I will call in all favours…and not leave anything on the table.”

The mayor thanked Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver for their support during the crisis and said that the experience that the region is going through needs to translate into lessons that other municipalities need to learn from. 

Lastly, Gondek thanked the residents and businesses of Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore, and the Tsuu T'ina Nation for their water conservation efforts. 

“Thank you for everything you have done to reduce your water usage. I know it hasn’t been easy,” Gondek said. “All of the things you have done matter…and we value you.”

Gondek said that the repairs are on track to be completed by July 5.