Calgary declares state of local emergency over water crisis prompted by feeder main break

globalnews.ca:

City of Calgary has declared a local state of emergency on Day 10 of its water supply crisis, triggered by what officials have described as a “catastrophic” water main break.“This is an all-hands-on-deck situation,” Gondek told reporters at a news conference.She added that she has been in contact with Premier Danielle Smith and other provincial cabinet ministers about what comes next.The announcement came on Day 10 of the crisis, and one day after crews found “significant” additional damage on a crucial feeder main, shifting the expected timeline for restoring normal water service to three to five weeks from now.Gondek said declaring a state of emergency will help the city “expedite things,” and most importantly will help allow crews to access private property should they need to address the multiple damaged areas of the water system that have now been identified.The mayor said she is “very grateful” for the support the provincial government has offered the city.Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver issued a statement after Gondek announced the local state of emergency had been declared.“Alberta’s government supports the City of Calgary in its decision to declare a state of local emergency as this step signifies the critical state of Calgary’s water infrastructure and the work that must happen expeditiously in order to return to normal,” his statement read in part.“Alberta’s government remains in regular communication with the city through the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, Alberta Emergency Management Agency and directly with the mayor’s office and we support the city in any way that is needed.”Gondek was joined at Saturday’s news conference by Calgary Emergency Management Agency chief Susan Henry.Henry said “we