Nearly twelve months following the rupture of Calgary’s largest water feeder main, the city has assessed both the successes and areas for improvement in its emergency response protocols. The report detailing the lessons learned from the catastrophic Bearspaw south feeder main break was presented to the city council on Tuesday.
The incident, which occurred on June 5, resulted in a local state of emergency declaration, jeopardizing the city’s potable water supply and necessitating various water restrictions for Calgary and neighboring communities for an extended period. The newly released report highlighted the severity of the crisis, stating that it posed a threat to the lives of Calgarians, critical facilities like hospitals, and neighboring areas.
City officials compiled the report based on surveys and feedback from staff at the emergency operations center and the water tactical operations center. Described as one of the city’s most significant and complex critical infrastructure emergencies, the event required over 700 city personnel to work tirelessly to maintain operations round-the-clock.
While the report acknowledged the dedication and competence of staff who worked extended shifts, especially at the water tactical operations center, it also pointed out the need for highly specialized expertise in certain roles, leading to a reliance on a limited number of personnel during the crisis. Sue Henry, chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), emphasized the ongoing challenge of addressing staff burnout during emergencies.
Recommendations from the report included the necessity to recruit more staff with specialized skills and develop a clear plan for augmenting personnel during emergencies. Council members echoed the need for better role clarity and responsibilities during crises, emphasizing the importance of effective public communication.
The report recognized effective collaboration and public communication as strengths, despite initial confusion among citizens during the pipe break. However, it suggested that the city could have improved transparency regarding the uncertainty and complexity of the situation. Mayor Jyoti Gondek highlighted the importance of providing timely and transparent information during emergencies and stressed the need for crisis communications training for city staff serving as spokespersons.
To strengthen its emergency response, the city is implementing four initiatives based on the lessons learned from the feeder main break. Initiatives include updating the municipal emergency plan to clarify roles, expanding the crisis communications team, and enhancing safety and wellness programs for staff involved in emergency events. An independent review of the feeder main failure led by Siegfried Kiefer is currently ongoing.