Calgary Chamber concerned by water main break

The following statement is attributable to Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, on the City of Calgary entering a State of Emergency due to the recent water main break.

“We are deeply concerned that the City of Calgary has entered a State of Emergency caused by the deterioration of Calgary’s main water feeder pipe, particularly given the issues will take an additional three to give weeks to resolve. We urge the City to work closely with the business community to mitigate this impact, including by providing additional guidance and clarity to ensure water usage can be decreased sufficiently to avoid potential restrictions. Calgary's businesses stand ready to do their part and continue to demonstrate efforts to conserve and recycle water.

“The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, particularly with the Calgary Stampede a few short weeks away. We strongly encourage the City to mitigate disruptions to ensure our visitor economy and international reputation are unhindered by the current crisis. Generating $272 million in economic impact, the Stampede is a critical time for businesses across several sectors, and any interruptions could have substantial economic repercussions. This is particularly acute for tourism and hospitality sectors that are still working to make up for several challenging years through the pandemic.

“Finally, we call on the government to collaborate closely with the business community to address the growing infrastructure gap. As Calgary’s population continues to significantly increase each year, it is crucial to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace. Proactive investments and planning are necessary to support sustainable growth and prevent similar issues in the future. The Chamber stands ready to work with all parties to develop solutions that will benefit our city for years to come.”

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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce 

The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.