Significant flooding has been caused in Calgary after a watermain break. (Photo: Tony Terentev)

By Canadian Press

Water main break traps drivers, cars, forces restrictions in Calgary

Dec 31, 2025 | 9:46 AM

Calgarians are waking up to a renewed round of water restrictions after an overnight water main break trapped cars and drivers on a city interchange.

Several surrounding homes and businesses have been put under a boil water advisory, while residents across the city are being urged to limit showers, toilet flushes, and running dishwashers and laundry.

Fire crews were called on to rescue 13 people from cars stuck in freezing water.

The break occurred at 16th Avenue NW and Sarcee Trail, northwest of downtown near the site of Canada Olympic Park.

Following an initial investigation, authorities say they believe the break is related to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, infamous for a significant rupture in June 2024 that caused an extended outage.

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Mayor Jeromy Farkas has been offering updates on his social media account.

“I have spoken with Premier Danielle Smith and MP Corey Hogan to brief them on the situation,” Farkas wrote on his social media account X.

“Both have offered their full support, and provincial and federal officials are standing by should additional resources be required. Co-ordination across all orders of government is ongoing.”

Emergency crews are continuing to assess the cause of the break and the extent of the damage. The road remains closed.

A news conference is scheduled for later this morning.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 31, 2025.

(The Canadian Press)