As Calgary officials declare a local state of emergency due to a water crisis caused by the deterioration of Calgary’s main water feeder pipe, concerns are being raised over how this may impact the upcoming Calgary Stampede. The president of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Deborah Yedlin, expressed deep concerns about the situation, especially considering the additional time it will take to resolve the issues. The Calgary Stampede, known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” is scheduled to take place from July 5 to 14, attracting thousands of visitors and extra animals. However, with the city facing a water shortage, there are doubts about whether the event can proceed as planned.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek signed the paperwork to declare an emergency following the discovery of additional areas in need of repairs to the broken pipe. This declaration grants the city special powers, such as allowing city workers to enter private property for expedited repairs. While efforts are being made to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, concerns remain about the availability of water during the Stampede. Tricia Stadnyk, a professor at the University of Calgary, suggested that services like water trucks could be used to ensure the event goes on. However, the influx of visitors and tourists during the Stampede poses a challenge in terms of water supply.
Despite the water crisis, the Calgary Stampede stated that it will continue to work with the city and Emergency Management Agency as the situation evolves. Tricia Stadnyk emphasized that the decision to proceed with the event is complex, taking into account various factors beyond just water supply. Sol Zia, executive director of the Calgary Hotel Association, mentioned that hotels are implementing measures to conserve water, and visitors are being urged to do the same. The city is analyzing water usage data to understand peak times in July and may need to take additional measures as the event approaches.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, especially with the Calgary Stampede just weeks away. The event is crucial for the city’s economy, generating $540 million in economic activity. Deborah Yedlin urged the city to minimize disruptions to ensure the event proceeds smoothly. She also called on the government to collaborate with the business community to address the growing infrastructure gap caused by Calgary’s population growth. Simple actions such as reducing toilet flushing and taking shorter showers are recommended to conserve water. Commercial users represent a significant portion of city water consumption, further highlighting the need for conservation measures during this crisis.
Despite challenges posed by the water crisis, efforts are being made to address the situation and ensure the Calgary Stampede can proceed as planned. The city is working to expedite repairs to the broken pipe and implement conservation measures to manage water usage effectively. Collaboration between the government, business community, and residents is essential to mitigate the economic impact of any disruptions caused by the crisis. With the event approaching, all stakeholders are urged to take proactive steps to conserve water and support the city during this challenging time. As discussions continue on how to manage the water shortage, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions that allow the Calgary Stampede to go ahead while safeguarding the city’s water resources for the future.
